2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, drawing inspiration from its rugged predecessor while offering a more urban-friendly design. It featured a modern retro aesthetic reminiscent of Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs, tall fender wells, and a tucked-in body 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 across trims, from 17-inch Sparkle Silver wheels on the Base model to 18-inch Ebony Black-painted wheels on the Outer Banks and Badlands models. Inside, the Bronco Sport boasted a rugged yet tasteful interior with a unique HVAC vent design, an 8-inch infotainment screen, and a rotary gear selector. Interior trims ranged from cloth to leather-trimmed seats, with practical features like a rubberized cargo floor and seat protectors.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner, despite its age, maintained a design that was both functional and timeless. Its two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches exuded utility, while the chrome-festooned Limited trim offered a more refined appearance. The 4Runner was available in several trims, including SR5, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro, with special editions like the Trail Special Edition. Pricing ranged from $36,950 for the SR5 to $50,570 for the TRD Pro. The Trail Special Edition, priced at $38,565, featured dark gray TRD Off-Road wheels and a Yakima RoadWarrior rooftop cargo basket. Inside, it offered black cloth upholstery with tan stitching, all-weather floor mats, and a sliding rear cargo tray. The interior was characterized by hard plastics, large knobs, and buttons, reflecting its utilitarian nature. The 4Runner's charm lay in its simplicity and durability, appealing to those seeking a reliable, long-lasting SUV.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options, each tied to specific trim levels. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims were equipped with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands and First Edition models featured a more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 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 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. On-road, it provided a comfortable ride, with the 2.0-liter engine offering a more refined driving experience.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine, generating 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive as standard and part-time four-wheel drive available. The 4Runner's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like A-Trac, a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control. However, on-road performance was less impressive, with the 4Runner feeling slow and heavy. Its truck-like driving characteristics were part of its charm, but they also contributed to a less refined ride. Fuel efficiency was a concern, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined and an average of 16.8 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was designed with active buyers in mind, offering clever features like a cargo space capable of accommodating two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford provided a catalog of over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 150 pounds, and the Bronco Sport could tow up to 2,200 pounds with the 2.0-liter engine. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin offered ample storage compartments, though visibility could be challenging for taller drivers.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's high ground clearance could pose a challenge for shorter passengers, but once inside, it offered comfortable seating with good support and visibility. The rear seat provided ample legroom, and the vehicle's open-air feel was enhanced by the sunroof and power windows. A third-row seat was available, but the test vehicle featured a sliding cargo deck with a 440-pound capacity. Cargo space measured up to 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 89.7 cubic feet with the seat folded down. The Trail Special Edition's roof rack added to its storage capabilities.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Ford+Alexa, and SiriusXM. A 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 off-road assistance. Intelligent access with push-button start was included on all trims except the Base model, and higher trims featured a digital instrument panel.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner Trail Special Edition came with a standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM compatibility. The premium audio upgrade added dynamic navigation, voice recognition, and a one-year subscription to Destination Assist. The system's physical buttons and knobs were user-friendly, even with gloves. While the 4Runner's technology was not cutting-edge, it was functional and effective.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including pre-collision assist, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a reversing camera. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and navigation features. All models featured all-wheel drive and a terrain management system with built-in traction control and stability features. Crash ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" roof crush strength rating from the IIHS. Its age was reflected in its lower safety ratings for frontal-impact protection.