2026 Subaru Crosstrek vs. 2026 Ford Bronco Sport Comparison

If you’re in the market for a small SUV, the 2026 Subaru Crosstrek and Ford Bronco Sport might merit a deeper look.

The Bronco has a powerful, aggressive stance, some off-road capability, and several stylish special editions. The Subaru Crosstrek has wagon-like styling that stands out in an era of boxy SUVs, and off-road chops of its own.

Let’s see how the Crosstrek and Bronco Sport compare.

2026 Subaru Crosstrek

The Crosstrek is a reliable, functional, and comfortable subcompact SUV known for its wagon-like styling, standard all-wheel-drive (AWD), and strong resale value. It’s also one of Subaru’s bestsellers. This year, all Crosstrek models get the more powerful 2.5-liter engine. Also available is the new Crosstrek Hybrid that earns 36 mpg combined and has a driving range of up to 597 miles per tank.

Crosstrek Highlights

Pleasant, planted ride: If you haven’t experienced a Subaru, you might want to test drive one just for the feel. They’re unique, with a low-mounted engine that makes them feel unusually stable. In past years, Subaru gave base model Crosstreks a slightly underpowered engine. For 2026, it’s gone, and every model gets 180 horsepower — more than enough at this size. All Crosstrek models come equipped with Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD).

More off-road capability than you might think: The Crosstrek looks like a wagon while the Bronco Sport looks like an SUV. So, which one has greater ground clearance? It’s the Crosstrek, unless you spend extra for one of Ford’s more expensive off-road trims. Even before you consider the off-road-specialist Wilderness trim, the Crosstrek punches above its weight on the trail.

Eyesight Safety: Crosstrek features the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight suite of safety and driver-assist technologies. This well-reviewed package includes automatic emergency braking and steering, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, available blind-spot detection, and reverse automatic braking.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Crosstrek models near you. 

2026 Ford Bronco Sport

The Ford Bronco Sport is the baby of the Bronco bunch. While smaller in stature, it still has some off-road spunk. It’s one of the few compact SUVs that automakers routinely invite our experts to take well off paved surfaces. It also comes in a huge variety of trims and special editions. The only really new feature for 2026 is the Bronze package, available on the Big Bend model. The Bronze package changes the Bronco Sport’s look with 17-inch bronze-finished wheels, bronze accents throughout the interior, and special stitching.

Ford Bronco Sport Highlights

Incredible personalization options: Among compact SUVs on the market in 2026, the Bronco Sport is the one with the most expressive special editions and personalizations. Retro-styled heritage editions with white grilles and roofs, showy exterior color combinations like Orange Fury with a contrast-color roof, graphics packages that add silhouettes of mountains or stripes, available blue interiors — it’s easy to make your Bronco Sport feel like one of a kind. Ford often rolls out unique special editions for limited runs, too.

Ample off-road skills: The Bronco Sport draws on its sibling, the Bronco, with Goes Over Any Terrain (GOAT) terrain management system that makes it one of the best off-roaders in its class. Buyers can also add the Sasquatch package. It increases ride height, introduces a dual-clutch torque-vectoring rear-drive unit, special rear shocks, all-terrain tires, a steel underbody bash plate, and a front brush guard.

Suitable for taller drivers:  The Bronco Sport’s safari-style roof gives it more headroom than the Crosstrek.

Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Bronco models near you. 

Pricing

The Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price for any individual used vehicle can vary greatly according to mileage, condition, location, and other factors. The prices here reflect what buyers are currently paying for New 2026 Subaru Crosstrek vehicles and New 2026 Ford Bronco Sport vehicles in typical condition when purchasing from a dealership. These prices are updated weekly. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) quoted includes the destination fee, but does not include tax, license, document fees, and options.

Specifications

Conclusion

The Subaru Crosstrek and Ford Bronco Sport will appeal to different drivers. If you need more cargo space or are willing to pay extra to express yourself through your car, the Bronco Sport can be an appealing choice. But, for most drivers, the lower price and advanced safety features cause us to recommend the Crosstrek.