2021 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport
Overview | |
MSRP$27,215 | MSRP$35,085 |
Listings1788 | Listings1547 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 |
Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
2021 Ford Bronco Sport Reviews SummaryAfter a long buildup, Ford finally made the 2021 Bronco Sport available for the media to test drive. The spunky compact two-row crossover SUV proved to be a lively, capable, and attractive companion for on- and off-pavement adventures. | |
2021 Toyota Highlander Reviews SummaryToyota hardly needs any help selling three-row Highlanders. It already sits close to the top of the sales charts for its segment, and few vehicles carry the name recognition as the Highlander, which enters into its 20th year of production. But the three-row marketplace is a competitive one, and even after a 2020 redesign, Toyota would be foolish to rest on its laurels. As such, the Highlander enters this year with additional safety-feature technology listed as standard equipment. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.5L 181 hp I3 | Engine3.5L 295 hp V6 |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity8 |
Horsepower181 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower295 hp @ 6600 rpm |
MPG City25 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway28 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.5L 181 hp I3 | Engine Name3.5L 295 hp V6 |
Torque190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | Torque263 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower181 hp @ 6000 rpm | Horsepower295 hp @ 6600 rpm |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City25 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway28 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity8 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space32.5 cu ft | Cargo Space16.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight3457 lbs | Curb Weight4145 lbs |
Height70.2 in | Height68.1 in |
Length172.7 in | Length194.9 in |
Width82.2 in | Width76.0 in |
Wheelbase105.1 in | Wheelbase112.2 in |
Maximum Payload1171 lbs | Maximum Payload1685 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | Maximum Towing Capacity5000 lbs |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $27,215 | $35,085 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.3 out of 10Read full review | 7.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| Pros
Cons
|
Summary | After a long buildup, Ford finally made the 2021 Bronco Sport available for the media to test drive. The spunky compact two-row crossover SUV proved to be a lively, capable, and attractive companion for on- and off-pavement adventures. | Toyota hardly needs any help selling three-row Highlanders. It already sits close to the top of the sales charts for its segment, and few vehicles carry the name recognition as the Highlander, which enters into its 20th year of production. But the three-row marketplace is a competitive one, and even after a 2020 redesign, Toyota would be foolish to rest on its laurels. As such, the Highlander enters this year with additional safety-feature technology listed as standard equipment. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.5L 181 hp I3 | 3.5L 295 hp V6 |
Drive Train | AWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 8 |
Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm | 295 hp @ 6600 rpm |
MPG City | 25 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 28 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.5L 181 hp I3 | 3.5L 295 hp V6 |
Torque | 190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | 263 lb-ft @ 4700 rpm |
Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm | 295 hp @ 6600 rpm |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 25 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 28 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 8 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 32.5 cu ft | 16.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3457 lbs | 4145 lbs |
Height | 70.2 in | 68.1 in |
Length | 172.7 in | 194.9 in |
Width | 82.2 in | 76.0 in |
Wheelbase | 105.1 in | 112.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 1171 lbs | 1685 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 5000 lbs | |
"CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport as 8 out of 10 and the 2021 Toyota Highlander as 8 out of 10."
2021 Ford Bronco Sport:
- The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport captures a modern retro feel with a rugged yet suburban focus, making it an everyday driver ready for weekend adventures.
- It features a tastefully rugged interior with a unique design and a range of wheel options for both on-road and off-road capabilities.
- The Bronco Sport's design and engineering cater to active lifestyles, offering ample cargo space and a range of factory and aftermarket accessories for transporting outdoor gear.
2021 Toyota Highlander:
- The 2021 Toyota Highlander stands out with its bold and assertive design, offering a spacious and upscale interior with a focus on comfort and convenience.
- It features a character line similar to the Supra sports car's profile and offers a more aggressive XSE trim level with enhanced suspension tuning and an appearance package.
- The Highlander's interior boasts near-flawless fit and finish, with ample legroom for passengers and a range of advanced driver assistance systems.















"CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport 8 out of 10 and the 2021 Toyota Highlander 6 out of 10."
2021 Ford Bronco Sport:
- The Bronco Sport offers two engine choices, with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 245 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque for enhanced off-road performance.
- Its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance make for a capable and drama-free off-road experience.
- The Bronco Sport's terrain management system with up to seven available G.O.A.T. modes ensures optimal performance across various driving conditions.
2021 Toyota Highlander:
- The 2021 Toyota Highlander is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, offering smooth and predictable operation for everyday driving.
- It provides a comfortable and soft suspension, with the XSE trim level offering enhanced suspension tuning for a balance of practicality and sportiness.
- The Highlander's powertrain measures up well against its competitors, offering a reliable and capable driving experience.
"CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport 7 out of 10 and the 2021 Toyota Highlander 7 out of 10."
2021 Ford Bronco Sport:
- The Bronco Sport offers clever features for active lifestyles, including a cargo space designed to hold two mountain bikes and a range of factory and aftermarket accessories for transporting outdoor gear.
- Its cargo hold features smart storage solutions, including a slide-out work table, a 400-watt inverter, and liftgate floodlamps for added convenience.
- The front cabin's storage compartments and ergonomic design cater to sorting gadgets and tools, enhancing practicality for everyday use.
2021 Toyota Highlander:
- The Highlander's interior features shelves ahead of the front seats for easy storage of personal items and gadgets, offering practicality and convenience for daily use.
- It provides ample legroom for second-row passengers, with adjustable seating configurations to maximize space for passengers and cargo.
- The Highlander offers respectable cargo space, with the ability to accommodate various luggage and equipment for family outings.
"CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport 7 out of 10 and the 2021 Toyota Highlander 7 out of 10."
2021 Ford Bronco Sport:
- The Bronco Sport features the latest available versions of Ford's infotainment systems, including an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available Ford+Alexa and SiriusXM capability.
- It offers a range of tech features, including a Bang & Olufsen sound system, a 360-degree camera, and a terrain management system with up to seven available G.O.A.T. modes for optimal off-road performance.
- The Bronco Sport's tech offerings cater to both on-road convenience and off-road capability, enhancing the overall driving experience.
2021 Toyota Highlander:
- The Highlander offers an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, with an option for a 12.3-inch touchscreen on higher trim levels, providing easy-to-use infotainment systems.
- It features navigation, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay as standard across the lineup, offering seamless connectivity and convenience for drivers and passengers.
- The Highlander's tech offerings provide a balance of functionality and user-friendly interfaces for a modern driving experience.
"CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport 6 out of 10 and the 2021 Toyota Highlander 10 out of 10."
2021 Ford Bronco Sport:
- The Bronco Sport comes standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a reversing camera.
- It offers advanced safety options, such as adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and trailer sway control, enhancing overall safety and driver assistance capabilities.
- The Bronco Sport's safety features cater to both on-road and off-road driving, providing peace of mind for various driving conditions.
2021 Toyota Highlander:
- The Highlander is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, offering advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support.
- It provides a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist, ensuring a safe and secure driving experience.
- The Highlander has received top safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), highlighting its commitment to safety.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Toyota Highlander is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Toyota Highlander emerges as the recommended choice, offering a compelling blend of safety, comfort, and reliability for families and daily commuters.
Choose the 2021 Toyota Highlander if:
- You prioritize safety, comfort, and reliability, seeking a spacious and upscale three-row crossover for family outings and daily commuting.
- You value advanced driver assistance systems and a comprehensive suite of safety features for a secure and confident driving experience.
- You are looking for a vehicle with a range of trim levels and options, offering significant value and practicality for various lifestyles and needs.
Choose the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport if:
- You seek a rugged and versatile vehicle with a modern retro feel, suitable for both everyday driving and weekend adventures.
- You prioritize off-road capability and practicality, with a focus on outdoor activities and transporting gear for various outdoor pursuits.
- You are looking for a vehicle with a range of trim levels and options to cater to different budgets and preferences.
CarGurus highlights

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for 2021 Toyota Highlander is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Toyota Highlander emerges as the recommended choice, offering a compelling blend of safety, comfort, and reliability for families and daily commuters.
Choose the 2021 Toyota Highlander if:
Shop Now- You prioritize safety, comfort, and reliability, seeking a spacious and upscale three-row crossover for family outings and daily commuting.
- You value advanced driver assistance systems and a comprehensive suite of safety features for a secure and confident driving experience.
- You are looking for a vehicle with a range of trim levels and options, offering significant value and practicality for various lifestyles and needs.
Choose the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport if:
Shop Now- You seek a rugged and versatile vehicle with a modern retro feel, suitable for both everyday driving and weekend adventures.
- You prioritize off-road capability and practicality, with a focus on outdoor activities and transporting gear for various outdoor pursuits.
- You are looking for a vehicle with a range of trim levels and options to cater to different budgets and preferences.

By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.







































