2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Ford Bronco

The 2020 Ford Explorer boasted an impressive exterior that radiated a more refined, upscale utilitarian design. This model shed excess bulk from its body panels, especially at the rear, presenting a sleeker and more athletic appearance than its predecessor. The widened headlights, expansive grille, and italicized "Explorer" badging along the hood's edge gave the vehicle a formidable and easily recognizable front end. Fans of the Explorer noted its textbook-perfect proportions, often finding it more handsome than competitors like the Land Rover Discovery. The ST trim pushed the aesthetic limits, featuring 21-inch black rims, blacked-out trim, red brake calipers, rich Rapid Red paint, and quad exhaust pipes, making it a real head-turner on the streets.

Inside, the Explorer didn't fare as well in terms of luxury. While buyers could be expected to fork out over $40,000 (or up to $60,000 for the higher trims), the interior materials did not meet expectations for this price range. What Ford marketed as leather ended up feeling more like low-grade vinyl, with the doors and much of the cabin awash in coarse, hard plastics reminiscent of a municipal garbage can. The aluminum speaker covers and occasional white stitching were minimal attempts to alleviate the otherwise monotonous black interior of the ST model. Conversely, the dashboard top was padded, and the switchgear felt solid.

In stark contrast, the 2021 Ford Bronco revisited and revitalized its heritage design, capturing both retro and modern elements under a design ethos called "Retrofuturism." Reminiscent of its original 1966 model, the new Bronco showcased a single-piece grille flanked by round headlights, bold "B-R-O-N-C-O" badging, and a modestly bulging hood with functional off-road sights. The body remained simplicity at its best, with flat body sides accented by applied fender flares. Standard 32-inch tires could be upgraded to 35-inch with the Sasquatch package, ensuring the Bronco not only looked off-road ready but functioned as such. The rear was characterized by a side-hinged half tailgate and flip-up back glass, providing an old-school charm perfect for outdoor adventures.

Interior-wise, the Bronco's modern tech interface beautifully juxtaposed its retro styling. Despite using a lot of plastic, the overall feel was rugged and tough, with metal-reinforced grab handles and durable materials where they counted most. Stretchy mesh door pockets provided practical storage, keeping items secure even when the terrain got rough. The Bronco's second row was comfortable for adults, especially in the four-door version, and the two-door, while compact, still managed to accommodate passengers effectively.

The 2020 Ford Explorer made a strong case for itself under the hood, offering a lineup of engines tailored to both performance and efficiency. The standout was the ST trim's 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 that generated 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup allowed the Explorer to transform into a nimble, performance-oriented vehicle capable of outpacing many competitors. Steering was precise, cornering remained flat, and the braking performance was solid. Even though adaptive dampers were not present, ride quality was commendable, softly absorbing road imperfections while maintaining stability.

In comparison, the 2021 Ford Bronco came with two engine choices: a standard 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder producing 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 offering 310 hp and a robust 400 lb-ft of torque. The smaller engine was mated to a seven-speed manual transmission (with a special crawler gear), while the larger engine featured a 10-speed automatic. All Bronco models featured standard four-wheel drive, making it a competent vehicle both on-road and off. During test drives over challenging terrains, the Bronco's performance shone brightly. Despite the weather and road conditions, the Bronco handled impressively, whether it was navigating Michigan's muddy trails or smooth pavement.

Comparing the interior layout and cargo capacity, the 2020 Ford Explorer exhibited functionality in spades. Its roomy cabin offered passengers expansive space, USB ports for numerous devices, and a panoramic moonroof adding to the airy feel. The third row in the new Explorer was notably more accommodating for taller passengers compared to its predecessor. However, this comfort came at the cost of cargo space, now rated at 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 88 cubic feet with all seats down, making it one of the largest cargo areas in its class.

The 2021 Ford Bronco also exhibited smart utility, heavily influenced by user-driven modularity. Removable doors, which could be stored in the vehicle's cargo area with dedicated storage bags, were a standout feature. Cargo space was influenced by whether doors were stored internally but maintained a practical layout. Further enhancing its rugged utility, the Bronco's hood-backed trail sights doubled as cargo tie-down points. The Bronco also featured easily replaceable, modular front grilles, fenders, and bumpers, enabling quick repairs without costly shop visits.

The 2020 Ford Explorer integrated advanced technology features seamlessly into its cabin. An 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G WiFi hotspot came standard across the range, alongside keyless entry, remote start, three-zone climate control, and SiriusXM. Higher trims like the ST and Platinum offered a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster with diverse layout configurations and vivid animations. Despite the stimulating visuals, the system had limitations, such as the inability to customize gauge layouts or make full use of screen space.

The 2021 Ford Bronco came equipped with Ford's latest SYNC 4 system with enhanced voice recognition, offering an intuitive interface via a standard 8-inch touchscreen (upgradeable to 12 inches with the High Package). The GOAT (Go Over Any Terrain) system provided up to seven drive modes depending on the trim, ensuring optimal traction across various terrains. Enhanced audio, navigational capabilities, and wireless device charging became available through the Lux Package, maintaining a high standard of modern connectivity and convenience.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite that included features like forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The optional Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control with steering assistance and reverse braking. While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hadn't tested the 2020 Explorer at the time, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rated it Acceptable for the small overlap test on the driver’s side.

Safety in the 2021 Ford Bronco depended on the trim level, with higher trims offering more comprehensive safety features. Base models provided standard airbags, while the Big Bend and Black Diamond trims could add the Mid Package, which included features like pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot information systems, and lane-keeping systems. The High Package added a 360-degree camera, forward-sensing system, and mirror-mounted LED approach lamps, enhancing visibility and situational awareness, especially during off-road conditions.