2026 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
Comparison Overview
Choosing between rugged capability and cutting-edge efficiency is a tough spot for crossover shoppers. The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport starts at an appealing $31,845, significantly undercutting the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid's $40,075 MSRP by over $8,000. While the Tucson boasts a superior 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque compared to the Bronco Sport's 181 hp, the Bronco favors maneuverability with its smaller 172.7-inch length against the Tucson's 182.7 inches. For daily driving economy, the Tucson's combined 35 MPG narrowly beats the Bronco Sport's 27 combined MPG, but the Bronco is surprisingly competent, offering 30 highway MPG. The efficiency gap narrows when considering the Tucson's 32-mile electric range, positioning it as the greener, if pricier, option.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid offers superior combined fuel economy at 35 MPG and a useful 32-mile electric range for local trips.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport offers slightly more primary cargo space at 32.5 cu ft and is significantly less expensive, easing budget strain.
2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid
The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid delivers substantially more power with 268 hp and 271 lb-ft of torque versus the Bronco Sport's 181 hp.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The $8,230 lower MSRP and standard AWD make the Bronco Sport the clear choice for budget-conscious buyers seeking utility.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- You want to save over $8,200 upfront, as the Bronco Sport starts at $31,845.
- You prioritize a slightly taller profile, as the Bronco Sport is 70.2 inches tall versus the Tucson's 66.3 inches.
- You prefer the Bronco Sport's slightly larger cargo volume of 32.5 cubic feet.
Choose the Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid if...
- You commute primarily under 32 miles daily, allowing you to use pure electric power.
- You crave quicker acceleration supported by the 87 hp advantage and 271 lb-ft of torque.
- Maximizing fuel economy is key, as the Tucson achieves 35 combined MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco Sport | Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 172.7" | 182.7" |
| Width | 74.3" | 73.4" |
| Height | 70.2" | 66.3" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 108.5" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | — | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 1.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | plug-in hybrid |
| Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm | 268 hp |
| Torque | 190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 271 lb-ft |
| Number of Valves | 12 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/30 MPG | 35/35 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 35 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 400.0/480.0 mi. | 388.5/388.5 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 11.1 gal. |
| EPA Efficiency (City/Highway MPGe) | — | 80/73 MPGe |
| EPA Efficiency (Combined MPGe) | — | 77 MPGe |
| EPA Electric Driving Range | — | 32 mi. |
| EPA Energy Consumption (kWh/100 mi) | — | 44 |
| Charging Time (240V) | — | 2.0 hr. |
| DC Fast Charging Port Type | — | SAE J1772 |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Extended Cabin Cooling | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 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 | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 40.1 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 41.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 57.6 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 54.5 in. |
| Seat Material: Premium Cloth | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | — |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 41.7 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.9 in. | 41.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 56.0 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | 235/60R18 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | — |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | — |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Hyundai |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 7 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | — | 10 yr./ 100000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport and 2026 Hyundai Tucson Plug-In Hybrid.
Is the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport much smaller than the 2026 Hyundai Tucson PHEV?
Yes, the Bronco Sport is noticeably more compact; it is 172.7 inches long compared to the Tucson's 182.7 inches, making the Bronco easier to maneuver in tight city spots.
How much more powerful is the Tucson Plug-In Hybrid?
The Tucson Plug-In Hybrid offers a significant power advantage, producing 268 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, whereas the Bronco Sport is rated at 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque.
What is the primary benefit of the Tucson's hybrid system over the standard Bronco Sport?
The Tucson provides 32 miles of pure electric driving range before needing the gas engine, substantially boosting its overall efficiency to a combined 35 MPG compared to the Bronco Sport's 27 MPG.
Which vehicle is better equipped for long highway cruising regarding fuel?
Both use regular unleaded fuel, but the Bronco Sport has slightly better highway specific fuel economy at 30 MPG compared to the Tucson’s fixed 35 MPG city/highway rating, which is usually optimized for city electric use.
Does the price difference affect standard features like AWD?
No, both vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive, meaning you pay less for the Bronco Sport while still getting the crucial traction feature.
How do their respective cargo capacities compare for gear hauling?
The Ford Bronco Sport offers marginally more storage space with 32.5 cubic feet, slightly edging out the Tucson's 31.9 cubic feet behind the second row.
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