2021 Chevrolet Tahoe vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered a diverse range of trims, each with distinct styling elements. The base LS and popular LT models featured unique grille patterns, while the sporty RST trim boasted a slotted grille, blacked-out appearance, and 22-inch wheels. The rugged Z71 combined the LS grille with a blacked-out look, red tow hooks, and all-terrain tires on 20-inch wheels. The upscale Premier trim added chrome accents and polished wheels, while the luxurious High Country featured a chrome bar grille and body-color mirror caps. The Tahoe's design was characterized by its dominant grille and standard LED headlights, with expressive taillights and tailgate trim at the rear. Despite its familiar design themes, the new Tahoe appeared more slab-sided, with larger wheels enhancing its overall look.

The Tahoe's interior was centered around a 10.2-inch infotainment screen and new electronic transmission controls, which improved storage capacity but compromised control layout. The cabin featured exposed stitching and soft-touch surfaces, with leather seats standard from the LT trim onward. The Z71 trim we tested included numerous upgrades, such as a power panoramic sunroof and a power sliding floor console, bringing the total price to $76,225. The Tahoe's interior quality met expectations, with a focus on comfort and functionality, although the control layout could be challenging to use.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a compact crossover with a modern retro design, reminiscent of the larger Bronco. It featured a short front overhang for improved approach angles and tall fender wells for trail driving. The Bronco Sport's exterior was marked by bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, with a modest Ford badge on the tailgate. Wheel options varied by trim, with sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches, and all-terrain tires available on higher trims. The interior was tastefully rugged, with an uncluttered design and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The Bronco Sport offered a step-up in interior trim from cloth to leather-trimmed seats, with a focus on practicality and comfort.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe offered three engine options, with a standard 5.3-liter V8 producing 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque. The High Country trim featured an exclusive 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. A turbocharged 3.0-liter diesel engine was available for most trims, delivering 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, with improved fuel efficiency. The Tahoe's 10-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with a towing capacity of up to 8,400 pounds. The Z71 trim included standard 4WD, hill descent control, and off-road enhancements. The major engineering change for the 2021 Tahoe was the adoption of an independent rear suspension, improving ride quality and interior comfort. The Z71 trim impressed with its smooth ride and capable performance, thanks to adaptive damping and air suspension upgrades.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured two engine choices, with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder producing 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque for Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims. The Badlands and First Edition models had a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder with 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, along with a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, with its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and decent ground clearance providing a drama-free experience. On-road, the 2.0-liter engine was better suited to the Bronco Sport's character, while the 1.5-liter could feel strained under pressure.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe benefited from a new independent rear suspension, enhancing passenger comfort and cargo space. The test vehicle featured heated power-adjustable front seats and a heated steering wheel, with a power sliding storage console for added convenience. The second-row offered a choice between a bench seat or captain's chairs, with easy access to the third-row. The third-row seat room was significantly improved, accommodating adults comfortably. The Tahoe provided 25.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 122.9 cubic feet with seats folded, surpassing most full-size SUVs in its class.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with clever features, such as cargo space designed to hold two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford offered over 100 accessories for transporting 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 a flip-up rear glass, optional slide-out work table, and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin featured ample storage compartments, though visibility could be challenging for taller drivers. The Bronco Sport's interior was practical and well-suited for both on-road and off-road adventures.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe featured a standard 10.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice recognition, and Chevrolet Connected Services. The system was easy to use, though some menu icons were hard to access. The test vehicle included a wireless charging pad and a mid-grade Bose audio system. The Rear Seat Media system offered versatility, though it was not fully tested. The Tahoe also offered an available 15-inch head-up display for added convenience.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen connected to SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordConnect with 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard, with an available Bang & Olufsen sound system and 360-degree camera. The terrain management system included up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, with trail control technology for off-roading. Intelligent access with push-button start was available on most trims, along with a digital instrument panel on higher trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe included standard safety features such as Teen Driver, rear-seat reminder, forward-collision warning, and low-speed automatic emergency braking. Higher trims offered additional features like lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Tahoe's safety features worked as expected during testing, though the pedestrian alert could be distracting. A surround-view camera was recommended for maneuvering the large SUV. Crash test ratings were not available at the time of review.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a reversing camera. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and navigation. Trailer sway control was available with the tow package. All models featured AWD and a terrain management system with G.O.A.T. modes. Crash test ratings were not available at the time of review.