2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend vs 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost
This is not a spec comparison. It is a decision about whether you need a compact SUV or a sports car. Key numbers: $8,745 price gap, 181 vs 315 hp, 27 vs 26 MPG.
The Bronco Sport Big Bend leads on $8,745 less, AWD. The Mustang EcoBoost leads on 134 more hp, 160 more lb-ft torque. The spec table compares 5 specifications head to head.
Key Differences at a Glance
What's Actually Different
These two vehicles differ in 5 specifications.
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.
| Spec | 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend | 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $31,695 | $40,440 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 1.5L I3 Turbo | 2.3L I4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 181 hp | 315 hp |
| Torque | 190 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 25 | 22 |
| Highway MPG | 30 | 33 |
| Combined MPG | 27 | 26 |
| Fuel Tank | 16.0 gal | 16.0 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | No published data | $1,700/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | No published data | 3,741 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 107.0" |
| Length | 172.7" | 189.4" |
| Width | 74.3" | 75.5" |
| Height | 70.2" | 55.2" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend and 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost?
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend starts at $31,695, $8,745 less than the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost at $40,440. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $154/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 want to keep $8,745 in your pocket and the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $59/year less on fuel; you drive in snow, rain, or unpaved roads where AWD keeps you planted.
Who should choose the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost?
The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is the stronger pick when you want the 134 hp advantage on backroads and highway on-ramps; your priority is driving engagement; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend or 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost?
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend rates 27 combined MPG, 1 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend or 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost?
The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost produces 315 hp, 134 more than the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend at 181 hp. The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost also leads in torque at 350 lb-ft vs 190 lb-ft. The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend runs a 1.5L I3 Turbo; the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost uses a 2.3L I4 Turbo. Drivetrains differ too: AWD on the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend, RWD on the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost.
Is the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend bigger than the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost?
The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is 16.7″ longer at 189.4″ vs 172.7″. The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost has a 1.9″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom. Keep in mind these are different vehicle types (compact SUV vs sports car), so interior layout and cargo access are fundamentally different.
Do the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend and 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost have the same drivetrain?
No. The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend comes with AWD, while the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost uses RWD. If you drive in snow, heavy rain, or on unpaved roads, the all-wheel or four-wheel drive option provides better traction. If you mostly drive on dry pavement, the two-wheel drive option saves fuel.
Can I cross-shop a compact SUV against a sports car?
Yes, and many buyers do. A compact SUV and a sports car solve different problems, so the comparison is less about specs and more about lifestyle. Think about what you need most: cargo room and passenger space. The spec table above helps you compare the numbers, but a test drive is where you will feel the difference in daily use.
Explore more: Ford trims, Ford Bronco Sport trims, Ford Mustang trims
How the Bronco Sport and Mustang Stack Up
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend is a compact SUV; the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is a sports car. They share a price range but not a purpose, which makes this comparison about lifestyle priorities, not trim-level features. The $8,745 gap adds up to $154/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
Powertrain: Bronco Sport vs Mustang
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend runs a 1.5L I3 Turbo; the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost uses a 2.3L I4 Turbo. The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost has 134 more hp (315 vs 181). That is a significant performance gap that changes the character of the car. The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost adds 160 more lb-ft of torque (350 vs 190), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend comes with AWD; the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost uses RWD. If you deal with snow, rain, or gravel roads, that traction advantage matters.
What It Actually Costs to Own
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend saves roughly $59/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $295.
Size, Space, and Daily Reality
The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend is designed around passenger space, cargo flexibility, and a higher seating position. The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is tuned for driving engagement over practicality. These are fundamentally different vehicles, so the comparison comes down to what job you need done, not which one is objectively better. The 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is 16.7″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend when you want to keep $8,745 in your pocket and the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost when you want the 134 hp advantage on backroads and highway on-ramps. At $154/month more, the 2026 Ford Mustang EcoBoost needs to earn that gap with something you use weekly.
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 any dealership.