2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar presented a balanced design, positioned between the sleek Evoque and the robust Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a unique silhouette, distinct from the traditional upright Range Rover. The Velar maintained an intimidating presence with its broad front end, while its short overhangs improved off-road capabilities. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier elements, such as larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look. Inside, the Velar offered a luxurious experience with high-quality leather and metal trim, creating a cockpit-like feel that was more suited to urban environments.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, embraced a modern retro aesthetic reminiscent of Land Rover's style. It featured short front and rear overhangs, tall fender wells, and a body designed for trail driving. The Bronco Sport's exterior was marked by bold "BRONCO" lettering, with a modest Ford badge on the tailgate. Wheel options varied across trims, with sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches, and the interior was rugged yet uncluttered, featuring an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector. The Bronco Sport's interior trim improved with each model, offering a range of seating and flooring options to suit different needs.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar introduced a V8 engine in the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, delivering 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 177 mph. Despite these impressive figures, the Velar's performance was not as sharp as some competitors. The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, but its size made it less agile on tight roads. The Velar's off-road capabilities were supported by Land Rover's Terrain Response system, although its single-speed transfer case limited its off-road prowess.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options: a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder with 181 horsepower and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder with 245 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance. It featured a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, enhancing its off-road capabilities. On-road, the Bronco Sport was a capable commuter, with the 2.0-liter engine providing a more satisfying driving experience.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was larger than small luxury SUVs but smaller than midsize counterparts. Its avant-garde styling, while visually appealing, compromised interior space, creating a cramped and claustrophobic feel. Cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet available with the rear seats in place and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Velar's towing capacity was respectable, with the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition and V6 models capable of towing 5,511 pounds.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with features like a cargo space designed to hold two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford offered over 100 accessories to accommodate various outdoor activities. The Bronco Sport's roof could support up to 150 pounds, and its towing capacity ranged from 2,000 to 2,200 pounds, depending on the engine. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin offered ample storage, though visibility was somewhat limited by the roof overhang and hood bulges.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, and smartphone compatibility. The system's graphics and layout were praised, but its slow response times were a drawback. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen running SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered FordConnect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and an available Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Bronco Sport's terrain management system featured multiple G.O.A.T. modes, and trail control technology provided cruise-control-like assistance for off-roading. Higher trims included additional tech features like a 360-degree camera and a digital instrument panel.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as options, but Land Rover's driver-assist offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, which included automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and navigation features. All Bronco Sport models featured AWD and a terrain management system with built-in traction control and stability features. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.