Bronco Sport vs Outback: Which Suv Reigns Supreme?
Choosing your next adventure vehicle can feel overwhelming. Two popular contenders often top the list: the rugged Ford Bronco Sport and the versatile Subaru Outback. Both offer unique strengths, but which one truly deserves a spot in your driveway?
This comparison dives deep into the heart of the matter, pitting the Bronco Sport’s adventurous spirit against the Outback’s practicality. We’ll explore everything from off-road capabilities and interior comfort to fuel efficiency and overall value. Get ready to discover which SUV aligns best with your lifestyle.
Whether you’re planning weekend getaways or daily commutes, understanding the nuances of the Bronco Sport and Outback is crucial. We’ll break down the key differences, helping you make an informed decision. So, buckle up and prepare to explore the thrilling world of these two outstanding vehicles.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Bronco Sport | Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Options | 1.5L Turbo I3 / 2.0L Turbo I4 | 2.5L Flat-4 / 2.4L Turbo Flat-4 |
| Horsepower (max) | 250 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque (max) | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed Automatic | CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) |
| Drivetrain | 4×4 (standard on most trims) | AWD (standard) |
| Ground Clearance | Up to 8.8 inches | Up to 9.5 inches |
| Cargo Space (Behind Rear Seats) | 29-32.5 cubic feet | 32.6 cubic feet |
| Infotainment Screen | 8-inch touchscreen | 7- or 11.6-inch touchscreen |
| Standard Safety Features | Ford Co-Pilot360 | Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology |
| Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 25/29 mpg (2.0L) | 26/33 mpg (2.5L) |
| Off-Road Capability | Excellent | Good |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Off-Road Capability
- Bronco Sport: Equipped with standard all-wheel drive and a Terrain Management System with up to seven G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes, the Bronco Sport excels off-road. Its shorter wheelbase and higher ground clearance contribute to superior maneuverability on trails. However, it can feel less refined on-road compared to the Outback.
- Outback: Offers standard all-wheel drive with X-MODE for enhanced traction in challenging conditions. While capable, it’s geared more towards light off-roading and gravel roads. It prioritizes on-road comfort and fuel efficiency over extreme off-road prowess.
- Winner: Bronco Sport
Cargo Capacity
- Bronco Sport: Offers a practical cargo area with up to 65.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Its boxy design maximizes vertical space, making it easy to load bulky items. However, the cargo area can feel smaller than the Outback’s due to the overall vehicle size.
- Outback: Provides a larger cargo area, offering up to 75.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The Outback’s longer wheelbase contributes to a more spacious cargo area and easier access.
- Winner: Outback
Fuel Efficiency
- Bronco Sport: Fuel economy varies depending on the engine, but generally offers competitive MPG figures. The turbocharged engines may slightly sacrifice fuel economy for performance.
- Outback: Known for its excellent fuel efficiency, especially with the base engine. The Outback’s focus on fuel economy makes it a more cost-effective choice for daily driving.
- Winner: Outback
Technology & Infotainment
- Bronco Sport: Features a modern infotainment system with a touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Offers available features like a Bang & Olufsen sound system and Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assistance technologies.
- Outback: Boasts a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Includes Subaru’s EyeSight suite of advanced safety features.
- Winner: Tie
Ride Quality & Comfort
- Bronco Sport: Prioritizes off-road capability, which can result in a firmer ride on paved roads. The interior is functional but may not offer the same level of luxury as the Outback.
- Outback: Provides a smooth and comfortable ride, ideal for long journeys. The interior is well-appointed and offers a quiet cabin, focusing on passenger comfort.
- Winner: Outback
Price & Value
- Bronco Sport: Generally starts at a slightly lower price point than the Outback. Offers good value for its off-road capabilities and features.
- Outback: Offers a competitive price point, with several trims offering a range of features. The Outback’s overall value comes from its combination of practicality, safety, and fuel efficiency.
- Winner: Tie
Safety Features
- Bronco Sport: Includes Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assistance features, such as lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.
- Outback: Standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology, including adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, and lane departure warning. Known for high safety ratings.
- Winner: Outback
Towing Capacity
- Bronco Sport: Offers a maximum towing capacity, depending on the engine, with the higher-end trims offering more.
- Outback: Provides a decent towing capacity, suitable for light-duty towing.
- Winner: Bronco Sport
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Off-Road Capability | Bronco Sport |
| Cargo Space | Outback |
| Fuel Efficiency | Outback |
| On-Road Comfort | Outback |
| Styling | (Subjective – Depends on preference) |
What They Have in Common
- Seating Capacity: Both the Bronco Sport and Outback comfortably seat up to five passengers, making them suitable for families and groups.
- All-Wheel Drive (awd) Availability: Both vehicles offer all-wheel drive, providing enhanced traction and stability in various driving conditions, including snow and mud.
- Advanced Safety Features: Both models come equipped with a suite of advanced safety features designed to assist the driver and prevent accidents.
- Versatile Cargo Space: Both offer ample cargo space for luggage, groceries, and other everyday items. The rear seats can also be folded down to increase cargo capacity.
- Modern Infotainment Systems: Both vehicles boast modern infotainment systems with touchscreen displays, smartphone integration, and connectivity features.
Bronco Sport Vs Outback Buying Guide
Off-Road Capability
The Ford Bronco Sport and Subaru Outback both offer all-wheel drive, but their off-road prowess differs significantly. The Bronco Sport, particularly in its Badlands trim, boasts superior ground clearance, a more robust suspension, and features like a terrain management system with multiple drive modes, including “Goes Over Any Type of Terrain”. This enables it to tackle more challenging trails and obstacles. The Outback, while capable on unpaved roads and light trails, doesn’t match the Bronco Sport’s off-road hardware and specialized features. Its focus is more on all-weather capability and comfortable on-road driving.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
Fuel economy is a key consideration for many buyers. The Subaru Outback generally offers better fuel efficiency than the Ford Bronco Sport, especially in base trims. The Outback’s naturally aspirated engine provides respectable MPG figures, and its lower curb weight contributes to its efficiency. The Bronco Sport’s fuel economy varies depending on the engine and trim. While the base engine offers decent fuel economy, the more powerful turbocharged engines can be thirstier. Considering running costs, the Outback often has slightly lower insurance premiums and maintenance costs.
Interior Space and Comfort
Both vehicles provide comfortable interiors, but their strengths lie in different areas. The Subaru Outback excels in providing generous passenger space, particularly in the rear seats. It offers a spacious cabin and a large cargo area, making it ideal for families and those who prioritize interior volume. The Bronco Sport, while offering a functional interior, has a slightly smaller cabin, especially in the rear. However, it compensates with clever storage solutions and a more rugged aesthetic. The Outback prioritizes practicality, while the Bronco Sport blends practicality with a more adventurous style.
Technology and Features
Both the Bronco Sport and the Outback come equipped with a range of modern technology features. The Outback typically includes Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist suite as standard, which offers advanced safety features such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. The Bronco Sport offers similar driver-assist features and often includes a larger touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Both vehicles provide user-friendly infotainment systems, but the specific features and configurations may vary based on the trim level and options selected.
Safety Features and Ratings
Safety is a paramount concern for all car buyers. Both the Ford Bronco Sport and the Subaru Outback have earned high safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA. The Outback often scores slightly higher in certain crash tests, owing to its robust construction and standard safety features. The Bronco Sport, however, also provides a comprehensive suite of safety technologies and performs well in crash tests. Both vehicles are equipped with airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control systems. When considering safety, both are excellent choices.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The price point and value proposition are crucial factors in any purchasing decision. The Subaru Outback typically has a slightly lower starting price compared to the Ford Bronco Sport. The Outback’s trims offer a variety of features at different price points, providing options for various budgets. The Bronco Sport might have a slightly higher starting price, particularly for trims with more off-road capability and advanced features. However, the Bronco Sport’s unique appeal and rugged design may justify the price for some buyers. Ultimately, the best value depends on individual needs and priorities.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Bronco Sport If…
- You prioritize a more rugged and adventurous aesthetic.
- You frequently engage in light to moderate off-roading.
- You prefer a more compact vehicle that’s easier to maneuver in urban environments.
- You want a vehicle with a distinctive and youthful design.
Buy Outback If…
- You value a smoother, more comfortable on-road driving experience.
- You need a vehicle with slightly more cargo space.
- You prioritize fuel efficiency.
- You desire a vehicle with a reputation for reliability and resale value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference in off-road capability?
The primary difference lies in their hardware and focus. The Bronco Sport, especially in its Badlands trim, is engineered for more serious off-roading, with higher ground clearance, a more robust suspension, and specialized terrain management systems. The Outback offers all-wheel drive, but prioritizes all-weather capability and light trails. The Bronco Sport’s design incorporates features that allow for conquering more difficult off-road terrain.
Which vehicle is better for fuel efficiency?
The Subaru Outback generally offers better fuel efficiency than the Ford Bronco Sport. The Outback’s naturally aspirated engine and lower weight contribute to its respectable MPG figures. The Bronco Sport’s fuel economy varies depending on the engine and trim, with the turbocharged engines potentially being less efficient. This makes the Outback a more economical choice for those prioritizing fuel savings in their daily commute.
How do their interior spaces compare?
The Outback excels in passenger space, especially in the rear seats, providing a spacious cabin and a large cargo area, making it ideal for families. The Bronco Sport offers a functional interior, but with a slightly smaller cabin. It compensates with clever storage solutions and a more rugged aesthetic. The Outback prioritizes practicality, while the Bronco Sport blends practicality with a more adventurous style.
What technology features are available in both?
Both vehicles offer a range of modern technology features. The Outback typically includes Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist suite as standard, with adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. The Bronco Sport offers similar driver-assist features and often includes a larger touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Both provide user-friendly infotainment systems.
How do their safety ratings compare?
Both vehicles have earned high safety ratings from organizations like the IIHS and NHTSA. The Outback often scores slightly higher in certain crash tests. However, the Bronco Sport also provides a comprehensive suite of safety technologies and performs well in crash tests. Both are equipped with airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control systems. Both are excellent choices for safety.
What is the price difference between the Bronco Sport and Outback?
The Subaru Outback typically has a slightly lower starting price compared to the Ford Bronco Sport, making it more accessible to buyers on a budget. The Outback’s trims offer a variety of features at different price points. The Bronco Sport might have a slightly higher starting price, but its unique appeal and features may justify it for some buyers.
Which vehicle is more suitable for families?
The Subaru Outback is generally more suitable for families, thanks to its spacious interior, particularly in the rear seats, and larger cargo area. It offers ample room for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families. While the Bronco Sport is functional, the Outback prioritizes space and comfort, making it a better fit for those with children or frequent passengers.
Final Verdict
The Ford Bronco Sport and Subaru Outback are both excellent choices in the compact SUV segment. The Bronco Sport distinguishes itself with superior off-road capability and a more rugged design, appealing to adventure enthusiasts. The Outback, on the other hand, excels in passenger space, fuel efficiency, and a comprehensive suite of safety features, making it a great choice for families and those prioritizing practicality. The best choice depends on individual needs and preferences.
Winner: Bronco Sport