2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid vs 2025 Ford Bronco

The 2025 Ford Bronco successfully captured the essence of its 1960s predecessor while avoiding an overly retro design. Its boxy shape was modernized with rounded corners, and the front featured a prominent rectangular grille with round headlamps. The Bronco offered various top options, including soft, hard, or both, and removable doors for an open-air experience. The Sasquatch package enhanced its off-road capabilities with 17-inch aluminum wheels, 35-inch all-terrain tires, and a HOSS 2.0 suspension system. The Bronco lineup included seven versions, with the Big Bend model standing out for its value and options like the Sasquatch package and retro graphics.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, on the other hand, took a conservative design approach, resembling a larger RAV4. It offered a spacious interior with seating for up to eight and ample cargo space. The Platinum trim featured a luxurious Portobello interior with leather and artificial suede upholstery. While the Grand Highlander prioritized function over form, it provided a comfortable ride with supportive seats and a user-friendly climate system. However, the infotainment interface had some drawbacks, such as a small volume knob and the absence of a tuning knob.

The 2025 Ford Bronco offered two engine options, with the base 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. It provided ample power for city and highway driving, with a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 increased output to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque but didn't enhance towing capacity. The Bronco Raptor, with its unique engine, could tow up to 4,500 pounds. The Bronco's seven-speed manual transmission was standard, with a 10-speed automatic available on certain trims. The Sasquatch package improved off-road performance with locking differentials and large tires, while the Badlands trim featured a front sway-bar disconnect for better wheel articulation. All models came with 4WD, and some trims offered an advanced 4WD system with Automatic mode.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Max emphasized performance with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electronic full-time AWD, producing 362 horsepower. It accelerated quickly, aided by a traditional six-speed automatic transmission. While the Hybrid Max sacrificed some fuel efficiency, achieving 27 mpg compared to the standard hybrid's 36 mpg, it could tow up to 5,000 pounds. During testing, it averaged 26 mpg on a balanced city-highway route and 23.3 mpg on a mountainous loop. The Hybrid Max's acceleration was smooth, and its ride quality was soft and isolating, though it exhibited some vertical bounding and lateral rocking on uneven surfaces. Handling was secure but limited, with early tire scrub and squeal.

The 2025 Ford Bronco offered ample space for two passengers in the two-door model, while the four-door version provided more rear-seat room and easier access. The Sasquatch package's big tires and suspension raised the vehicle, requiring a step up into the cabin. Cargo space varied, with the two-door offering 22.4 cubic feet (53.3 cubic feet with seats folded) and the four-door providing 38.3 cubic feet (83 cubic feet with seats folded) with the soft top. The Bronco featured numerous storage cubbies, MOLLE mounting points, and sturdy handles for easy entry.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid boasted comfortable seating in all three rows, with nearly 100 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. The Platinum trim's Portobello interior featured leather and artificial suede upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and supportive cushions. However, unlined storage locations contributed to cabin noise. The second-row captain's chairs allowed for easy access to the third row, which offered reasonable comfort for adults and tall teens. Cargo space behind the third row measured 20.6 cubic feet, expanding to 57.9 cubic feet with the third row folded and 97.5 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2025 Ford Bronco came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen running Sync 4 infotainment software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A seven-speaker audio system was standard, with an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system available on higher trims. A second 12-inch screen served as a digital gauge cluster, customizable with various modes. The Bronco featured five G.O.A.T. modes, with additional modes on certain trims for off-road adventures.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to Apple Music and Amazon Music accounts. Toyota Connected Services offered features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and a digital voice assistant. The system was user-friendly, though it lacked the ability to display multiple main-menu screens simultaneously. The Platinum trim included a head-up display, digital rear-view mirror, and surround-view camera system, with a JBL premium audio system delivering impressive sound quality.

The 2025 Ford Bronco offered the Co-Pilot360 safety suite as an option on the base trim and standard on higher trims. It included features like blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Post-collision braking, hill-start assist, and hill-descent control were standard. The Bronco received top "Good" ratings from the IIHS for crash tests but had a "Marginal" headlight rating. The NHTSA awarded it four stars for frontal crash safety and three stars for rollover testing.

The 2026 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features and driver-assistance technologies. Proactive Driving Assist was standard but could be irritating in certain situations. The Grand Highlander received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA but fell short of the IIHS Top Safety Pick due to "Acceptable" ratings for headlight performance and small overlap frontal-impact protection.