2021 Chrysler Pacifica vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a significant exterior refresh, featuring new standard LED headlights and a hexagonal grille that contributed to a more muscular aesthetic. This design shift moved away from the elegance of previous models, yet retained a touch of sophistication as the eye moved towards the sides and rear. The rear was marked by an all-LED taillamp spanning the width of the vehicle, with the Chrysler wing badge at its center. The Pacifica offered six new wheel designs and the S Appearance Package, which included darkened features and black accents. Inside, the Pacifica stood out from competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona by balancing practicality with premium touches, especially in the Pinnacle trim. This top-tier model boasted a flat dashboard with a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and quilted leather seats, creating a luxurious feel. The Pacifica's doors closed with a solid thud, and its sound-deadening technology effectively minimized road noise.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, offered a modern retro design reminiscent of Land Rover models. Its short front overhang and tall fender wells were tailored for trail driving, while the bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate emphasized its rugged identity. The Bronco Sport's wheel options varied across trims, with sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches, and the First Edition model featured 29-inch all-terrain tires. Inside, the Bronco Sport's cabin was tastefully rugged, with a unique shape for HVAC vents and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The interior trim varied by model, from cloth to leather-trimmed seats, and the cargo area was designed to accommodate active lifestyles, with space for mountain bikes and a range of accessories for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrain options: a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid version combining a V6 engine with a dual-motor electrically variable transmission, delivering 260 horsepower. The hybrid model boasted an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a total range exceeding 500 miles, achieving 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. The traditional V6 Pacifica achieved 19 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, with AWD models slightly reducing these figures. The AWD system, a new addition after 16 years, activated on-demand based on driving conditions, enhancing traction without compromising fuel efficiency.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured two engine choices: a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque for Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims, and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque for Badlands and First Edition models. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD, along with a terrain management system offering up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, with a short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance, while maintaining good manners on pavement. The 2.0-liter engine was better suited to the Bronco Sport's character, as the 1.5-liter could feel strained under pressure.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, offering spacious seating and practical storage solutions. The front seats provided ample space and a sense of togetherness, with a padded center console lid replacing armrests. Storage options included an under-stack area for personal items and a sliding under-console storage bin for second-row passengers. Standard features included power-sliding rear doors, three-zone climate control, and Stow 'n Go seating, allowing for flexible cargo arrangements. The Pacifica Pinnacle offered best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters, making it ideal for family travel.

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 and a range of accessories for outdoor activities. The roof could support up to 150 pounds, and the 2.0-liter engine could tow up to 2,200 pounds. The cargo area included a flip-up rear glass, a slide-out work table, and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin offered ample storage compartments, though taller drivers might find visibility challenging due to the roof overhang and hood bulges.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica featured advanced technology, including hands-free sliding doors and the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which was responsive and customizable. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it lacked a head-up display. The second-row entertainment system offered a variety of games and connectivity options. Audio upgrades included a 20-speaker Harman Kardon system, and the Pinnacle model featured FamCam, an interior monitoring camera with unique features like a rear-facing child seat view.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was equipped with the latest infotainment systems, including an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. FordConnect with 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system was available on higher trims. The terrain management system offered multiple drive modes, and trail control technology provided cruise-control-like assistance for off-roading. Intelligent access with push-button start and a digital instrument panel were available on select trims.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, increasing to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key technologies included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Pacifica received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not yet rated it.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. AWD and a terrain management system enhanced safety, though crash-worthiness ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available.