2025 Toyota Highlander vs 2026 Ford Bronco Sport
Comparison Overview
The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Toyota Highlander and the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is the MSRP, with the Highlander commanding a $8,475 premium over the Bronco Sport's starting price of $31,845. Performance metrics reveal the Highlander offers a substantial 265 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, significantly exceeding the Bronco Sport's 181 hp and 190 lb-ft. Conversely, the smaller Bronco Sport achieves better fuel economy, rating at 27 combined MPG versus the Highlander's 25 combined MPG, leveraging its smaller stature (172.7 inches in length versus 194.9 inches). Furthermore, the Bronco Sport doubles the cargo space, offering 32.5 cu ft compared to the Highlander's 16 cu ft. While the Highlander is larger overall, the Bronco Sport standardizes with All-Wheel Drive, whereas the Highlander base model is Front Wheel Drive.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 27 MPG and standard All-Wheel Drive configuration.
2025 Toyota Highlander
The Highlander secures the family segment due to its larger physical footprint and higher horsepower rating of 265 hp.
2025 Toyota Highlander
Enthusiasts will favor the Highlander for its 84 hp advantage and 310 lb-ft of torque output compared to the Bronco Sport.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport provides superior cargo capacity at 32.5 cu ft for a significantly lower MSRP of $31,845.
Choose the Toyota Highlander if...
- Maximum performance is prioritized, as the Highlander delivers 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
- A longer overall vehicle length of 194.9 inches is required for primary occupants or potential third-row use.
- The owner prioritizes 29 MPG highway fuel efficiency despite the lower 25 combined MPG rating.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- Maximum usable storage space is necessary, given the Bronco Sport's 32.5 cu ft cargo capacity.
- The lowest initial purchase price of $31,845 is a determining factor in the decision.
- All-Wheel Drive capability is required for standard operation over the Highlander's FWD base.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Highlander | Ford Bronco Sport |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 194.9" | 172.7" |
| Width | 76.0" | 74.3" |
| Height | 68.1" | 70.2" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 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 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 | 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 | 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 shiftable 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) | 22/29 MPG | 25/30 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 393.8/519.1 mi. | 400.0/480.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.9 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 | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Three Zone Climate Control | ✓ | — |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 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 | 41.2 in. | 41.5 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.0 in. | 42.4 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 59.0 in. | 57.3 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 57.2 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 | 39.4 in. | 41.7 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 38.7 in. | 36.9 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 58.7 in. | 55.6 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 57.0 in. | 53.4 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 Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 18 in | 17 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P235/65R V | 225/65R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | 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 Highlander and 2026 Ford Bronco Sport.
How significant is the cargo space difference between the 2025 Highlander and the 2026 Bronco Sport?
The difference is substantial; the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport offers 32.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity, which is more than double the 16 cubic feet provided by the 2025 Toyota Highlander.
Which vehicle provides better efficiency for daily driving?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is more efficient, achieving 27 combined MPG (25 city/30 highway) compared to the 2025 Toyota Highlander's 25 combined MPG (22 city/29 highway).
What is the powertrain advantage of the Highlander over the Bronco Sport?
The Highlander produces 265 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, providing an 84 hp advantage over the Bronco Sport’s 181 hp output.
Does the standard drivetrain configuration favor one vehicle over the other?
Yes, the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport comes standard with All-Wheel Drive, while the base 2025 Toyota Highlander utilizes Front Wheel Drive.
How much more does the 2025 Toyota Highlander cost compared to the 2026 Bronco Sport?
The 2025 Toyota Highlander has an MSRP of $40,320, making it $8,475 more expensive than the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport starting price of $31,845.
Which vehicle is physically larger: the Highlander or the Bronco Sport?
The Toyota Highlander is larger, measuring 194.9 inches in length and 76.0 inches in width, compared to the Bronco Sport's 172.7 inches in length and 74.3 inches in width.
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