2025 Subaru Ascent vs 2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Subaru Ascent leaps forward with robust power, boasting 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, making it the superior choice for confident highway merging and towing capability, despite its higher $39,995 MSRP. Conversely, the rugged 2026 Ford Bronco Sport grabs attention with its adventurous stance and superior efficiency, achieving a combined 27 MPG versus the Ascent's 22 MPG, saving fuel on daily drives. The Ascent is the larger machine at 196.8 inches long, offering a more conventional three-row feel, while the Bronco Sport is notably smaller and delivers an impressive 32.5 cu ft of cargo capacity—significantly more than the Ascent’s 17.8 cu ft in this comparison configuration. This showdown pits Subaru's substantial power advantage against Ford's undeniable cost savings and cargo versatility.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, delivering 27 combined MPG versus the Ascent's 22 MPG.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The 2025 Subaru Ascent likely offers superior passenger space in its configuration, although the Bronco Sport has more dedicated cargo volume.
2025 Subaru Ascent
The Ascent satisfies driving enthusiasts with a significant 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, drastically outpacing the Bronco Sport's 181 hp.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport offers substantially better value, undercutting the Ascent's MSRP by $8,150.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- You prioritize on-road performance and need the maximum output from 260 horsepower.
- You require the maximum towing capability often associated with the Ascent's higher torque figures (277 lb-ft).
- You need a larger overall exterior footprint, being 196.8 inches long for greater presence.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- Keeping upfront costs low is critical, given the $8,150 lower starting MSRP.
- Maximizing utility space is a priority, as the Bronco Sport offers 32.5 cu ft of cargo space.
- You drive long distances frequently and benefit from the 5 MPG fuel economy advantage (27 combined MPG).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Subaru Ascent | Ford Bronco Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 196.8" | 172.7" |
| Width | 76.0" | 74.3" |
| Height | 71.6" | 70.2" |
| Wheelbase | 113.8" | 105.1" |
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 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Attention Alert | — | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | flat 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | 190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 12 |
| 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 | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
| Hill Descent Control | ✓ | — |
Fuel
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 25/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 386.0/501.8 mi. | 400.0/480.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 19.3 gal. | 16.0 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 | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 11.6 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| 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 | — |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.2 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.1 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.8 in. | 55.2 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.0 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.6 in. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 60.3 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.5 in. | 53.4 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 | 225/65R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | — | 17 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Subaru | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear 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 Sport.
What is the most significant performance difference between the 2025 Ascent and the 2026 Bronco Sport?
The 2025 Subaru Ascent holds a commanding performance lead, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This is substantially more engaging than the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport's 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque.
Which crossover is better suited for daily, fuel-conscious driving?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is the clear winner for fuel economy, achieving 27 combined MPG. The Ascent trails behind with only 22 combined MPG, resulting in more frequent stops at the pump.
How does the cargo capacity compare between these two AWD crossovers?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport offers more usable space with 32.5 cubic feet of cargo volume. The 2025 Subaru Ascent provides only 17.8 cubic feet in this configuration, suggesting a trade-off between interior room for people and dedicated storage.
Is the higher price of the Ascent ($39,995) justified over the Bronco Sport ($31,845)?
The Ascent's $8,150 premium buys significant power upgrades (79 hp more) and a larger vehicle structure. For buyers prioritizing power and size over initial savings, the Ascent justifies the cost difference.
Do both vehicles require premium fuel?
No, both the 2025 Subaru Ascent and the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel, keeping running costs predictable for both models.
How do the transmissions differ, considering the driving feel?
The Ascent utilizes a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT), prioritizing smooth, if sometimes less engaging, acceleration. The Bronco Sport uses an 8-speed shiftable automatic, which typically offers more distinct gear changes for a sportier feel.
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