2026 Ford Bronco vs 2026 Subaru Outback

$40,495 · SUV

$34,995 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2026 Ford Bronco unleashes raw, untamed capability, shouting adventure with 300 hp and a rugged 7-speed manual transmission that demands driver engagement. Conversely, the 2026 Subaru Outback prioritizes civilized efficiency, offering a more practical daily drive despite its modest 180 hp and smooth CVT automatic. The difference in power is substantial; the Bronco boasts 120 more horsepower than the Outback. Fuel economy clearly favors the Subaru, achieving a combined 27 MPG versus the Bronco's 19 MPG. Priced at $40,495, the Bronco commands a premium over the Outback's $34,995 sticker. While the Bronco is physically chunkier at 75.9 inches wide, the Outback wins on pure utility with a commanding 34.6 cu ft of cargo space compared to the Bronco's 20.6 cu ft. This comparison pits raw, high-torque off-road passion against measured, high-mileage suburban proficiency.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Subaru Outback

The Subaru Outback wins for commuters due to its superior 31 MPG highway rating and requirement for regular unleaded fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback provides greater utility with 34.6 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly beating the Bronco's 20.6 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Ford Bronco

The Bronco appeals to driving enthusiasts with its thrilling 300 hp, 325 lb-ft of torque, and available 7-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2026 Subaru Outback

The Outback offers better everyday running costs and a lower MSRP, saving buyers $5,500 upfront.

Choose the Ford Bronco if...

You crave maximum power output, boasting 300 hp for serious performance.
You insist on the visceral connection of a 7-speed manual transmission.
Your adventures require dedicated four-wheel drive capability and higher ground clearance.

Choose the Subaru Outback if...

You prioritize fuel savings, realizing 8 more MPG combined (27 MPG vs 19 MPG).
You need maximum hauling capability, benefiting from 34.6 cu ft of cargo room.
You prefer a lower initial investment, saving $5,500 off the base MSRP.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Bronco	Subaru Outback
Length	173.7"	191.7"
Width	75.9"	74.0"
Height	71.9"	67.5"
Wheelbase	100.4"	108.1"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	—
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Rear Headrests	2	3
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Driver Attention Alert	—	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓
Engine Immobilizer	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.3 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	300 hp @ 5700 rpm	180 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque	325 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm	178 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm
Number of Valves	16	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	7-speed manual	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	four wheel drive	all wheel drive
4WD System Type	Part Time	—
Transfer Case Gearing	Electronic Hi-Lo	—
Locking Hubs	Automatic	—
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/21 MPG	25/31 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	27 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	304.2/354.9 mi.	450.0/558.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.9 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	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓
Cargo Floor Mats	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Infotainment Display	12.0 in	12.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	7	6
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	—
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Front Head Room	41.0 in.	40.2 in.
Front Leg Room	43.1 in.	43.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	57.9 in.
Front Hip Room	56.3 in.	55.5 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	4-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	—
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	39.8 in.	40.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.7 in.	39.5 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	51.8 in.	57.4 in.
Rear Hip Room	43.3 in.	55.1 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Steel	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	16 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/70R16	225/60R H
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Matching	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Outside Rear Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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 and 2026 Subaru Outback.

What is the primary difference in driving dynamics between the 2026 Bronco and Outback?

The Bronco is built for aggressive off-road articulation and driver involvement, featuring 300 hp and 4WD with a manual option. In contrast, the Outback is optimized for on-road comfort, utilizing a smoother CVT automatic and 180 hp for predictable daily travel.

How much more will the Bronco cost to fuel annually compared to the Outback?

The Outback achieves 27 combined MPG while the Bronco manages only 19 combined MPG, leading to noticeably higher fuel expenditures for the Bronco, especially given the Bronco's recommendation for premium fuel.

Does the smaller size of the Bronco impact utility?

Yes, the Bronco has significantly less space, offering only 20.6 cu ft of cargo capacity. The Outback provides substantially more utility for families and hauling with 34.6 cu ft of space, and it is also nearly four inches longer in overall length.

Is the performance gap between the two vehicles significant?

The performance gap is vast; the 2026 Bronco delivers 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, dwarfing the Outback’s 180 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.

Which vehicle is cheaper to run regarding fuel requirements?

The Subaru Outback is cheaper as it runs on regular unleaded gasoline. The Ford Bronco recommends premium unleaded, adding another layer to its higher running costs.

Which vehicle is better for rigorous off-roading?

The 2026 Ford Bronco is the superior choice for rigorous off-roading due to its dedicated four-wheel drive system, rugged design, and higher output engine torque designed for challenging terrain.