2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Ford Bronco
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Toyota Highlander and 2026 Ford Bronco present a clear dichotomy in the SUV segment, beginning with a significant 6 MPG gap in fuel economy, with the Highlander achieving 25 combined MPG versus the Bronco's 19 combined MPG. Power output is another key differentiator, as the Bronco offers 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, significantly eclipsing the Highlander's 265 hp and 310 lb-ft. While the Highlander starts at a slightly lower MSRP of $40,320 compared to the Bronco's $40,495, the utility contrast is stark: the Bronco provides 20.6 cubic feet of cargo space, while the Highlander offers 16 cu ft. Furthermore, their mechanical setups diverge, with the Highlander employing a FWD setup and an 8-speed automatic, while the Bronco features standard 4WD and a 7-speed manual transmission. The Highlander's superior height of 68.1 inches versus the Bronco's 71.9 inches emphasizes their differing design philosophies regarding on-road stability versus off-road ground clearance.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Highlander
The 2025 Highlander wins for commuters due to its superior 25 combined MPG rating and standard front-wheel drive configuration.
2026 Ford Bronco
The 2026 Bronco is better for families needing storage, offering 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft.
2026 Ford Bronco
Enthusiasts will favor the Bronco's 300 hp, 325 lb-ft of torque, 4WD, and 7-speed manual transmission.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander delivers better long-term value through its significantly lower running costs, highlighted by its 25 MPG combined fuel efficiency.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- Your primary concern is minimizing trips to the fuel pump, thanks to its 25 combined MPG rating.
- You prefer the predictability and efficiency of a standard 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission paired with FWD.
- You want the lower entry price of $40,320 for a new crossover.
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- You require maximum utility, as the Bronco provides 20.6 cu ft of cargo space versus 16 cu ft in the Highlander.
- You desire greater mechanical engagement via the 7-speed manual transmission and 4WD.
- Higher power figures (300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque) are essential for your driving profile.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Highlander | Ford Bronco |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.9" | 173.7" |
| Width | 76.0" | 75.9" |
| Height | 68.1" | 71.9" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 100.4" |
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 Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | ✓ | — |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 265 hp @ 6000 rpm | 300 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft @ 1700 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 | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | four 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 | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/29 MPG | 18/21 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 19 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 393.8/519.1 mi. | 304.2/354.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 gal. | 16.9 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 | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 7 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
| Subwoofer Count | — | 1 |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.2 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 43.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.0 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.2 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 Manual Adjustments | — | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.4 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.7 in. | 51.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | ✓ | — |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | — |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 16 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/65R V | 255/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Full Size Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Outside Rear Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Suspension Type | — | Independent |
| 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 Highlander and 2026 Ford Bronco.
What is the true operational cost difference between these two vehicles based on fuel?
The Highlander's 25 combined MPG suggests lower routine expenditure than the Bronco's 19 combined MPG, a 6 MPG advantage. Additionally, the Bronco recommends premium unleaded fuel, which further increases its per-mile cost compared to the Highlander's regular unleaded requirement.
How does the difference in horsepower and torque affect performance?
The 2026 Ford Bronco possesses a 35 hp advantage (300 hp vs. 265 hp) and 15 lb-ft more torque (325 lb-ft vs. 310 lb-ft). This superior output, combined with its 4WD system, suggests stronger acceleration and capability in varied conditions compared to the FWD Highlander.
Which vehicle offers a more practical interior setup for cargo?
The 2026 Ford Bronco is clearly superior for cargo hauling, offering 20.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The 2025 Toyota Highlander trails significantly with only 16 cubic feet of dedicated cargo space.
Is the Toyota Highlander's lower MSRP ($40,320) offset by the Bronco's higher specifications?
While the Highlander is nominally $175 cheaper, the Bronco includes standard four-wheel drive and a manual transmission, features often bundled in higher trim levels. Buyers must weigh the initial $175 saving against the functional differences in drivetrain and capability.
How do the exterior dimensions compare for city maneuverability?
The Highlander is nearly 11 inches longer (194.9 inches) than the Bronco (173.7 inches), suggesting the shorter Bronco may be easier to park and navigate tight city streets. However, the Bronco is slightly taller at 71.9 inches, providing better ground clearance.
Why does the Highlander come with an 8-speed automatic while the Bronco has a 7-speed manual?
The 8-speed automatic in the Highlander is designed to optimize the balance between the 265 hp engine and fuel economy (22/29 MPG city/highway). Conversely, the 7-speed manual transmission in the Bronco prioritizes driver control and engagement, aligning with its enthusiast focus.
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