2021 Nissan Murano vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a highly anticipated addition to the Ford lineup, serving as a smaller sibling to the iconic Bronco. It drew inspiration from the classic 1966-1996 Bronco, yet it was designed as a more urban-friendly crossover with a unibody construction. The Bronco Sport featured a modern retro aesthetic, reminiscent of a Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs for improved off-road capability. Its design included tall fender wells and a streamlined body to minimize snags on trails. The bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with the modest Ford blue oval badge, added to its distinctive look. The interior was rugged yet refined, with a focus on functionality, offering a range of seating options and storage solutions to suit different trim levels.

In contrast, the 2021 Nissan Murano had a design that was once ahead of its time but had since become more mainstream. Its L-shaped LED headlights and contoured front end were now standard in SUV design. The Murano's interior was conservative, prioritizing comfort and ease of use. The cabin layout was intuitive, with controls placed for minimal learning curve. The Murano offered four trims: S, SV, SL, and Platinum, each adding more features and luxury. The base S trim included essentials like an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims added amenities such as leather upholstery, a Bose stereo system, and a panoramic moonroof.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims were equipped with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands and First Edition trims featured a more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance. It also featured a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, enhancing its versatility on various terrains.

The 2021 Nissan Murano, on the other hand, was powered by a single engine option: a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 260 horsepower and 240 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and offered either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The Murano's V6 provided strong low-speed acceleration, making it ideal for city driving, though the CVT could dampen its power at higher speeds. The Murano prioritized comfort, offering a smooth ride and refined handling, making it a great choice for commuting and road trips. However, its towing capacity was limited to 1,500 pounds, which was lower than many competitors.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was designed with active lifestyles in mind, offering clever features for outdoor enthusiasts. Its cargo space was engineered to accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes, and Ford provided a catalog of over 100 accessories for transporting various gear. The roof could support up to 150 pounds, and the vehicle's towing capacity ranged from 2,000 to 2,200 pounds, depending on the engine. The interior featured ample storage compartments, though some drivers noted visibility challenges due to the roof overhang and hood bulges.

The 2021 Nissan Murano offered up to 67 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, though this was less than some competitors. The interior was designed for ease of use, with a traditional shifter and a center console filled with trays and cubbies. The Murano excelled in passenger comfort, providing generous headroom and legroom in both rows, with the second row offering partial reclining functionality. The SL and Platinum trims included a hands-free power liftgate for added convenience.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was equipped with the latest infotainment technology, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. It also offered Ford+Alexa and SiriusXM capability, along with a standard 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims could be upgraded with 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 provided off-road assistance.

The 2021 Nissan Murano came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring a user-friendly menu layout and physical buttons for easy navigation. It included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, with available upgrades like an 11-speaker Bose stereo system and navigation. The Murano's tech features were designed to enhance convenience and connectivity for drivers and passengers.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a reversing camera. The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and more. All models featured all-wheel drive and a terrain management system for enhanced traction and stability. However, crash ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.

The 2021 Nissan Murano was equipped with Nissan Safety Shield 360, which included reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. Additional safety features included forward automatic emergency braking and driver drowsiness monitoring. Optional features like a surround-view parking monitor and adaptive cruise control were available for added safety.