2025 Honda Ridgeline vs 2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline leaps forward with a robust 280 hp engine and a solid 262 lb-ft of torque, immediately appealing to those seeking muscular capability in a crossover form factor. In contrast, the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport captivates with rugged styling and superior efficiency, boasting an impressive 27 MPG combined, significantly better than the Ridgeline's 21 MPG. The Ridgeline demands a premium, starting at $40,150 compared to the Bronco Sport's lower entry point of $31,845—an $8,305 gap that translates directly into 99 more horsepower for the Honda. While the Bronco Sport offers more practical utility with 32.5 cu ft of cargo capacity versus the Ridgeline's modest 7.3 cu ft, the Ridgeline's larger dimensions (210.2 inches long) suggest a more substantial presence on the road.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport wins for commuters due to its excellent 27 MPG combined efficiency versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Families will favor the Bronco Sport for its massive 32.5 cu ft cargo capacity, dwarfing the Ridgeline's 7.3 cu ft.
2025 Honda Ridgeline
Enthusiasts will prefer the Ridgeline for its superior performance figures, delivering 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport provides vastly better economy and utility while carrying an $8,305 lower starting MSRP than the Ridgeline.
Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...
- You demand outright power, enjoying the immediate response from the 280 hp engine.
- You require the added stability and confident grip provided by the standard All-Wheel Drive system paired with a 9-speed transmission.
- You prefer the larger, more imposing footprint of a vehicle that measures 210.2 inches in length.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- Saving money is a priority, leveraging the $8,305 lower starting price of $31,845.
- Fuel stops are a nuisance, capitalizing on the Bronco Sport's superior 30 MPG highway rating.
- You need significant space for gear, benefiting from the expansive 32.5 cu ft of available cargo volume.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Honda Ridgeline | Ford Bronco Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 210.2" | 172.7" |
| Width | 78.6" | 74.3" |
| Height | 70.8" | 70.2" |
| Wheelbase | 125.2" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.5 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 280 hp @ 6000 rpm | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm | 190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 12 |
| Camshaft Type | Single overhead cam (SOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cylinder Deactivation | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 9-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
| [object Object] | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 18/24 MPG | 25/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 21 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 351.0/468.0 mi. | 400.0/480.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.5 gal. | 16.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.0 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stereo Power | 215W | — |
| Speaker System | 7 | 6 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | — |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.1 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 62.0 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 59.1 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 8-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.8 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.7 in. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.5 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 56.6 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 17 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R | 225/65R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Honda | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 12000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and 2026 Ford Bronco Sport.
How much more powerful is the 2025 Honda Ridgeline compared to the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport?
The 2025 Honda Ridgeline generates 280 horsepower, making it significantly more potent than the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport's 181 horsepower output. This translates to a difference of 99 horsepower favoring the Ridgeline for spirited driving.
Which crossover offers better fuel economy for daily driving?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is the clear winner for efficiency, achieving a combined 27 MPG. The 2025 Honda Ridgeline trails behind with a combined rating of only 21 MPG.
Is the major price difference between these two vehicles justified by their utility?
The Ridgeline costs $40,150 versus the Bronco Sport's $31,845, an $8,305 premium. While the Ridgeline offers more power, the Bronco Sport provides substantially more functional space with 32.5 cu ft of cargo capacity.
What is the difference in powertrain components for the transmissions?
The Ridgeline utilizes a 9-speed shiftable automatic transmission to manage its higher torque output of 262 lb-ft. Conversely, the Bronco Sport uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic to handle its 190 lb-ft of torque.
For families needing maximum interior storage, which vehicle is the better choice?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is vastly superior for cargo hauling, offering 32.5 cubic feet of space. The 2025 Honda Ridgeline's utility is much smaller, measuring only 7.3 cubic feet in its dedicated area.
Do both vehicles use the same type of gasoline?
Yes, both the 2025 Honda Ridgeline and the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs consistent in that regard.
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