2021 Ford Bronco vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover was a testament to luxury and rugged capability, drawing from its origins as a vehicle favored by British landowners. Introduced in 1969, the Range Rover combined luxury with robust 4x4 underpinnings, a combination that defined the brand. By 2020, the Range Rover offered multiple trims, including HSE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic, available in both Standard Wheelbase (SWB) and Long Wheelbase (LWB) configurations. Standard features included leather seating, a panoramic sunroof, and the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional features ranged from heated rear seats to a 19-speaker Meridian audio system, with higher trims offering even more luxury, such as massaging seats and quad-zone climate control.

The 2021 Ford Bronco, on the other hand, was a revival of a classic, inspired by the original 1966 model. Ford embraced "Retrofuturism," blending classic design with modern technology. The Bronco featured a single-piece grille, round headlights, and bold B-R-O-N-C-O lettering, with options for 32-inch or 35-inch tires. Available in two-door and four-door configurations, the Bronco offered a choice of a black soft-top or a modular removable hardtop, with 11 paint colors. Inside, the Bronco combined retro styling with modern technology, featuring a color touchscreen and a digitized cluster. The interior was rugged yet functional, with reinforced metal and grippy rubber in heavy-use areas, and stretchy mesh door pockets for practicality.

The 2020 Range Rover offered a diverse selection of powertrains, starting with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 355 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. The HSE trim featured a non-hybrid version of the same engine, delivering 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A turbodiesel V6 was also available, rated at 254 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The P525 and Autobiography trims came with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8, generating 518 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque, while the SV Autobiography Dynamic boasted a 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque V8. All engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The Range Rover excelled in comfort and off-road capability, with an electronic air suspension and Terrain Response System offering various drive modes for different conditions.

The 2021 Ford Bronco launched with two engine options: a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four with 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, and an optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 with 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The 2.3-liter engine came with a seven-speed manual transmission, while the 2.7-liter was paired with a 10-speed automatic, which was also optional for the 2.3-liter. All models featured standard four-wheel drive. The Bronco's performance was tested in challenging conditions, proving its off-road prowess with features like the Sasquatch package's 35-inch tires. The Bronco handled various terrains with ease, offering a balanced and fun driving experience both on and off-road.

The 2020 Range Rover offered two wheelbase options, SWB and LWB, with standard seating for five. The LWB version provided more cargo space, with 77.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, compared to 70.9 cubic feet in the SWB. The Range Rover featured a hands-free power liftgate with a unique two-piece configuration, enhancing convenience. The interior offered decent storage, with compartments in the doors and a center-console compartment.

The 2021 Ford Bronco emphasized modularity, with removable doors and fenders, and easy-to-replace parts like the grille and bumpers. The doors came with protective storage bags and a simple plug for electrical connections. The Bronco's interior was designed for practicality, with features like trail sights on the hood for managing roof-mounted cargo. Inside, the Bronco offered thoughtful design elements, such as a row of buttons for suspension settings and toggle switches for auxiliary equipment, making it easy to customize for off-road adventures.

The 2020 Range Rover featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo system, with two touchscreens for navigation, phone, stereo, and climate controls. The system included integrated dials that changed functions based on the selected menu. While the system had a learning curve, it offered a fully digital instrument panel and an optional head-up display.

The 2021 Ford Bronco used Ford's SYNC 4 infotainment system with enhanced voice recognition. The standard 8-inch touchscreen could be upgraded to a 12-inch version with the High Package. The Lux Package added a 10-speaker B&O sound system, voice-activated navigation, and a wireless charging pad. The Bronco also featured the G.O.A.T. system for off-road traction control, with up to seven drive modes available.

The 2020 Range Rover came with standard safety features like low-speed automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included a 360-degree parking camera, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. While the Range Rover offered a solid list of safety features, some competitors provided more standard equipment.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered safety features in packages, with the Base model including airbags. Higher trims added features like Ford Co-Pilot 360, blind-spot information system, and a 360-degree camera. The Bronco's side curtain airbags were designed to deploy appropriately in off-road situations, considering factors like lean angle and roll speed. Crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available for the Bronco.