Compare the2025 Subaru ForesterVS 2025 Ford Bronco Sport

Safety
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Towing
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Recommendations

Safety

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The Forester has standard Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats, which use a specially designed seat to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash-Reducing Front Seats system allows the backrest to travel backwards to cushion the occupants and the headrests move forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Subaru Forester achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, outperforming the Ford Bronco Sport which scored only an “Acceptable” in these critical safety features.

Both the Forester and the Bronco Sport have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, all wheel drive, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, available blind spot warning systems, around view monitors, rear cross-path warning and driver alert monitors.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the Subaru Forester is safer than the Ford Bronco Sport:

	Forester	Bronco Sport
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	24.4%	26%
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Chest Compression	.6 inches	.6 inches
Neck Injury Risk	33.1%	37%
Neck Compression	53 lbs.	54 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	236/225 lbs.	385/291 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety does 40 MPH moderate front offset crash tests on new cars. In this updated test, results indicate that the Forester is safer than the Bronco Sport:

	Forester	Bronco Sport
Overall Evaluation	ACCEPTABLE	MARGINAL
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Chest Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Thigh/hip Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Leg/foot Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	GOOD
	Rear Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck Rating	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Thigh Rating	GOOD	GOOD
Restraints	GOOD	MARGINAL

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the Subaru Forester is safer than the Ford Bronco Sport:

	Forester	Bronco Sport
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	56	80
Chest Movement	.4 inches	.9 inches
Abdominal Force	84 lbs.	198 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Hip Force	640 lbs.	689 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	167	255
Spine Acceleration	34 G’s	35 G’s

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4180-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Subaru Forester is safer than the Bronco Sport:

	Forester	Bronco Sport
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	103	184
Neck Tension	201 lbs.	335 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.87 in	.98 in
Shoulder Force	201 lbs.	223 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	1.02 in	1.42 in
Pelvis	GOOD	POOR
Pelvis Force	892 lbs.	1383 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Neck Tension	89 lbs.	178 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Pelvis	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Pelvis Force	580 lbs.	1093 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

The Subaru Forester ((except Wilderness)) achieved a “Top Safety Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for the 2025 model year. This recognition was based on its impressive performance in the small overlap frontal crash test, updated moderate overlap front crash test, updated side impact crash test, headlight evaluations, and pedestrian crash prevention testing. The Bronco Sport is not a “Top Safety Pick” for 2025.

Reliability

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the Forester’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the Bronco Sport’s camshafts. If the Bronco Sport’s belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Forester’s reliability 53 points higher than the Bronco Sport.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2024 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Ford With 41 fewer problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, J.D. Power ranks Subaru higher than Ford.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru first in overall reliability. Ford is ranked 13th.

Engine

As tested in Motor Trend the Subaru Forester 4 cyl. is faster than the Ford Bronco Sport turbo 3 cyl.:

	Forester	Bronco Sport
Zero to 60 MPH	8.7 sec	9.2 sec
Quarter Mile	16.7 sec	16.8 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	85.1 MPH	80.8 MPH

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Forester lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability without compromising ground clearance. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the Forester gets better mileage than the Bronco Sport:

			MPG
Forester
	AWD	2.5 flat-4 Hybrid	35 city/34 hwy
		2.5 DOHC flat-4	26 city/33 hwy
		Sport/Touring 2.5 DOHC flat-4	25 city/32 hwy
		2.5 DOHC flat-4	25 city/28 hwy
Bronco Sport
	AWD	1.5 turbo 3-cyl.	25 city/30 hwy
		2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	21 city/27 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the Forester Hybrid’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Subaru Forester uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Bronco Sport Badlands requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The Forester has a standard locking fuel door which locks and unlocks with the power locks. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the Bronco Sport. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

Transmission

The Forester has a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no “steps” between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer a CVT.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the Forester’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the Bronco Sport:

	Forester Wilderness	Forester Hybrid	Bronco Sport
Front Rotors	12.4 inches	12.6 inches	12.1 inches

The Forester’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Bronco Sport are solid, not vented.

The Forester stops shorter than the Bronco Sport:

	Forester	Bronco Sport
70 to 0 MPH	170 feet	172 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	124 feet	129 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

The Forester’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 60 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Bronco Sport’s standard 65 series tires. The Forester Sport/Touring’s tires have a lower 50 series profile than the Bronco Sport’s optional 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Forester Sport/Touring has standard 19-inch wheels. The Bronco Sport’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

Suspension and Handling

The Forester Sport handles at .82 G’s, while the Bronco Sport Outer Banks pulls only .79 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The Forester Sport executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1.3 seconds quicker than the Bronco Sport Outer Banks (27.3 seconds @ .62 average G’s vs. 28.6 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the Forester Premium/Limited Hybrid’s turning circle is 2.3 feet tighter than the Bronco Sport’s (35.1 feet vs. 37.4 feet). The Forester’s turning circle is 2 feet tighter than the Bronco Sport’s (35.4 feet vs. 37.4 feet).

For greater off-road capability the Forester has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Bronco Sport Base/Big Bend (8.7 vs. 7.8 inches), allowing the Forester to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The Forester Wilderness’ minimum ground clearance is .4 inch higher than on the Bronco Sport (9.2 vs. 8.8 inches).

Chassis

For excellent aerodynamics, the Forester has standard flush composite headlights. The Bronco Sport has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

Passenger Space

The Forester has 5.1 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Bronco Sport (110.8 vs. 105.7).

The Forester has .9 inches more front legroom, .4 inches more front shoulder room, 2.5 inches more rear legroom, .3 inches more rear hip room and 1.1 inches more rear shoulder room than the Bronco Sport.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the Forester Premium/Sport/Wilderness/Limited/Touring’s rear seats recline. The Bronco Sport’s rear seats don’t recline.

Cargo Capacity

The Forester has a larger cargo volume with its rear seat folded than the Bronco Sport with its rear seat folded (74.4 vs. 65.2 cubic feet).

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the Forester Wilderness/Limited/Touring’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the Forester’s power liftgate can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening liftgate.

Towing

Maximum trailer towing in the Ford Bronco Sport is limited to 2700 pounds. The Forester offers up to a 3000 lbs. towing capacity.

A Trailer Stability Assist is standard on the Forester, using the Vehicle Dynamics Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the Bronco Sport.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the Forester is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Bronco Sport. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than Ford. J.D. Power ranks Subaru third in service department satisfaction. With a 35% lower rating, Ford is ranked 22nd.

Ergonomics

The Forester Touring’s standard easy entry system glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Forester’s standard driver’s power window opens or closes with one touch of the switch, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths. The Bronco Sport’s standard power window’s switch has to be held the entire time to close it fully. The Forester Premium/Sport/Limited/Touring’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches. With the Bronco Sport Outer Banks/Badlands’ power windows, only the front windows open or close automatically.

The Bronco Sport’s optional cornering lamps activate a lamp on the front corner when the turn signal is activated. The Forester’s standard adaptive cornering lights turn the actual headlight unit up to several degrees, depending on steering wheel angle and vehicle speed. This lights a significant distance into corners at any speed.

Manual rear side window sunshades are available in the Forester to help block heat and glare for the rear passengers. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer rear side window sunshades.

When the Forester Touring is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Bronco Sport’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

The Forester’s optional rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Bronco Sport offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the Forester and the Bronco Sport offer available heated front seats. The Forester Touring also has standard heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Bronco Sport.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the Forester Touring keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

The Forester has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is only available on the Bronco Sport Outer Banks/Badlands.

Recommendations

Both are recommended, but Consumer Reports® chose the Subaru Forester as its “Top Pick,” the highest scoring vehicle in its category, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The Subaru Forester outsold the Ford Bronco Sport by 41% during 2024.

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