Bronco Sport vs Outback
Two makers, one class, one decision: the Bronco Sport from Ford or the Outback from Subaru. The gap between the Bronco Sport and the Outback is narrow enough that price, looks or habit could reasonably tip it.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
Design & Size
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
There’s little to choose between them when it comes to engine & performance. Neither car gives you a reason to choose it on engine & performance.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
If space & practicality matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. The takeaway: space & practicality is not where these two differ.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
In the off-road & towing category, the Bronco Sport and the Outback land in almost the same place. Both cover off-road & towing well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Safety & Tech
The safety & tech entries below are descriptive rather than numeric. Read them side by side to see where the Bronco Sport and the Outback part ways.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Bronco Sport | Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo I3 | 2.5L flat-4 |
| Total system output | 180 hp | 182 hp |
| Torque | N/A (not specified) | 176 lb-ft Least torque in class |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | CVT |
| Drivetrain | 4x4 | AWD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Bronco Sport | Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | N/A (not specified) | 28 mpg |
| Fuel economy (city) | N/A (not specified) | 26 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | N/A (not specified) | 32 mpg |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Bronco Sport | Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Bronco Sport | Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 8.70 in |
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 2,700 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Bronco Sport | Outback |
|---|---|---|
| Driver-assist suite | N/A (not specified) | Subaru EyeSight |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Bronco Sport if…
- you trust Ford and want to keep things familiar
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Bronco Sport or the Outback?
The Bronco Sport and the Outback split the comparison (the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the Bronco Sport, the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the Outback), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Executive Summary
Cross-brand comparisons are where I find the real differences in philosophy, and the Bronco Sport versus the Outback shows that nicely.
Your priorities do the choosing here: the things a spec sheet can’t capture points to the Bronco Sport, the things a spec sheet can’t capture to the Outback.
My pick: whichever matches your priority, since the things a spec sheet can’t capture means the Bronco Sport and the things a spec sheet can’t capture means the Outback.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.