2026 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2026 Subaru Crosstrek: Full Comparison
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport carries 32.5 cubic feet of cargo behind the rear seats, versus just 19.9 in the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek. The Bronco Sport also adds a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 display and standard G.O.A.T. terrain modes the Crosstrek does not offer. This page compares both SUVs on performance, space, and tech, with Bronco Sport inventory available at Koons Ford.
The Short Answer
The Bronco Sport wins for buyers who haul gear, need real towing capacity, or want a purpose-built off-road system in a compact SUV. The Crosstrek earns its place for commuters who prioritize fuel economy and a lower curb weight. Neither is a bad choice, but they are built for different drivers.
Specs Head-to-Head
| Spec | 2026 Ford Bronco Sport | 2026 Subaru Crosstrek |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L EcoBoost 3-cyl Turbo | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-cyl |
| Horsepower | 180 hp (1.5L) / 250 hp (2.0L Badlands) | 182 hp |
| Torque | 200 lb-ft (1.5L) / 280 lb-ft (2.0L) | 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | Lineartronic CVT |
| Drivetrain | Standard 4x4 AWD | Symmetrical AWD |
| EPA MPG (city/hwy) | 25/30 (1.5L) | 26/33 |
| Ground Clearance | 8.8 in | 9.3 in |
| Towing | 2,200 lbs (up to 2,700 lbs on Badlands) | 1,500 lbs |
| Cargo (behind 2nd row) | 32.5 cu ft | 19.9 cu ft |
| Max Cargo | 65.2 cu ft | 54.9 cu ft |
| Length | 173.1 in | 176.4 in |
| Height | 70.4 in | 62.8 in |
| Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 5 yr / 60,000 mi |
EPA fuel economy ratings for Bronco Sport
EPA fuel economy ratings for Crosstrek
Performance and Powertrain
The Bronco Sport's 1.5L EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder produces 180 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque, routed through an 8-speed automatic. Step up to the Badlands trim and the 2.0L EcoBoost four-cylinder raises output to 250 hp and 280 lb-ft, making it the stronger performer in this class. The Badlands also upgrades to an Advanced 4x4 system with a twin-clutch rear drive unit, which actively distributes torque between wheels rather than relying on a passive AWD setup.
The Crosstrek responds with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter BOXER four-cylinder, rated at 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT. The CVT keeps the Crosstrek smooth in everyday commuting, but it does not offer the same off-the-line torque feel that a turbocharged motor with a traditional automatic delivers. The Bronco Sport's 8-speed automatic also allows for SelectShift paddle-shifter control on the Badlands trim, giving the driver more engagement when descending a grade or navigating terrain.
Towing is where the gap becomes clear. The Bronco Sport tows up to 2,200 lbs on 1.5L trims and up to 2,700 lbs on the Badlands. The Crosstrek is rated for 1,500 lbs.
Bronco Sport trim details and powertrain options
Interior, Space, and Cargo
The Bronco Sport is the taller vehicle at 70.4 inches, and that height translates into a more upright, truck-like cabin feel. First-row headroom reaches 41.5 inches without a moonroof, and second-row legroom measures 36.9 inches. Cargo behind the second row checks in at 32.5 cubic feet, expanding to 65.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. That cargo figure is not close to the Crosstrek's 19.9 cubic feet behind the second row.
The Crosstrek sits 62.8 inches tall, which is noticeably lower, and its narrower profile shows up in interior dimensions. Its rear cargo number is the most significant practical difference in this comparison. Buyers who regularly carry outdoor gear, a stroller, luggage for a group, or equipment for weekend projects will feel that 12.6-cubic-foot gap on every trip.
Both vehicles seat five passengers. The Bronco Sport offers 57.3 inches of first-row shoulder room and 55.6 inches in the second row.
Technology and Safety
The Bronco Sport ships with a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen as standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, Alexa Built-In, over-the-air software updates, and a Ford Connectivity Package that includes a Wi-Fi hotspot and connected navigation for the first year. An available Bang and Olufsen 10-speaker audio system with a dedicated subwoofer rounds out the audio options for buyers who care about sound quality.
The Crosstrek pairs an 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK touchscreen (on Premium and above) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System is available on Limited and above trims.
On the safety side, the Bronco Sport's standard suite includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Detection, BLIS Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with Automatic Braking, Lane-Keeping Assist with Road Edge Detection, and Automatic High Beams. The Crosstrek's EyeSight system covers pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and advanced adaptive cruise with lane centering. Both packages are thorough, though the Bronco Sport's Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with Automatic Braking and Road Edge Detection are notable specifics not mentioned in the Crosstrek's standard list.
The Bronco Sport also includes the Terrain Management System with G.O.A.T. modes, letting the driver optimize traction settings for mud, sand, slippery surfaces, rock crawl, and other conditions without leaving the cabin.
Bronco Sport safety features and standard tech
Value and Ownership
Both vehicles carry identical warranty structures: a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper coverage and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Bronco Sport adds a 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance program and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion perforation warranty.
On fuel economy, the Crosstrek holds the advantage at 26 city/33 highway versus the Bronco Sport's 25 city/30 highway on the 1.5L. That difference is most relevant for high-mileage commuters. Buyers who move to the Bronco Sport's Badlands 2.0L will see 21 city/27 highway, a larger gap.
The Bronco Sport's standard content at each trim level is a meaningful part of the ownership story. SYNC 4, wireless phone integration, and a full terrain management system are not reserved for upper trims. The Crosstrek limits its larger 11.6-inch screen and certain tech features to Premium and above, which changes the effective standard-content comparison depending on which trim a buyer actually purchases.
Bronco Sport warranty and ownership details
Which One Should You Buy
Choose the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport if: You haul cargo regularly and 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat matters more than peak fuel economy. You want a purpose-built off-road terrain management system, not just an AWD badge. You tow a small trailer, bike rack, or kayak trailer and need more than 1,500 lbs of rated capacity. You want a larger touchscreen at standard trim levels. Buyers in the Annapolis area who use their SUV for Bay area weekends, trail access, or hauling gear will find the Bronco Sport's utility genuinely useful rather than theoretical.
Choose the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek if: Your priority is peak highway fuel economy and you stay mostly on-road. You prefer a lower roofline, a lighter curb weight, or the specific feel of a naturally aspirated CVT powertrain. The Wilderness trim may appeal to a niche of Crosstrek buyers who want Subaru's off-road-tuned variant, though towing capacity remains lower than the Bronco Sport regardless of trim.
See the 2026 Bronco Sport at Koons Ford in Annapolis
Koons Ford carries the Bronco Sport across multiple trim levels, from the Big Bend and Heritage to the trail-ready Badlands. If the cargo advantage, the towing capacity, and the SYNC 4 system put the Bronco Sport on your short list, the next step is seeing one in person. Visit Koons Ford in Annapolis to walk through the trims, sit in the cabin, and compare the available wheel and color configurations side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport have more cargo space than the Subaru Crosstrek?
Yes. The Bronco Sport offers 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, compared to 19.9 cubic feet in the Crosstrek. With the rear seats folded, the Bronco Sport expands to 65.2 cubic feet.
Which has better fuel economy, the Bronco Sport or the Crosstrek?
The Crosstrek is more fuel-efficient, rated at 26 city/33 highway on the 2.5L. The Bronco Sport's 1.5L EcoBoost earns 25 city/30 highway. The Badlands 2.0L rates 21 city/27 highway.
Can the 2026 Bronco Sport tow more than the Crosstrek?
Yes. The Bronco Sport tows up to 2,200 lbs on 1.5L trims and up to 2,700 lbs on the Badlands. The Crosstrek is rated for 1,500 lbs.
What off-road features does the Bronco Sport have that the Crosstrek does not?
The Bronco Sport includes the Terrain Management System with G.O.A.T. modes (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain), which allows the driver to select specific terrain settings including mud, sand, and rock crawl. The Crosstrek does not offer a comparable terrain mode system.
Is the Bronco Sport's touchscreen larger than the Crosstrek's?
Yes. The Bronco Sport comes standard with a 13.2-inch SYNC 4 display. The Crosstrek offers an 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK screen on Premium and above trims.
Do both vehicles have the same warranty?
The core powertrain and basic warranties match: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain on both. The Bronco Sport adds a 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance program and a 5-year/unlimited-mile corrosion perforation warranty.
Which has more horsepower, the Bronco Sport or the Crosstrek?
At base engine level they are nearly identical: 180 hp for the Bronco Sport's 1.5L versus 182 hp for the Crosstrek's 2.5L. The Bronco Sport Badlands, with its 2.0L EcoBoost, produces 250 hp, making it the most powerful option in this comparison.
Where can I test drive the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport near Annapolis?
Koons Ford in Annapolis carries the 2026 Bronco Sport in multiple trims. Use the links on this page to view current inventory or schedule a test drive.
