2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands vs 2026 Subaru Ascent Touring
$10,900 less and 2 mpg better vs 24.1″ longer. That is the real fork. Key numbers: $10,900 price gap, 250 vs 260 hp, 24 vs 22 MPG.
The Bronco Sport Badlands leads on $10,900 less, 2 MPG better. The Ascent Touring leads on 24.1″ 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 | 2026 Subaru Ascent Touring |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $40,265 | $51,165 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 Turbo | 2.4L flat 4 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 250 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 21 | 19 |
| Highway MPG | 28 | 26 |
| Combined MPG | 24 | 22 |
| Fuel Tank | 16.0 gal | 19.3 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,800/yr | $2,000/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | No published data | 4,590 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 113.8" |
| Length | 172.7" | 196.8" |
| Width | 74.3" | 76.0" |
| Height | 71.4" | 71.6" |
| 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 | 3yr/36k |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands and 2026 Subaru Ascent Touring?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands starts at $40,265, $10,900 less than the 2026 Subaru Ascent Touring at $51,165. On a 60-month loan that is roughly $192/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 $10,900 in your pocket and the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands covers your needs; lower running costs matter to you, roughly $159/year less on fuel; you prefer a smaller vehicle that is easier to park and maneuver.
Who should choose the 2026 Subaru Ascent Touring?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent Touring is the stronger pick when you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo.
Which gets better fuel economy, the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands or 2026 Subaru Ascent Touring?
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands rates 24 combined MPG, 2 MPG ahead.
Which is more powerful, the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands or 2026 Subaru Ascent Touring?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent Touring produces 260 hp, 10 more than the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands at 250 hp. The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands runs a 2.0L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Subaru Ascent Touring uses a 2.4L flat 4 Turbo.
Is the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands bigger than the 2026 Subaru Ascent Touring?
The 2026 Subaru Ascent Touring is 24.1″ longer at 196.8″ vs 172.7″. The 2026 Subaru Ascent Touring has a 8.7″ longer wheelbase, which typically means more rear-seat legroom.
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 Ascent trims
The Bronco Sport–Ascent Decision
Cross-shopping compact SUVs means weighing interior space, ride quality, and ownership costs. Here is how the Bronco Sport and Ascent compare. The $10,900 gap adds up to $192/month on a 60-month loan. That is real money, so the pricier option needs to earn it with capabilities you will actually use.
What Powers Each Vehicle
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands runs a 2.0L I4 Turbo; the 2026 Subaru Ascent Touring uses a 2.4L flat 4 Turbo. The 10 hp difference (260 vs 250) is marginal in daily driving. Both use AWD.
The Ownership Math
The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands saves roughly $159/year on fuel at $3.50/gallon and 12,000 annual miles. Over five years, that is $795. The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands wins on both sticker price and running costs, making it the stronger value on paper.
Living With the Bronco Sport vs the Ascent
The 2026 Subaru Ascent Touring is 24.1″ longer, which translates to more room inside but a larger footprint in parking lots and garages. The 2026 Subaru Ascent Touring has a 8.7″ longer wheelbase, typically meaning a smoother ride and more rear-seat legroom.
The Decision
Choose the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands when you want to keep $10,900 in your pocket and the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Badlands covers your needs. Choose the 2026 Subaru Ascent Touring when you want the larger footprint for passengers or cargo. At $192/month more, the 2026 Subaru Ascent Touring 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 Subaru or any dealership.