2026 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2026 Honda Ridgeline

$31,845 · Crossover

$40,595 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Deciding between a rugged, compact utility vehicle and a spacious, powerful pickup crossover often comes down to balancing size against price. The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport starts attractively at $31,845, significantly undercutting the $40,595 Honda Ridgeline by $8,750. This price gap is notable, as is the efficiency difference: the Bronco Sport achieves 27 MPG combined versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG combined. For daily driving and parking in tight spots, the Bronco Sport's shorter length (172.7 inches versus the Ridgeline's 210.2 inches) is a real benefit. However, the Ridgeline pulls ahead substantially in performance, offering 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque compared to the Bronco Sport's 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. If utility involves hauling or serious power, the Ridgeline justifies its higher entry point, despite the Bronco Sport's superior fuel economy.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Ford Bronco Sport

The Bronco Sport wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 27 MPG and smaller footprint for easier city navigation.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Honda Ridgeline

The Ridgeline is better for families needing space, offering the substantial advantage of a truck bed for hauling gear, despite its lower overall MPG.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda Ridgeline

The Ridgeline appeals more to performance enthusiasts because it boasts 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, significantly outpacing the Bronco Sport's output.

💰 Best Value

2026 Ford Bronco Sport

The Bronco Sport offers vastly better value by starting $8,750 cheaper while still providing capable AWD and respectable efficiency.

Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...

Your budget is strictly capped, as the Bronco Sport saves you $8,750 upfront compared to the Ridgeline.
You prioritize fuel efficiency, given the Bronco Sport delivers 27 MPG combined versus the Ridgeline's 21 MPG.
You need maximum maneuverability and easier parking, thanks to the Bronco Sport being 37.5 inches shorter in length.

Choose the Honda Ridgeline if...

You require significantly more power, as the Ridgeline delivers 280 hp, a 99 hp advantage over car1.
You need open-air cargo capacity, as the Ridgeline features a bed for utility while the Bronco Sport only offers 32.5 cu ft of enclosed space.
You need more torque for towing or accelerating, with the Ridgeline offering 262 lb-ft compared to car1's 190 lb-ft.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Bronco Sport	Honda Ridgeline
Length	172.7"	210.2"
Width	74.3"	78.6"
Height	70.2"	70.8"
Wheelbase	105.1"	125.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Honda
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention 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
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	—	✓
Automatic Headlights	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Honda
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	3.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 3	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	181 hp @ 6000 rpm	280 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm	262 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm
Number of Valves	12	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Single overhead cam (SOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓
Cylinder Deactivation	—	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Ford	Honda
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	9-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	all wheel drive
[object Object]	—	✓
[object Object]	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Honda
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/30 MPG	18/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	21 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	400.0/480.0 mi.	351.0/468.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.0 gal.	19.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Honda
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	—
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Honda
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	9.0 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	—
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	✓
Stereo Power	—	215W
Subwoofer Count	—	1

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Honda
One-Touch Power Windows	1	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Honda
Front Head Room	41.5 in.	40.1 in.
Front Leg Room	42.4 in.	40.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	62.0 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 in.	59.1 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Seat Material: Cloth	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Honda
Rear Head Room	41.7 in.	38.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.9 in.	36.7 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	61.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	56.6 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Honda
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	17 in	18 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/65R H	245/60R
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Honda
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Honda
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	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 12000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport and 2026 Honda Ridgeline.

What is the main practical difference between the 2026 Bronco Sport and the 2026 Ridgeline?

The primary practical difference is body style; the Bronco Sport is a traditional enclosed crossover with 32.5 cu ft of cargo space, whereas the Ridgeline functions as a light-duty truck offering open-bed utility.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Honda Ridgeline than the Bronco Sport?

The Ridgeline is significantly more powerful, putting out 280 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Bronco Sport’s 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 99 hp difference.

If I drive a lot, which vehicle saves more on gas?

The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport saves more on gas, achieving 27 MPG combined on regular unleaded, outperforming the Ridgeline’s 21 MPG combined rating.

Is the higher price of the Ridgeline justified by its size difference?

The Ridgeline costs $8,750 more and is substantially larger, measuring 210.2 inches long compared to the Bronco Sport's 172.7 inches, which contributes to its increased interior and bed volume.

Are both vehicles standard AWD and automatic?

Yes, both models come equipped with All-Wheel Drive and an automatic transmission; the Bronco Sport uses an 8-speed automatic while the Ridgeline uses a slightly different 9-speed automatic.

Does the Bronco Sport's smaller size affect its utility for families?

While the Bronco Sport is shorter and more maneuverable, its 32.5 cu ft of cargo capacity is more restricted than the hauling potential offered by the Ridgeline's truck bed.