Ford Bronco Sport vs. Subaru Outback
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Ford Bronco Sport and Subaru Outback contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Ford Bronco Sport and the Subaru Outback.
When we compare the Ford Bronco Sport's and the Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the Ford Bronco Sport has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars. The Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Ford Bronco Sport's and the Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the Subaru Outback is a better car than the Ford Bronco Sport.
Pricing: A used 2025 Ford Bronco Sport ranges from $28,900 to $40,477 while a used 2025 Subaru Outback is priced between $28,999 to $40,745. For a new model, the Ford Bronco Sport's price is between $30,577 and $43,626, with the Subaru Outback priced between $32,586 and $46,228.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Ford Bronco Sport loses 51.1 percent of its value and the Subaru Outback loses 43.3 percent of its value. This means the Subaru Outback retains 7.7 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Ford Bronco Sport.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Ford Bronco Sport’s base engine makes 180 horsepower, and the Subaru Outback base engine makes 182 horsepower. The Bronco Sport is rated to deliver an average of 27 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 480 miles. The Outback is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 592 miles. This gives the Subaru Outback the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Ford Bronco Sport. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are crossover/compact SUVs, the Subaru Outback has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Ford Bronco Sport has the advantage in the areas of front head room and rear head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Ford Bronco Sport and the Subaru Outback have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
30577 - 43626
Starting MSRP:
30995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
28836
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24135 - 30995
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
32586 - 46228
Starting MSRP:
29995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
28836
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
24135 - 30995
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
34051
Price Range:
28900 - 40477
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
32106
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
28107 - 36583
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
34524
Price Range:
28999 - 40745
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
32106
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
28107 - 36583
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
15950
Depreciation %:
0.51460714
Resale Value $:
15045
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.43208374
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.30791758 - 0.51647538
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
Depreciation %:
Resale Value $:
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Compact SUVs)
0.43208374
Category Depreciation Range:
(Compact SUVs)
0.30791758 - 0.51647538
Ford Bronco Sport Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.2 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Ford Bronco Sport
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Subaru Outback
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
11.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
9.6 - 15.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.253
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
9.291173650462083
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 16.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.448465751878131
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.6 - 16.1
Ford Bronco Sport Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
8 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 66Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
15 out of / 19Ranking
17 out of / 66Ranking
17 out of / 18Ranking
18 out of / 19Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
26 out of / 66Ranking
30 out of / 54Ranking
35 out of / 66Ranking
36 out of / 66Ranking
36 out of / 66Ranking
41 out of / 66Ranking
50 out of / 66Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 66Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 6Ranking
2 out of / 4Ranking
3 out of / 66Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 66Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
4 out of / 7Ranking
5 out of / 66Ranking
6 out of / 18Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 54Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
12 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 66Ranking
14 out of / 66Ranking
15 out of / 66Ranking
18 out of / 18Ranking
19 out of / 66Ranking
21 out of / 66Ranking
23 out of / 66Ranking
24 out of / 66Ranking
25 out of / 66Ranking
29 out of / 66Ranking
33 out of / 54Summary Review
The Ford Bronco Sport is a compact SUV that combines a comfortable ride with off-road capability. It was introduced for the 2021 model year as a smaller more road-friendly alternative to the Ford Bronco. The average new model costs $32,096.
Summary Review
The Subaru Outback has been a staple on American roads since its inception in 1994. Two different Subaru models, sold side-by-side, bore the Outback name: the wagon-style crossover-SUV we associate with the name today, and the Outback Sport, which eventually became the Crosstrek. The Outback is best known for its standard all-wheel drive, excellent utility, and all-weather capability. New models of the Outback average $36,354 and 3-year-old models average $25,939.
Pros and Cons
- Surprisingly strong off-road capability
- Comfortable and confident on-road manners
- Plenty of cargo space
- Excessive of wind noise at highway speeds
- Cramped rear seats
- Low fuel economy ratings
Pros and Cons
- Utilitarian with easy entry and exit and highly function cargo space
- Comfortable ride quality with an upscale interior
- Excellent all-weather and light off-road capability
- Not always fast or inspirational for driving enthusiasts
- Similarly-sized SUVs often have more cargo and passenger room
- Fuel economy can be less than expected
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Ford Bronco Sport Trim Levels
Badlands, Big Bend, Free Wheeling, Heritage, Outer Banks
Subaru Outback Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Limited XT, Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition XT, Premium, Touring, Touring XT, Wilderness
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
180 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
200 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.052 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
176 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
3
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
25 / 30 / 27
Range (city/hwy):
400 / 480 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 32 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
481 / 592 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41.5 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.3 inches
Rear Head Room:
41.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.6 inches
Cargo Space:
32.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
65.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
138.1 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.4 inches
Cargo Space:
32.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
141.6 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3458 lbs
Width:
82.2 inches
Height:
70.4 inches
Length:
173 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
7.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3641 lbs
Width:
82 inches
Height:
66.4 inches
Length:
191.1 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Shadow Black
Blue
Velocity Blue
Brown
Desert Sand
Gray
Azure Gray Metallic Tri-Coat / Carbonized Gray
Green
Eruption Green
Red
Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
White
Oxford White
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Cosmic Blue Pearl
Brown
Not available
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Green
Not available
Red
Not available
White
Crystal White Pearl
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Ebony
Gray
Medium Light Smoked Truffle
Interior Colors
Black
Slate Black
Gray
Not available
