2026 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2026 Subaru Outback
Comparison Overview
The most significant initial variance is the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), with the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport starting at $31,845, which is $3,150 less than the 2026 Subaru Outback's $34,995 entry point. Performance figures are closely matched: the Bronco Sport delivers a slight edge in torque with 190 lb-ft compared to the Outback's 178 lb-ft, despite both producing approximately 180-181 horsepower. Fuel economy is virtually identical, both achieving a 27 MPG combined rating, though the Outback gains a marginal 1 MPG advantage on the highway (31 MPG vs. 30 MPG). In terms of physical size, the Outback is substantially longer at 191.7 inches versus the Bronco Sport's 172.7 inches, contributing to its larger maximum cargo capacity of 34.6 cu ft compared to the Bronco Sport's 32.5 cu ft. Both utilize All-Wheel Drive systems.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport wins for commuters due to its lower $31,845 MSRP, offering better upfront financial value.
2026 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback provides more utility for families with its superior 34.6 cu ft maximum cargo capacity versus 32.5 cu ft in the Bronco Sport.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport appeals more to driving enthusiasts by offering 190 lb-ft of torque compared to the Outback's 178 lb-ft.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport
The Bronco Sport offers better initial value by providing comparable MPG and AWD capability at a $3,150 lower initial cost.
Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...
- You prioritize a lower initial outlay, with an MSRP of $31,845.
- You prefer a slightly punchier engine output, delivering 190 lb-ft of torque.
- You desire a slightly taller vehicle for off-road appearance, measuring 70.2 inches high.
Choose the Subaru Outback if...
- Maximum utility is required, utilizing the 34.6 cu ft of cargo space.
- You prefer the feel of a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission over a standard automatic.
- You need the extra stability provided by the longer 191.7-inch body length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ford Bronco Sport | Subaru Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 172.7" | 191.7" |
| Width | 74.3" | 74.0" |
| Height | 70.2" | 67.5" |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 108.1" |
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 | 3 |
| 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 1.5 L | 2.5 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 3 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm | 180 hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 178 lb-ft @ 4800 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 | 25/31 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 27 MPG | 27 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 400.0/480.0 mi. | 450.0/558.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 16.0 gal. | 18.0 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 | — | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | — | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | — | ✓ |
| Cargo Floor Mats | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.1 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 | ✓ | — |
| 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. | 40.2 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 42.4 in. | 43.0 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 57.3 in. | 57.9 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 55.2 in. | 55.5 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 | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | — | 8-way |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Power |
| Driver Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | — | Multi-level |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 41.7 in. | 40.5 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 36.9 in. | 39.5 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 55.6 in. | 57.4 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 53.4 in. | 55.1 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | ✓ |
| Folding Center Armrest | ✓ | ✓ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ford | Subaru |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | Painted Alloy |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 225/65R H | 225/60R H |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Temporary |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Inside Mounted |
| Wheel Size | — | 18 x 7.0 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 Outback.
What is the primary mechanical difference between the drivetrains of the 2026 Bronco Sport and the 2026 Outback?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport utilizes an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, while the 2026 Subaru Outback employs a continuously variable-speed automatic (CVT). Both vehicles come standard with All-Wheel Drive.
How does the size difference impact interior storage between these two crossovers?
The Outback is significantly longer at 191.7 inches compared to the Bronco Sport's 172.7 inches. This results in the Outback offering 34.6 cu ft of cargo space, slightly exceeding the Bronco Sport's 32.5 cu ft.
Is there a significant difference in fuel efficiency between the 2026 Bronco Sport and the 2026 Outback?
No, fuel economy is nearly identical, with both models rated for 27 MPG combined. The Outback has a one MPG advantage on the highway, achieving 31 MPG versus the Bronco Sport's 30 MPG.
Which vehicle offers better raw performance metrics based on the provided specifications?
The Bronco Sport edges out the Outback slightly in torque, posting 190 lb-ft against the Outback's 178 lb-ft, while horsepower figures are nearly the same at 181 hp and 180 hp, respectively.
How much more expensive is the 2026 Subaru Outback compared to the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport?
The 2026 Subaru Outback has an MSRP of $34,995, making it $3,150 more expensive than the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport, which starts at $31,845.
Are these vehicles designed for premium fuel requirements?
Both the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2026 Subaru Outback are specified to use regular unleaded fuel, avoiding the higher cost associated with premium gasoline.
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