2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands vs 2025 Subaru Forester Touring
$1,330 less and 70 more hp vs 4 MPG better and 10.6″ longer. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $1,330 price gap, 250 vs 180 hp, 24 vs 28 MPG.
The Bronco Sport Badlands leads on $1,330 less, 70 more hp. The Forester Touring leads on 4 MPG better, 10.6″ longer. 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 | 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands | 2025 Subaru Forester Touring |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $40,265 | $41,595 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 Turbo | 2.5L flat 4 |
| Horsepower | 250 hp | 180 hp |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 21 | 25 |
| Highway MPG | 28 | 32 |
| Combined MPG | 24 | 28 |
| Fuel Tank | 16.0 gal | 16.6 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,800/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | No published data | 3,664 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 105.1" |
| Length | 172.7" | 183.3" |
| Width | 74.3" | 72.0" |
| Height | 71.4" | 68.1" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| IIHS Award | No published data | TSP+ |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 5yr/60k | 3yr/36k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands and 2025 Subaru Forester Touring?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands starts at $40,265, $1,330 less than the 2025 Subaru Forester Touring at $41,595. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $23/month. All prices are MSRP before destination and dealer fees.
Who should choose the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands is the stronger pick when you want to keep $1,330 in your pocket and the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands covers your needs; the extra 70 hp matters for your commute or driving style; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.
Who should choose the 2025 Subaru Forester Touring?
The 2025 Subaru Forester Touring is the stronger pick when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $250/year less on fuel; you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands or 2025 Subaru Forester Touring?
The 2025 Subaru Forester Touring rates 28 combined MPG, 4 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands or 2025 Subaru Forester Touring?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands produces 250 hp, 70 more than the 2025 Subaru Forester Touring at 180 hp. The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands also leads in torque at 277 lb-ft vs 178 lb-ft. The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands runs a 2.0L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Subaru Forester Touring uses a 2.5L flat 4.
Is the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands bigger than the 2025 Subaru Forester Touring?
The 2025 Subaru Forester Touring 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
The Bronco Sport–Forester Decision
Cross-shopping compact SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the Bronco Sport and Forester compare. The $1,330 gap is about $23/month on a 60-month loan. Noticeable but not dramatic enough to be the deciding factor on its own.
What Powers Each Vehicle
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands runs a 2.0L I4 Turbo; the 2025 Subaru Forester Touring uses a 2.5L flat 4. The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands has 70 more hp (250 vs 180). You will feel the difference merging, passing, and driving with a full car. The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands adds 99 more lb-ft of torque (277 vs 178), giving it stronger low-end pull off the line. Both use AWD.
The Ownership Math
The 2025 Subaru Forester Touring saves roughly $250/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $1,250. The fuel savings help offset the higher sticker price, but it takes roughly 5.3 years to break even. Most buyers will not hold the vehicle that long.
Living With the Bronco Sport vs the Forester
The 2025 Subaru Forester Touring is 10.6″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages.
The Decision
Choose the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands when you want to keep $1,330 in your pocket and the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands covers your needs. Choose the 2025 Subaru Forester Touring when lower running costs matter to you, roughly $250/year less on fuel. At $23/month apart, the price difference alone will not decide this.
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.