2022 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a compact crossover that captured the rugged spirit of its larger sibling, the Bronco, while offering a more suburban-friendly design. It featured a modern retro aesthetic reminiscent of a Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs, tall fender wells, and a tucked-in body designed for trail driving. The Bronco Sport's exterior was marked by bold white 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 offered a rugged yet uncluttered design, with a unique shape for HVAC vents and an 8-inch infotainment screen. Interior trim options ranged from cloth to leather-trimmed seats, with practical features like a rubberized cargo floor and second-row seat protector.

The 2022 Ford Explorer, particularly in the King Ranch trim, offered a blend of ruggedness and luxury. It featured a rear-drive platform with a long hood, short front overhang, and a rakish roofline, giving it a taut, athletic appearance. The King Ranch trim was distinguished by Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding. While the cabin exhibited a mix of quality materials, it mostly felt worthy of its price point. The Explorer's design included blacked-out roof pillars for a "floating roof" effect, and the King Ranch trim added shiny 20-inch wheels and quad exhaust outlets. The interior was equipped with triple-zone climate control, massaging front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs, though the third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims were powered by a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands and First Edition models featured a more robust 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 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 with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and decent ground clearance. On-road, it offered good manners, though the 1.5-liter engine could feel strained under pressure.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided three powertrain options. The Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, generating 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. A hybrid drivetrain was available for the Limited and Platinum trims, combining a 3.3-liter V6 engine for a total of 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque. The most powerful option was a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on the ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer offered a robust ride, with the King Ranch trim providing a satisfying balance of power and comfort. The Explorer's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its Trail setting and ground clearance, making it suitable for moderate terrain.

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. It offered over 100 factory and aftermarket accessories for transporting outdoor gear. 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 and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table. The front cabin featured ample storage compartments, though visibility could be challenging for taller drivers.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided comfort for families, with the King Ranch trim offering triple-zone climate control, massaging front seats, and heated second-row captain's chairs. The third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited space. Practical storage within the cabin was somewhat lacking, with missed opportunities for additional compartments. The King Ranch trim included a hands-free power liftgate, revealing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expandable to 87.8 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered FordConnect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and an available Bang & Olufsen sound system. The terrain management system included G.O.A.T. modes for various driving conditions, and trail control technology was available for off-roading. Intelligent access with push-button start was standard on all trims except the Base model.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system, with either an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The King Ranch trim included FordPass Connect services, wireless smartphone charging, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the Sync 3 system showed limitations in voice recognition and navigation, highlighting the need for an upgrade to Sync 4. Additional tech features included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ was available on all trims except the Base, adding adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Bronco Sport's AWD and terrain management system contributed to its safety, though crash-worthiness ratings were not available from IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from IIHS, with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. The Explorer also included post-collision braking and MyKey programmable functions. While NHTSA ratings were incomplete, the Explorer's safety features operated smoothly and accurately.