2021 Chevrolet Trax vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was a continuation of the model introduced in 2015, with design updates from 2017 that carried over. It featured standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an updated infotainment system in 2020. By 2021, the Premier trim was removed, leaving LS and LT trims. The LS trim included 16-inch wheels, keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system. The LT trim added features like heated mirrors, remote start, and upgraded seating, with optional styling and driver assistance packages.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, offered a modern retro design reminiscent of Land Rover. It featured short overhangs for better off-road capability and bold "BRONCO" lettering. Wheel options varied by trim, with sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches. The interior was rugged yet uncluttered, with an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector. Trim levels offered a progression from cloth to leather seats, with practical storage solutions and a focus on off-road readiness.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax was powered by a single engine option: a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, available in front-wheel or all-wheel drive. While adequate for city driving, the engine struggled at highway speeds and was noisy. The Trax had a firm ride, which could be harsh over rough roads, but its tight turning radius made it maneuverable in urban settings.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims featured a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands and First Edition trims had a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine with 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet 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 a short wheelbase, independent suspension, and good ground clearance, while maintaining good manners on pavement.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax provided decent headroom and legroom in both rows, though rear seats lacked support for long trips. It featured multiple storage trays and low cupholder placement for convenience. Cargo space was 18.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with seats folded. The front passenger seat folded flat for larger items, but there was no power liftgate option.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active lifestyles with features like cargo space designed to fit two mountain bikes. It offered over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 150 pounds, and towing capacity was 2,200 pounds for the 2.0-liter engine and 2,000 pounds for the 1.5-liter. The rear glass flipped up for easy access, and an optional cargo management package added a work table and inverter. The cabin had ample storage, though visibility could be challenging for taller drivers.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. It included two USB ports and an available WiFi hotspot, with user-friendly menus and vivid graphics.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered Ford+Alexa, SiriusXM, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims had a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a 360-degree camera. The terrain management system included multiple G.O.A.T. modes, and trail control technology assisted off-road driving. Intelligent access and push-button start were standard on most trims, with additional tech features available on higher trims.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received a five-star crash test rating from the NHTSA but lacked advanced safety features. It came with standard airbags and a backup camera, with optional blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection in the LT Convenience Package. Rivals offered more comprehensive safety features.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, with features like automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and navigation. All models had AWD and a terrain management system with traction control. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available.