2021 Cadillac XT5 vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 marked a significant step in Cadillac's efforts to reclaim its status as a leader in luxury vehicles. With updates from the previous year carrying over, the XT5 showcased a refined exterior with a snub-nosed design and distinct trim level features. Its LED lights and 20-inch wheels added to its sophisticated appearance, while the interior offered a more upscale feel compared to its GM sibling, the Chevrolet Blazer. The Premium Luxury trim, in particular, stood out with its elegant cut and sewn leather, natural wood, and carbon fiber accents, reminiscent of the finery Cadillac had been known for in the past.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport embraced a modern retro aesthetic, reminiscent of the classic Bronco, yet tailored for everyday use. Its design featured short front and rear overhangs, tall fender wells, and a body built for trail driving. The bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with the minimal use of the Ford logo, emphasized its rugged character. The Bronco Sport's interior was tastefully rugged, with a focus on practicality and storage, making it a versatile choice for those seeking adventure.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 offered a choice between two engines: a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 237 horsepower and a 3.6-liter V6 producing 310 horsepower. Both engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, though the V6 was noted for its smooth upshifts and clunkier downshifts. The XT5's throttle response was immediate, but it could benefit from more low-end torque. Fuel economy varied, with the AWD V6 achieving about 25 mpg during testing, surpassing the EPA estimate of 21 mpg combined.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came with two engine options as well. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims featured a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower, while the Badlands and First Edition models boasted a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 245 horsepower. All models included an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD, with a terrain management system offering up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance, while maintaining good manners on pavement.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 provided ample space for four adults, though the rear seat's headroom was limited for taller passengers. Cargo space was reasonable at 30 cubic feet, but wheel bump-outs reduced the width. The XT5's cargo-management system allowed for secure storage, and a hands-free liftgate was available. However, small-item storage was limited, with few convenient places for smartphones or other essentials.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active lifestyles with features like cargo space designed to fit two mountain bikes and a catalog of over 100 accessories for outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 150 pounds, and the 2.0-liter engine could tow up to 2,200 pounds. The cargo hold included clever features like a slide-out work table and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin offered ample storage compartments, though visibility issues were noted for taller drivers.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 featured a streamlined infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a rotary controller. The system included a Bose sound system, wireless charging, and a rear camera mirror. A head-up display was available, and the digital instrument cluster provided essential vehicle information. The XT5's climate control system used hidden-button functionality and a chrome toggle switch for temperature adjustments.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen running SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered Ford+Alexa, SiriusXM, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims featured a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a 360-degree camera. The Bronco Sport's terrain management system included multiple drive modes, and trail control technology assisted in off-road driving. Intelligent access with push-button start was standard on most trims.

The 2021 Cadillac XT5 included safety features like front automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-change alert. Night Vision technology enhanced nighttime drivability, and Teen Driver software allowed parents to monitor driving habits. However, not all features were available on every trim level.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, which included pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. All models featured AWD and a terrain management system with traction control and electronic stability control. Crash-worthiness ratings were not yet available from IIHS or NHTSA.