The 2026 Ford Bronco Sport delivers up to 250 horsepower compared to 182 in the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. This significant power advantage applies to the off-road focused Badlands trim when properly equipped with the 2.0L engine. Discover this trail-ready capability directly by exploring our available new utility vehicle selection in Travelers Rest today.
2026 Ford Bronco Sport vs. 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
Engine and Efficiency Utility
When comparing dedicated outdoor vehicles, mechanical torque dictates your ability to conquer unpredictable terrain. While both of these models are marketed toward active lifestyles, the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands provides substantially more raw power to back up its rugged aesthetic.
| Metric | 2026 Ford Bronco Sport (Badlands) | 2026 Subaru Crosstrek (Wilderness) |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2.0L EcoBoost Turbocharged I-4 | 2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-Cylinder |
| Horsepower | 250 HP (when properly equipped) | 182 HP |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft (when properly equipped) | 178 lb-ft |
| Maximum Cargo Volume | 65.2 cubic feet (when properly equipped) | 54.7 cubic feet |
The 2.0L EcoBoost engine in the Bronco Sport produces 102 more lb-ft of torque than the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness. Torque is the low-end twisting force required to push your vehicle over rocks, thick mud, and steep inclines. This massive mechanical advantage translates directly to a highly confident driving experience when you are exploring the challenging unpaved logging roads deep inside the Jocassee Gorges. You can review the complete engine engineering details on the official Ford Bronco Sport specification portal.
The Crosstrek Wilderness utilizes a naturally aspirated 2.5L engine producing 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque according to the official Subaru Crosstrek data page. While it is a very capable vehicle for dirt paths, it lacks the aggressive, high-torque turbocharged thrust that makes the Bronco Sport a dominant force on steep Upstate trails.
Interior Volume and the Safari-Style Roof
Beyond raw power, a compact 4x4 SUV must serve as a highly functional basecamp. The Bronco Sport features a unique Safari-style roof that elevates the rear cabin height. This engineering choice translates into a highly versatile cargo area where you can load taller items like upright camping coolers or even store two full-size mountain bikes standing up inside the cabin.
The Bronco Sport yields a maximum 65.2 cubic feet of cargo space when properly equipped with the rear seats folded flat. By comparison, the Crosstrek Wilderness only offers a maximum of 54.7 cubic feet of storage, significantly limiting your packing options for long weekend getaways.
For a comprehensive look at the various trims and standard G.O.A.T. Modes available across the entire lineup, visit our complete 2026 Ford Bronco Sport overview at the Hub.