VS
At a Glance
Power
275hp @ 5700
180hp @ 5800
Torque
315lb-ft @ 3400
178lb-ft @ 4400
Fuel
18 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Towing
3500lbs
2700lbs
Engine
2.3 L/140ci
2.5 L/152ci
Choosing between the Ford Bronco and the Subaru Outback is one of the most common decisions car buyers in the United States face. The Ford Bronco delivers 275hp @ 5700 while the Subaru Outback produces 180hp @ 5800. On fuel, the Bronco returns 18 mpg est. while the Outback uses 28 mpg est. — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at $48,890 for the Bronco and $41,715 for the Outback. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Specification
Ford BroncoBadlands 2 Door Advanced 4x4 2026 - From $48,890
Subaru OutbackLimited AWD 2026 - From $41,715
Performance
Power Output (hp)
275hp @ 5700
180hp @ 5800
Torque (lb-ft)
315lb-ft @ 3400
178lb-ft @ 4400
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2.3 L/140ci
2.5 L/152ci
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Gasoline
Forced Induction Device
Turbocharged
—
Transmission
Manual
Automatic
Number of Gears
7
—
Drive Wheels
Four Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy (Combined, est.)
18 mpg est.
28 mpg est.
Fuel Economy - City (mpg)
17mpg
25mpg
Fuel Economy - Highway (mpg)
18mpg
31mpg
Fuel Tank Capacity (gal)
16.9gal
18gal
Dimensions
Length (in)
173.7in
191.7in
Width (in)
75.9in
74in
Height (in)
73.8in
67.5in
Wheelbase (in)
100.4in
108.1in
Curb Weight (lbs)
4705lbs
3799lbs
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity (lbs)
3500lbs
2700lbs
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Backup Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Rear Parking Aid
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Power Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Trailer Hitch
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Bronco
Fuel Economy
Outback
Value
Outback
Practicality
Bronco
Pros & Cons
Ford Bronco
Higher towing capacity (3500lbs)
Higher fuel consumption (18 mpg est.)
Higher starting price
Subaru Outback
Better fuel economy (28 mpg est.)
Lower starting price ($41,715)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Bronco or Outback?
The Bronco gets 18 mpg est. and the Outback gets 28 mpg est. on the combined cycle. The Outback is the more fuel-efficient choice. In real-world conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, actual figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Bronco or Outback?
The Bronco produces 275hp @ 5700 and 315lb-ft @ 3400 of torque while the Outback delivers 180hp @ 5800 and 178lb-ft @ 4400 of torque. The Bronco is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Bronco and Outback?
The Bronco starts from $48,890 and the Outback from $41,715. The Outback is cheaper by $7,175 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Bronco or Outback?
The Bronco has a braked towing capacity of 3500lbs and the Outback can tow 2700lbs. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Bronco or the Outback?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the mpg figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day driving - commutes, school runs and highway trips - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.