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2026 Ford Bronco vs 2026 Subaru Outback

Price, size, cabin, cargo, towing, safety and ownership side by side. Every value comes from the cited sources in each model-year profile, and gaps stay labeled instead of guessed.

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Swap A and B

Key differences

Where the published numbers differ

No overall winner: each line is one source-backed figure. Decide which ones matter for how you will use the SUV.

ABronco has

No higher published figure among the compared fields.

BOutback has

  • Starting pricelower starting price by $5,800

=Same figure

None of the compared fields are identical.

Head-to-head

The numbers, side by side

Bars share one scale starting at zero, so small real differences are not exaggerated. Where a profile lists several figures, the highest published one is used.

BroncoOutback
Starting price2026 Subaru Outback: lower starting price by $5,800
$40,795
$34,995
Rear legroomVaries by trim or option; compare the exact configuration
35.7 in 2-door; 36.3 in 4-door
39.5 in

Decision snapshot

Six buyer questions, without an overall winner.

Each card compares one documented criterion. A lead is shown only when both source-backed values use a compatible measurement; otherwise the raw facts stay visible and the criterion stays unresolved.

Starting priceStarting MSRP
ABronco$40,795Manufacturer-published U.S. specification
BOutback$34,995Premium

2026 Subaru Outback has lower published starting MSRP by $5,800.

EfficiencyGas / base fuel economy
ABroncoConfiguration-specificEngine, body, tires and axle ratio matter
BOutback25 city / 31 highway mpgSubaru published estimates

The current profiles do not provide two normalized values that can be compared safely.

Maximum cargoMaximum cargo volume
ABroncoNot verifiedNo source-backed value in this profile
BOutback80.5 cu ftSubaru published figure

The current profiles do not provide two normalized values that can be compared safely.

Rear-seat roomRear legroom
ABronco35.7 in 2-door; 36.3 in 4-doorManufacturer-published U.S. specification
BOutback39.5 inSubaru U.S. specification

2026 Subaru Outback has more published rear/second-row legroom by 3.2 in.

Maximum towingMaximum towing
ABroncoNot verifiedNo source-backed value in this profile
BOutback2,700 lbProperly equipped

The current profiles do not provide two normalized values that can be compared safely.

Basic warrantyNew-vehicle / basic warranty
ABroncoVerify 2026 VIN/model-year bookletCoverage can vary by component and in-service date
BOutbackConfirm the 2026 Subaru warranty bookletCoverage tied to in-service date and mileage

The current profiles do not provide two normalized values that can be compared safely.

Table view

At a glance

Key specifications

4 of 8 differ
Research fieldA2026 Ford BroncoB2026 Subaru Outback
Starting MSRPDifferent$40,795Manufacturer-published U.S. specification$34,995Premium
Primary engine / systemDifferent2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinderManufacturer-published U.S. specification2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinderSubaru U.S. specification
DrivetrainDifferent4x4Manufacturer-published U.S. specificationSymmetrical AWDStandard
Maximum cargoDifferentUp to 83.0 cu ft4-door soft top80.5 cu ft2026 published figure
Primary outputData gap—No source-backed value verified yet180 hp2.5L BOXER
SeatingData gap—No source-backed value verified yet52026 Subaru U.S. specification
Cargo behind rear seatData gap—No source-backed value verified yet34.6 cu ftSubaru published figure
Maximum towingData gap—No source-backed value verified yet2,700 lbProperly equipped

Price & trims

Pricing and trim lineup

4 of 4 differ
Research fieldA2026 Ford BroncoB2026 Subaru Outback
Starting MSRPDifferent$40,795Manufacturer-published U.S. specification$34,995Premium
Entry trimDifferentBase / Big Bend · 2026 lineup2.3L EcoBoost availablePremium · $34,9952.5L naturally aspirated
Highest listed trimDifferentRaptor · 2026 trimHigh-performance off-roadTouring XT · $47,9952.4L turbo
Trim lineupDifferentBase / Big Bend · Outer Banks / Badlands · Raptor3 researched trimsPremium · Limited · Touring · Wilderness · Limited XT · Touring XT6 researched trims

Performance

Engine, output and drivetrain

2 of 6 differ
Research fieldA2026 Ford BroncoB2026 Subaru Outback
Engine / primary systemDifferent2.3L EcoBoost four-cylinderManufacturer-published U.S. specification2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinderSubaru U.S. specification
DrivetrainDifferent4x4Manufacturer-published U.S. specificationSymmetrical AWDStandard
Primary outputData gap—No source-backed value verified yet180 hp / 178 lb-ftSubaru U.S. specification
High-output / turbo engineData gap—No source-backed value verified yet2.4L turbo SUBARU BOXERWilderness and XT models
High-output / turbo powerData gap—No source-backed value verified yet260 hp / 277 lb-ftSubaru U.S. specification
TransmissionData gap—No source-backed value verified yetLineartronic CVTSubaru U.S. specification

Fuel & efficiency

Fuel and efficiency details

1 of 3 differ
Research fieldA2026 Ford BroncoB2026 Subaru Outback
Gas / base fuel economyDifferentConfiguration-specificEngine, body, tires and axle ratio matter25 city / 31 highway mpgSubaru published estimates
AWD / alternate fuel economyData gap—No source-backed value verified yet21 city / 29 highway mpgSubaru published estimates
Off-road trim fuel economyData gap—No source-backed value verified yet21 city / 27 highway mpgSubaru published estimates

Size & footprint

Exterior dimensions

0 of 5 differ
Research fieldA2026 Ford BroncoB2026 Subaru Outback
WheelbaseData gap—No source-backed value verified yet108.1 inSubaru U.S. specification
Overall lengthData gap—No source-backed value verified yet191.7 inSubaru U.S. specification
Overall widthData gap—No source-backed value verified yet74.0 inSubaru U.S. specification
Ground clearanceData gap—No source-backed value verified yet8.7 inMost trims
Off-road ground clearanceData gap—No source-backed value verified yet9.5 inWilderness specification

Cabin

Interior space and seating

2 of 6 differ
Research fieldA2026 Ford BroncoB2026 Subaru Outback
Front legroomDifferent43.1 inManufacturer-published U.S. specification43.0 inSubaru U.S. specification
Rear legroomDifferent35.7 in 2-door; 36.3 in 4-doorManufacturer-published U.S. specification39.5 inSubaru U.S. specification
SeatingData gap—No source-backed value verified yet52026 Subaru U.S. specification
Front headroomData gap—No source-backed value verified yetUp to 41.0 inRoof equipment dependent
Rear headroomData gap—No source-backed value verified yet40.5 inSubaru U.S. specification
Passenger volumeData gap—No source-backed value verified yetUp to 112.3 cu ftWithout moonroof

Cargo

Cargo space and practical measurements

0 of 8 differ
Research fieldA2026 Ford BroncoB2026 Subaru Outback
Cargo behind rear seatData gap—No source-backed value verified yet34.6 cu ftSubaru published figure
Maximum cargo volumeData gap—No source-backed value verified yet80.5 cu ftSubaru published figure
Cargo length, seats upData gap—No source-backed value verified yet42.8 in2026 published specification
Cargo length, seats foldedData gap—No source-backed value verified yet75.9 in2026 published specification
Width between wheel housingsData gap—No source-backed value verified yet43.3 in2026 published specification
Hatch-opening widthData gap—No source-backed value verified yet44.3 in2026 published specification
Hatch-opening heightData gap—No source-backed value verified yet31.5 in2026 published specification
Cargo-area heightData gap—No source-backed value verified yet34.1 in2026 published specification

Utility

Towing, seating and capability

1 of 4 differ
Research fieldA2026 Ford BroncoB2026 Subaru Outback
All-wheel driveDifferent4x4Manufacturer-published U.S. specificationSymmetrical AWDStandard
Maximum towingData gap—No source-backed value verified yet2,700 lbProperly equipped
Cargo behind rear seatData gap—No source-backed value verified yet34.6 cu ftSubaru published figure
Maximum cargoData gap—No source-backed value verified yet80.5 cu ftSubaru published figure

Safety

Published safety ratings

0 of 4 differ
Research fieldA2026 Ford BroncoB2026 Subaru Outback
IIHS small overlap frontData gap—No source-backed value verified yetGood2026 rating
IIHS updated moderate overlap frontData gap—No source-backed value verified yetGood2026 rating
IIHS updated sideData gap—No source-backed value verified yetGood2026 rating
IIHS headlightsData gap—No source-backed value verified yetGood2026 rating

Ownership

Warranty and service planning

1 of 1 differ
Research fieldA2026 Ford BroncoB2026 Subaru Outback
New-vehicle / basic warrantyDifferentVerify 2026 VIN/model-year bookletCoverage can vary by component and in-service dateConfirm the 2026 Subaru warranty bookletCoverage tied to in-service date and mileage

Safety systems

Driver-assistance equipment and context

A2026 Ford

Bronco

Driver-assistance equipment is kept separate from crash ratings. Check the exact 2026 model on IIHS and NHTSA before relying on a rating or award.

  • Automatic emergency braking / forward-collision features
  • Lane-support features
  • Blind-spot systems where equipped
  • Check trim for available advanced driver assistance
B2026 Subaru

Outback

The redesigned 2026 Outback earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award. Subaru also makes EyeSight, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking and DriverFocus part of the new-generation safety story.

  • EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
  • Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist
  • Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Reverse Automatic Braking
  • DriverFocus distraction mitigation

Cabin technology

Infotainment, connectivity and convenience

A2026 Ford

Bronco

  • Infotainment and phone integration vary by trim.
  • Camera, parking and premium-audio features vary by equipment.
  • Connected-services availability and trial periods can change.
B2026 Subaru

Outback

  • A 12.1-inch center touchscreen is standard on the redesigned 2026 Outback.
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are integrated into the current STARLINK system.
  • DriverFocus is standard in the new-generation equipment strategy.
  • Upper trims add comfort, audio and driver-assistance equipment without changing the core cabin dimensions.

Evidence ledger

Source links and research freshness

Buying context

What to check before choosing a trim

A2026 Ford

Bronco

  1. Do not combine two-door and four-door cargo figures.
  2. Hardtop and soft-top four-door models publish different cargo volumes.
  3. Off-road packages change dimensions and fuel economy.
Research caveat

Use the exact trim, drivetrain, roof equipment and powertrain when a number is configuration-sensitive. Cargo volume does not prove that a rigid item fits through the hatch; measure the exact vehicle for close-fit use cases.

Updated 2026-09-232 research sources
B2026 Subaru

Outback

  1. This redesign is large enough that 2025 dimensions should not be used as substitutes for 2026 fit questions.
  2. The 2.5L is the efficiency-focused choice; the turbo is the relevant configuration for shoppers who need the higher tow rating or stronger acceleration.
  3. The hatch opening is lower than the maximum interior cargo height, so a tall rigid item can be limited by the doorway before the cabin itself.
  4. The 80.5-cu-ft maximum cargo figure and 75.9-inch folded floor length make the Outback unusually well documented for long-load planning.
Research caveat

Maximum hatch width, lower hatch width, wheel-housing width and internal maximum width describe different points. SUVLook keeps those fields separate so a larger number is not mistaken for guaranteed rectangular clearance.

Updated 2026-09-163 research sources

Keep comparing

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Popular comparisons

Well-known rivalries with full side-by-side research, each built from the cited sources in both SUVs' profiles.