2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend vs 2025 Subaru Forester Base

On paper, the 2025 Subaru Forester Base wins on $1,700 less, 2 MPG better, 10.6″ longer. The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend has to win you at the dealer. Key numbers: 181 vs 180 hp, 27 vs 29 MPG.

The short answer

The Forester Base leads on $1,700 less, 2 MPG better, 10.6″ longer. The spec table compares 5 specifications head to head.

N/A
Price Gap
1 HP
HP Diff
2 MPG
Efficiency Diff
Vehicle A
2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend
Starts at $31,695
VS
Vehicle B
2025 Subaru Forester Base
Starts at $29,995

Key Differences at a Glance

Engine
1.5L I3 Turbo
vs
2.5L flat 4
Horsepower
181 hp
vs
180 hp
Torque
190 lb-ft
vs
178 lb-ft
Fuel Economy
27 MPG combined
vs
29 MPG combined
Fuel Tank
16.0 gal
vs
16.6 gal

What's Actually Different

These two vehicles differ in 5 specifications.

MSRP
$31,695Bronco Sport Big Bend
$29,995Forester Base
Engine
1.5L I3 TurboBronco Sport Big Bend
2.5L flat 4Forester Base
Horsepower
181 hpBronco Sport Big Bend
180 hpForester Base
Torque
190 lb-ftBronco Sport Big Bend
178 lb-ftForester Base
Transmission
8-speed shiftable automaticBronco Sport Big Bend
continuously variable-speed automaticForester Base
City MPG
25Bronco Sport Big Bend
26Forester Base
Highway MPG
30Bronco Sport Big Bend
33Forester Base
Combined MPG
27Bronco Sport Big Bend
29Forester Base
Fuel Tank
16.0 galBronco Sport Big Bend
16.6 galForester Base
Length
172.7"Bronco Sport Big Bend
183.3"Forester Base
Width
74.3"Bronco Sport Big Bend
72.0"Forester Base
Height
70.2"Bronco Sport Big Bend
68.1"Forester Base
Roadside Assistance
5yr/60kBronco Sport Big Bend
3yr/36kForester Base

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications and pricing reflect available data as of early 2026 and may not match current manufacturer figures. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision.

Spec2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend2025 Subaru Forester Base
Pricing
MSRP$31,695$29,995
Powertrain
Engine1.5L I3 Turbo2.5L flat 4
Horsepower181 hp180 hp
Torque190 lb-ft178 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed shiftable automaticcontinuously variable-speed automatic
DrivetrainAWDAWD
Fuel Economy
City MPG2526
Highway MPG3033
Combined MPG2729
Fuel Tank16.0 gal16.6 gal
Dimensions
Curb WeightNo published data3,510 lbs
Wheelbase105.1"105.1"
Length172.7"183.3"
Width74.3"72.0"
Height70.2"68.1"
Safety
NHTSA Overall5/5 stars5/5 stars
IIHS AwardNo published dataTSP+
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k3yr/36k
Powertrain5yr/60k5yr/60k
Corrosion5yr/unlimited5yr/unlimited
Roadside Assistance5yr/60k3yr/36k

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price difference between the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend and 2025 Subaru Forester Base?

The 2025 Subaru Forester Base starts at $29,995, $1,700 less than the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend at $31,695. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $30/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.

Who should choose the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend?

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend is the stronger pick when you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.

Who should choose the 2025 Subaru Forester Base?

The 2025 Subaru Forester Base is the stronger pick when you want to keep $1,700 in your pocket and the 2025 Subaru Forester Base covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $108/year less on fuel; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.

Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend or 2025 Subaru Forester Base?

The 2025 Subaru Forester Base rates 29 combined MPG, 2 MPG ahead.

Which is more powerful, the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend or 2025 Subaru Forester Base?

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend produces 181 hp, 1 more than the 2025 Subaru Forester Base at 180 hp. The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend also leads in torque at 190 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft. The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend runs a 1.5L I3 Turbo; the 2025 Subaru Forester Base uses a 2.5L flat 4.

Is the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend bigger than the 2025 Subaru Forester Base?

The 2025 Subaru Forester Base is 10.6″ longer at 183.3″ vs 172.7″.

How do the warranties compare?

Both offer similar warranty coverage: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain.

Explore more: Ford trims, Ford Bronco Sport trims, Subaru trims, Subaru Forester trims

Official sources

Bronco Sport vs Forester: What This Matchup Is Really About

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend and 2025 Subaru Forester Base sit in the compact SUV class, where cargo room, ride comfort, and family-friendly features define the competitive landscape. The $-1,700 gap is about $30/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.

Under the Hood

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend runs a 1.5L I3 Turbo; the 2025 Subaru Forester Base uses a 2.5L flat 4. The 1 hp difference (181 vs 180) is marginal in daily driving. Both use AWD.

Running Costs: Bronco Sport vs Forester

The 2025 Subaru Forester Base saves roughly $108/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $540.

How Each One Fits Your Daily Life

The 2025 Subaru Forester Base is 10.6″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages.

Bottom Line

Choose the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend when you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver. Choose the 2025 Subaru Forester Base when you want to keep $1,700 in your pocket and the 2025 Subaru Forester Base covers your needs.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Ford or Subaru or any dealership.

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