2026 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2026 Subaru Ascent
Comparison Overview
Choosing between a rugged compact adventurer like the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport and a larger family hauler like the 2026 Subaru Ascent often comes down to prioritizing size versus efficiency. Buyers struggle with whether they need extra room or better running costs for daily driving. The Ascent is significantly more potent, boasting 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque compared to the Bronco Sport's 181 hp, making it the clear choice for heavier loads. However, the Bronco Sport wins on economy, achieving 27 combined MPG versus the Ascent's 22 combined MPG. This efficiency gap is meaningful, especially considering the $31,845 starting MSRP of the Ford versus the Ascent's $40,795 price tag—an $8,950 difference. While the Ascent is nearly 24 inches longer, granting a roomier feel, the Bronco Sport's smaller footprint (172.7 inches long) handles city maneuvering better while offering more primary cargo space at 32.5 cu ft.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport is the winner for commuters due to its superior fuel economy, delivering 27 combined MPG versus the Ascent's 22.
2026 Subaru Ascent
The 2026 Subaru Ascent is better suited for families because its longer 196.8-inch frame generally implies greater passenger space, despite having less primary cargo volume than car1.
2026 Subaru Ascent
Enthusiasts will prefer the 2026 Subaru Ascent because it offers substantially more power with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport provides excellent value, starting at $31,845, which is $8,950 less than the Ascent.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- You prioritize saving money on fuel, benefiting from 27 combined MPG.
- Your budget is tighter, as the starting MSRP is $31,845.
- You value maneuverability and easier parking due to its compact 172.7-inch length.
Choose the Subaru Ascent if...
- You require significant power, as the Ascent offers 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque.
- You need maximum overall space, as the Ascent is significantly longer at 196.8 inches.
- You need the peace of mind that comes with a stronger powertrain for towing or highway passing.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco Sport | Subaru Ascent |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 172.7" | 196.8" |
| Width | 74.3" | 76.0" |
| Height | 70.2" | 71.6" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 113.8" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.4 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm | 260 hp @ 5600 rpm |
| Torque | 190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm |
| 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 | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | all wheel drive | all wheel drive |
| Center Differential Type | — | Limited Slip |
| Hill Descent Control | — | ✓ |
Fuel
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/30 MPG | 20/26 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 22 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 400.0/480.0 mi. | 386.0/501.8 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 19.3 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | — | ✓ |
| 3rd Row Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 11.6 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 | — |
| Speed Sensitive Volume Control | ✓ | — |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Length | — | 4 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 1 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 41.5 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 42.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 61.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 57.8 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 | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 41.7 in. | 40.0 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.9 in. | 38.6 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 60.3 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 57.5 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Manual Folding Third Row Seat | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | 245/60R |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| 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. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport and 2026 Subaru Ascent.
How much more fuel-efficient is the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport than the Ascent?
The Bronco Sport has a noticeable edge in efficiency, achieving 27 combined MPG (25 city/30 highway). The larger Subaru Ascent returns 22 combined MPG (20 city/26 highway).
Is the 2026 Subaru Ascent powerful enough to justify its higher price?
The Ascent offers substantially more performance, generating 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This is a 79 hp advantage over the Bronco Sport's 181 hp rating, which might matter if you frequently carry heavy loads.
Which vehicle has more cargo room for daily errands?
Surprisingly, the smaller 2026 Ford Bronco Sport wins on primary cargo capacity, offering 32.5 cubic feet compared to the 2026 Subaru Ascent's 17.8 cubic feet, making the Ford better for hauling groceries or gear.
What is the price difference between these two AWD crossovers?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent carries a starting MSRP of $40,795, making it $8,950 more expensive than the Ford Bronco Sport, which starts at $31,845.
Do either of these vehicles require premium gasoline?
Fortunately for budget-conscious owners, both the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2026 Subaru Ascent are specified to run on regular unleaded fuel.
How do their sizes compare for city driving?
The Bronco Sport is significantly shorter in length at 172.7 inches compared to the Ascent's 196.8 inches, which generally makes parallel parking and navigating tight city streets easier for the Ford.
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