2025 Ford Bronco vs 2026 Toyota Highlander
Comparison Overview
The primary divergence between the 2025 Ford Bronco and the 2026 Toyota Highlander lies in their fundamental mission, reflected significantly in their efficiency metrics. The Highlander achieves a 24 MPG combined rating, substantially outpacing the Bronco's 19 MPG combined. Furthermore, the Highlander is $6,275 more expensive, retailing at $45,270 compared to the Bronco's $38,995 MSRP. Power delivery slightly favors the Bronco, which generates 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque versus the Highlander's 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. Dimensionally, the Highlander is longer by 21.2 inches (194.9 inches vs. 173.7 inches) but is notably shorter in height by 3.8 inches (68.1 inches vs. 71.9 inches). The manual transmission in the Bronco contrasts with the Highlander's 8-speed automatic, impacting the driving experience for specific user groups.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Highlander
The 2026 Toyota Highlander wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, achieving 24 MPG combined versus the Bronco's 19 MPG.
2026 Toyota Highlander
The larger exterior dimensions and likely more accommodating cabin layout of the 194.9-inch long Highlander support family needs better than the compact Bronco.
2025 Ford Bronco
The 2025 Ford Bronco appeals more to driving enthusiasts with its higher output of 300 hp and standard 7-speed manual transmission.
2025 Ford Bronco
The Bronco offers a 300 hp powertrain for a $6,275 lower entry price point compared to the Highlander.
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- You require the engagement of a 7-speed manual transmission for driving control.
- Your priority is maximizing power, as the Bronco delivers 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque.
- You need the ruggedness implied by its higher 71.9-inch height and dedicated four-wheel drive system.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- Fuel savings are critical, given the Highlander's 24 MPG combined rating using regular unleaded fuel.
- You need greater highway range derived from its 21/28 MPG City/Highway figures.
- A longer vehicle footprint (194.9 inches) for presumed interior space is necessary.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco | Toyota Highlander |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 173.7" | 194.9" |
| Width | 75.9" | 76.0" |
| Height | 71.9" | 68.1" |
| Wheelbase | 100.4" | 112.2" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Blind Spot Monitor | — | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | — | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | — | ✓ |
| Third Row Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.3 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5700 rpm | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 7-speed manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | four wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | Part Time | — |
| Transfer Case Gearing | Electronic Hi-Lo | — |
| Locking Hubs | Automatic | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/21 MPG | 21/28 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 19 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 304.2/354.9 mi. | 375.9/501.2 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.9 gal. | 17.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 7 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 4 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Moonroof Type | — | 1st Row Power Glass |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.0 in. | 39.6 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 43.1 in. | 42.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.1 in. | 59.0 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.3 in. | 57.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.8 in. | 39.4 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.7 in. | 38.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 51.8 in. | 58.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 43.3 in. | 57.0 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 16 in | 18 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/70R16 | P235/65R V |
| Spare Tire Type | Full Size Matching | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Outside Rear Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | — | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Bronco and 2026 Toyota Highlander.
What is the primary difference in fuel type and efficiency between the two vehicles?
The 2026 Highlander runs on regular unleaded and achieves 24 MPG combined, offering a 5 MPG advantage over the Bronco. Conversely, the 2025 Bronco recommends premium unleaded fuel for its 19 MPG combined rating.
How does the power output compare between the 2025 Bronco and 2026 Highlander?
The Ford Bronco generates more power, boasting 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. The Toyota Highlander produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 35 hp deficit.
Which vehicle offers better cargo utility based on the provided specifications?
The Ford Bronco provides a slightly larger stated cargo capacity at 20.6 cubic feet compared to the Toyota Highlander’s 16 cubic feet.
What are the MSRP differences between the two models?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander has an MSRP of $45,270, making it $6,275 more expensive than the 2025 Ford Bronco, which starts at $38,995.
Are the transmission options comparable for daily driving?
No, they differ significantly; the Bronco features a 7-speed manual, whereas the Highlander utilizes a smoother-shifting 8-speed shiftable automatic, generally preferred by commuters.
How do their physical dimensions affect usability in tight spaces?
The Bronco is significantly shorter in length at 173.7 inches, aiding maneuverability, but the Highlander is narrower at 76.0 inches wide, marginally wider than the Bronco's 75.9 inches, though both are wide vehicles.
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