2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Ford Bronco
Comparison Overview
The most significant initial difference is the powertrain output, where the 2026 Ford Bronco delivers 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, outpacing the 2025 Subaru Ascent's 260 hp and 277 lb-ft by a substantial 40 hp margin. Despite its superior power, the Bronco is less fuel-efficient, achieving a combined 19 MPG compared to the Ascent's 22 MPG. The Ascent also offers a slightly larger physical footprint at 196.8 inches long, compared to the Bronco's 173.7 inches. Conversely, the Bronco leads in maximum utility with 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, marginally surpassing the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft. With an MSRP difference of only $500 ($39,995 for Ascent vs. $40,495 for Bronco), the decision hinges on prioritizing power and maneuverability versus fuel economy and smoother road manners.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent achieves superior fuel economy at 22 MPG combined versus the Bronco's 19 MPG, translating to lower operational costs for daily travel.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent's superior fuel efficiency and standard AWD make it a more predictable and cost-effective choice for family road use compared to the Bronco's manual transmission and premium fuel recommendation.
2026 Ford Bronco
The 2026 Ford Bronco provides significantly higher performance metrics with 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, coupled with a 7-speed manual transmission.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent offers 3 MPG better efficiency and uses regular unleaded fuel for $500 less than the Bronco, providing better long-term running economy.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- Fuel economy is a top priority, as the Ascent achieves 22 combined MPG versus 19 MPG for the Bronco.
- You require the operational ease of an automatic transmission and regular unleaded fuel capability.
- You need the longer exterior length (196.8 inches) for perceived road stability or garage fitment.
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- Maximum performance is desired, evidenced by 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque.
- You prefer the engaging driving experience provided by the 7-speed manual transmission.
- You need the marginally greater maximum cargo volume of 20.6 cu ft over the Ascent's 17.8 cu ft.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Ascent | Ford Bronco |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.8" | 173.7" |
| Width | 76.0" | 75.9" |
| Height | 71.6" | 71.9" |
| Wheelbase | 113.8" | 100.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Subaru | 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 Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm | 300 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 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 | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | continuously variable-speed automatic | 7-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | four wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| 4WD System Type | — | Part Time |
| Transfer Case Gearing | — | Electronic Hi-Lo |
| Locking Hubs | — | Automatic |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
| [object Object] | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 18/21 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 19 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 386.0/501.8 mi. | 304.2/354.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.3 gal. | 16.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Subaru | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | — |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | — |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.6 in | 12.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 7 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | — |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | 4 months | — |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.2 in. | 43.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.1 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.8 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.6 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.3 in. | 51.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.5 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 245/60R | 255/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Full Size Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Outside Rear Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 16 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Subaru | 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru Ascent and 2026 Ford Bronco.
Which vehicle offers better fuel efficiency for highway driving?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent has a defined advantage in highway efficiency, rated at 26 MPG, compared to the 2026 Ford Bronco's 21 MPG highway rating. This 5 MPG difference will result in fewer stops for refueling over long distances.
How do the standard transmissions compare between the Ascent and the Bronco?
The Ascent utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission for seamless operation, whereas the Bronco is equipped with a 7-speed manual transmission. This is a crucial factor for drivers prioritizing automated driving ease versus driver engagement.
Is the Bronco's higher power output worth the switch to premium fuel?
The Bronco produces 300 hp, significantly more than the Ascent's 260 hp, but it recommends premium unleaded fuel. The Ascent uses regular unleaded fuel, meaning the Bronco's superior power comes with higher mandated fuel costs.
What is the practical cargo space difference?
The 2026 Ford Bronco offers 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats, which is 2.8 cu ft more than the 17.8 cu ft available in the 2025 Subaru Ascent. This might be significant for hauling larger gear loads.
Which vehicle has the lower starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent has a lower starting MSRP at $39,995, making it $500 less expensive than the 2026 Ford Bronco, which starts at $40,495.
How do the dimensions affect road presence and maneuverability?
The Ascent is substantially longer at 196.8 inches versus the Bronco's 173.7 inches, suggesting the Ascent is better suited for stable highway cruising. Both vehicles have nearly identical widths and heights (76.0 in vs 75.9 in wide).
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