2025 Ford Bronco vs 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the rugged 2025 Ford Bronco and the efficient 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid often boils down to prioritizing capability over economy. The Bronco, starting at an MSRP of $38,995, offers a commanding 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque paired with a 7-speed manual transmission for a true off-road feel. Conversely, the Highlander Hybrid asks for $8,025 more, at $47,020, but drastically cuts fuel costs, achieving a combined 35 MPG compared to the Bronco's 19 MPG—a 16 MPG difference. While the Bronco is more powerful, the Highlander Hybrid is significantly larger at 194.9 inches long, though it offers slightly less cargo space at 16 cu ft versus the Bronco's 20.6 cu ft. Ultimately, this comparison pits raw power and a lower entry price against superior fuel savings and hybrid technology.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid wins for commuting due to its exceptional 35 MPG combined fuel economy versus the Bronco's 19 MPG.
2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Highlander Hybrid's larger size (194.9 inches long) and standard AWD system make it the more practical and comfortable choice for family duties, despite having slightly less listed cargo space.
2025 Ford Bronco
The 2025 Ford Bronco appeals to enthusiasts with its more powerful 300 hp engine and engaging 7-speed manual transmission.
2025 Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco presents better immediate value with a starting MSRP of $38,995, which is $8,025 less than the Highlander Hybrid.
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- You want the most horsepower available, boasting 300 hp compared to the Highlander's 243 hp.
- You prefer the engaging control of a 7-speed manual transmission.
- Your priority is a lower initial cost, starting at $38,995.
Choose the Toyota Highlander Hybrid if...
- You need class-leading fuel efficiency, achieving 35 MPG combined on regular unleaded fuel.
- You require the larger overall footprint of a vehicle that is 194.9 inches long.
- You prefer the lower running costs associated with a hybrid powertrain and not needing premium fuel.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco | Toyota Highlander Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | hybrid |
| Horsepower | 300 hp @ 5700 rpm | 243 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft @ 3400 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 | continuously variable-speed 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 | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Toyota |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/21 MPG | 35/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 19 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 304.2/354.9 mi. | 598.5/598.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.9 gal. | 17.1 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 | P235/65R18 |
| 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. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | — | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Bronco and 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
How much more money will I save on fuel with the Highlander Hybrid over the Bronco?
The 2026 Highlander Hybrid gets 35 MPG combined, which is 16 MPG better than the 2025 Bronco's 19 MPG combined. This significant difference means the Highlander Hybrid will save substantial money annually, especially if you drive long distances.
Is the Bronco’s required premium unleaded fuel a major drawback?
Yes, since the Bronco recommends premium unleaded and the Highlander Hybrid runs on regular unleaded, this adds an ongoing operational cost to the Bronco that must be factored into the total ownership expense over time.
Which vehicle is physically larger for parking and maneuvering?
The 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is significantly longer at 194.9 inches compared to the Bronco’s 173.7 inches, which might make the Bronco easier to parallel park, although the Highlander is only 0.1 inch wider.
Does the difference in horsepower affect real-world acceleration?
With the Bronco producing 300 hp versus the Highlander Hybrid’s 243 hp, the Bronco generally offers quicker acceleration and more pep, especially when paired with its manual transmission, while the Highlander uses a smoother CVT.
How does the cargo capacity compare between these two SUVs?
The 2025 Ford Bronco offers slightly more base cargo capacity at 20.6 cubic feet, beating the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid's 16 cubic feet, which is surprising given the Highlander's longer exterior length.
What is the price difference when initially purchasing these two vehicles?
There is an $8,025 difference in the starting MSRPs, with the 2025 Ford Bronco priced at $38,995 and the 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid starting higher at $47,020.
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