2021 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2021 Toyota RAV4

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was designed as the younger sibling to the much-anticipated Bronco, echoing the rugged design elements of its bigger brother that hark back to the classic 1966-1996 Bronco. Despite its unibody construction focused on urban driving, the Bronco Sport’s design retained a touch of the off-road spirit. The vehicle’s front and rear overhangs were short, which improved approach and departure angles essential for trail driving. Tall fender wells and minimalistic body sides emphasized its ability to navigate through brush and other obstacles. The Bronco Sport’s front end mirrored the larger Bronco, tying the two models together with bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate. Wheels defined the SUV's stance, from the 17-inch Sparkle Silver wheels on the Base model to the 29-inch all-terrain tires on the First Edition, emphasizing adaptability both for on-road usage and off-road adventuring. Inside, the cabin offered a rugged yet tasteful design. Its interior was orderly, featuring open storage cubbies and an 8-inch infotainment screen strategically placed for ease of use. The rotary gear selector and multiple interior upgrades varied from cloth seats to Navy Pier Leather power front seats, offering functional yet stylish accommodations. In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 was crafted with a rugged exterior, far removed from previous generations' more approachable looks. The RAV4’s aggressive boxy fender flares, chiseled taillights, and stern front end differentiated it from other compact crossovers. However, despite these rugged looks, mechanically, it was closer to a conventional car, sharing the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA) platform with models like the Camry and Sienna minivan. The RAV4 offered distinctive styling options depending on the trim, such as the Adventure model's two-tone exterior and the TRD Off-Road's matte black wheels and additional off-road accouterments. The interior utilized rubberized knobs and handles for a rugged feel, and while lower trim materials were decent, higher trims didn’t offer a proportional upgrade. The cabin had several functional elements, but seat comfort varied, with more cushioned front seats and harder rear seats. The RAV4 prioritized styling and functionality appropriate for its SUV image.

Ford’s 2021 Bronco Sport showcased a versatile performance lineup. It offered two engines, both turbocharged and engineered for different trim levels. The 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine provided 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque for the Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims, making it a robust option for everyday driving. For those requiring more power, the 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque in the Badlands and First Edition trims was more fitting, delivering energetic performance both on and off the road. The Bronco Sport’s off-road capabilities were unexpectedly proficient, with AWD, a short wheelbase of 105.1 inches, and an independent suspension system that made conquering trails drama-free. Ground clearance ranged between 7.8 to 8.8 inches, enhancing this crossover’s rugged demeanor. Most drivers, however, likely found the 2.0-liter engine more suitable for the vehicle's adventurous spirit, given the 1.5-liter engine's tendency to sound strained under pressure. Conversely, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 came standard with a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force inline-four engine, producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the RAV4 offered a choice between FWD and AWD. For power enthusiasts, the 219-horsepower RAV4 Hybrid and the 302-horsepower RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid presented robust alternatives. Despite its impressive engine efficiency and rev-loving nature, the RAV4’s overall driving dynamics fell short. The transmission was slow to respond, and while the steering was quick, it lacked tactile feedback. Off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models with torque-vectoring rear axles, up to 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and specific off-road tuning. These features made the RAV4 somewhat capable off the beaten track, albeit less versatile than traditional off-roaders due to limited suspension articulation and angles.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport appealed to active lifestyles with its thoughtfully designed cargo space, accommodating two 27.5-inch wheel mountain bikes upright. Ford backed this with over 100 factory and aftermarket accessories for various outdoor activities. The cargo area featured practical elements like a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table and 400-watt inverter. Interiors were optimized for utility with big door pockets, multiple cubbies, and covered storage. However, taller drivers might find outward visibility challenging due to the roof overhang, and off-road visibility was somewhat obstructed by the hood's design. The Bronco Sport's 2.0-liter engine could tow up to 2,200 pounds, differentiating it further for those needing to pull extra gear. On the other hand, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 offered a tall and upright roof, giving competitive headroom across both rows. While it provided decent glass for visibility, rear seat legroom lagged behind competitors. The rear seats weren’t adjustable fore and aft, limiting flexibility compared to rivals like the Ford Escape. Cargo space stood at 37.6 cubic feet with the rear seats up, short of the Honda CR-V's segment-leading capacity. Loading was facilitated by a wide-opening tailgate, although the cargo floor was a bit high. Functionally, the RAV4 included rugged interior elements, large knobs, and steering-wheel controls operable even with gloves. While there were functional storage compartments, the design squeezed console space, impacting the availability of large cupholders and other loose-item storage spaces.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was outfitted with Ford's latest infotainment systems, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Ford+Alexa, and SiriusXM capability. FordConnect offered a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot as a standard feature. The audio system started with six speakers on the Base model, scaling up to a Bang & Olufsen system for higher trims. Key off-road tech included up to seven G.O.A.T. modes and trail control technology for managing challenging terrain. Toyota’s 2021 RAV4 provided standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM compatibility across all trims. Screen sizes varied from a standard 7-inch to an upgraded 9-inch screen on the RAV4 Prime. The infotainment interface was straightforward, with a well-positioned screen and simple graphics. However, the system lacked the flair and advanced features found in some competitors, such as a HUD, only available on the RAV4 Prime.

All Bronco Sport trims featured Ford Co-Pilot360, encompassing automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, auto high-beam headlamps, and a reversing camera. The optional Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, lane centering, evasive steering assist, a voice-activated navigation system, and road-sign recognition. Trailer sway control and AWD were also standard safety enhancers. The 2021 Toyota RAV4 earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 provided forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning with steering assist, automatic high beams, and road-sign recognition. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic emergency braking, and park assist. A 360-degree camera system was also available.