2025 Toyota Grand Highlander vs 2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Comparison Overview
Choosing between a big, established family hauler like the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and the smaller, ruggedly styled 2026 Ford Bronco Sport can leave many shoppers stumped. If you need maximum interior space, the Grand Highlander dominates with its substantial 201.4-inch length, though it asks a steep premium of $40,860 versus the Bronco Sport's $31,845 entry price—a difference of over $9,000. Performance seekers will immediately notice the 84-horsepower gap; the Grand Highlander offers 265 hp compared to the Bronco Sport's 181 hp, reflecting a focus on hauling versus agility. While the larger Toyota nets only 24 combined MPG, the smaller Ford manages 27 combined MPG, proving size isn't everything for fuel efficiency. The dilemma boils down to capability, space, and budget when comparing these very different crossovers.
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 combined 27 MPG rating compared to the Grand Highlander's 24 MPG.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is the choice for families needing space, measuring 201.4 inches long and likely offering superior third-row comfort.
2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
The Grand Highlander appeals more to performance enthusiasts with its 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque versus the Bronco Sport's 181 hp.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport offers compelling value starting at $31,845 while still providing standard AWD and better fuel economy.
Choose the Toyota Grand Highlander if...
- You absolutely require the higher output from the 265 hp powertrain for towing or easier highway merging.
- Your family demands maximum cargo volume when all seats are up or needs the extra space afforded by its 201.4-inch length.
- You prefer the traditional feel of a front-wheel-drive bias paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- Sticking to a strict budget is paramount, given the $9,015 MSRP difference between the two models.
- You prioritize maneuverability and better gas mileage, thanks to its 27 combined MPG rating.
- All-wheel drive capability and a slightly taller stance (70.2 inches) for potential light trails are important features for your daily drive.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Grand Highlander | Ford Bronco Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 201.4" | 172.7" |
| Width | 78.3" | 74.3" |
| Height | 70.1" | 70.2" |
| Wheelbase | 116.1" | 105.1" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Third Row 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 1.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 3 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | all wheel drive |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 21/28 MPG | 25/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 24 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 373.8/498.4 mi. | 400.0/480.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.8 gal. | 16.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | ✓ | — |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 12.3 in | 8.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 6 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 1 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 60.2 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.5 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 |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 40.2 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 39.5 in. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.8 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 53.4 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 17 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 255/65R18 | 225/65R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Alloy |
| Spare Tire Location | — | Inside Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | 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 | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander and 2026 Ford Bronco Sport.
Why is the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander so much more expensive than the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport?
The primary driver for the $9,015 price gap is size and power; the Grand Highlander is substantially longer and provides 265 hp compared to the Bronco Sport's 181 hp. Furthermore, the Grand Highlander offers more traditional three-row utility that commands a higher base price.
Which vehicle offers better fuel economy for my daily commute?
The smaller 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is the more efficient choice, achieving 27 combined MPG, whereas the larger 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander is rated at 24 combined MPG.
Does the smaller Bronco Sport have less cargo space than the huge Grand Highlander?
Surprisingly, no; despite the 201.4-inch length of the Grand Highlander, the smaller Bronco Sport actually boasts more maximum cargo capacity at 32.5 cubic feet versus the Grand Highlander's 20.6 cubic feet (likely referring to cargo behind the third row for the Grand Highlander).
Is the difference in horsepower significant for everyday driving?
Yes, the 84 hp difference is noticeable; the Grand Highlander's 265 hp will make passing and hauling easier, but the Bronco Sport's 181 hp is generally sufficient for standard commuting duties, especially around town.
Which vehicle comes standard with All-Wheel Drive?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport includes All-Wheel Drive (AWD) as standard equipment for better traction. The 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander lists Front Wheel Drive (FWD) as standard for its base configuration.
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