2024 Ford Bronco vs 2025 Subaru Outback

The 2024 Ford Bronco embraced a retro design that harkened back to the 1960s, particularly in its two-door variant. The Sasquatch Package, a popular upgrade, enhanced its rugged appearance with a suspension lift and 35-inch mud-terrain tires, giving it a wide stance and a purposeful look. The Bronco offered nine trim levels, with prices ranging from $41,525 to $71,580, and the Raptor model priced at $91,930. Inside, the Bronco featured an 8-inch digital display and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a design reminiscent of the original 1960s Bronco. The interior was practical, with knobs and buttons for common controls, and the marine-grade upholstery, while durable, was not the most comfortable in hot weather.

The 2025 Subaru Outback stood out as one of the few remaining wagons in the U.S., adopting crossover trends with its rugged design elements. It offered a practical and spacious interior, with a cargo area that was both flat and square, making it highly functional. The Outback's exterior design was complemented by a well-executed interior, featuring chrome and glossy black plastic accents. The vehicle's technology package included an 11.6-inch touchscreen, though the Starlink infotainment system was noted for its slow response. The Outback's driving experience was smooth and comfortable, with a soft suspension and light steering, making it a pleasant companion on various road conditions.

The 2024 Ford Bronco offered a range of engine options, starting with a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. A 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine was available, delivering 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the Raptor model boasted a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft. The Bronco's towing capacity varied from 3,500 to 4,500 pounds, depending on the engine. It featured a part-time 4WD system with optional advanced 4WD, and off-roading technologies like Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist. The Bronco's fuel efficiency was a concern, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway for the Big Bend Sasquatch model.

The 2025 Subaru Outback came with two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, and a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. Both engines were paired with a CVT and standard AWD. The Outback's ground clearance was 8.7 inches, with the Wilderness model offering 9.5 inches. The vehicle's X-Mode optimized traction on slippery surfaces, and the Outback's ride was smooth and comfortable, with a soft suspension and powerful brakes. The CVT was generally unobtrusive, though it could be slow to respond during transitions between throttle applications.

The 2024 Ford Bronco's interior was spacious, with the four-door model offering more room than its two-door counterpart. The marine-grade vinyl upholstery was durable but not breathable, and the Bronco's removable roof panels and doors allowed for an open-air driving experience. Cargo space in the two-door model was 22.4 cubic feet, expanding to 53.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The four-door model offered 38.3 cubic feet of cargo space, increasing to 83 cubic feet with the seats down.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's wagon shape provided practicality, with easy entry and exit due to its lower chassis. The cargo area offered 32.6 cubic feet with the rear seat up and 75.6 cubic feet with the seat folded. The Outback's passenger volume was 109 cubic feet, larger than its crossover competitors. The vehicle's lower roofline did not compromise passenger space, and the flat-four engine design contributed to a low center of gravity, enhancing handling.

The 2024 Ford Bronco featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Sync 4 infotainment, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, and a seven-speaker stereo. Higher trims included a Bang & Olufsen sound system. However, the Sync 4 system experienced connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay and inconsistent voice recognition. The Bronco Trail App provided access to trail maps and information.

The 2025 Subaru Outback's technology package included an 11.6-inch touchscreen with the Starlink infotainment system, which was slow to respond. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available, with wireless connectivity on most models. The Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system performed well, though navigational commands occasionally limited audio output. The dashboard featured a mix of physical controls and touchscreen functions, and the Outback Touring included a CD player and USB ports.

The 2024 Ford Bronco came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a backup camera. The Mid Package added Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies, including lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Bronco received favorable IIHS ratings, except for its headlight performance, and a four-star frontal-impact rating from NHTSA.

The 2025 Subaru Outback featured EyeSight driver-assist technology, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Outback earned a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.