2021 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2022 Toyota 4Runner

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a smaller sibling to the much-anticipated Bronco, capturing some of the rugged styling cues of its larger counterpart. It was designed as a unibody crossover, focusing more on everyday driving with a flair for weekend adventures. The Bronco Sport boasted a modern retro aesthetic, reminiscent of a Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs for improved approach angles. Its design was tailored for trail driving, featuring tall fender wells and a tucked-in body to minimize snagging on obstacles. The vehicle's bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with a modest Ford badge, added to its distinctive look. The interior was rugged yet tastefully designed, with a focus on functionality and convenience, offering a range of seating and trim options across different models.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota 4Runner maintained its traditional SUV roots, tracing back to its 1980s origins. Unlike many modern SUVs that shifted to car-based platforms, the 4Runner stayed true to its rugged construction, sharing underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma pickup. This approach allowed the 4Runner to cater to a niche market of off-road enthusiasts. Its design emphasized adventure, with a high ride height, boxy proportions, and a sharply angled front bumper for tackling obstacles. Inside, the 4Runner's cabin reflected its last major redesign in 2009, with a layout that felt dated but functional. The vehicle offered a range of trims, each with unique features, from the off-road-focused TRD models to the more road-oriented Limited trim.

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 featured a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands and First Edition models were equipped with a more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 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 off-road capabilities. Despite its adventurous marketing, the Bronco Sport was well-suited for daily driving, with the 2.0-liter engine providing a more refined experience.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with a single engine option, a 4.0-liter V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. While the engine was reliable, it felt underwhelming in most driving situations. The 4Runner's ride was harsh and cumbersome on paved roads, with noticeable body roll and a rough suspension. However, these characteristics transformed into strengths off-road, where the 4Runner excelled. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models featured Crawl Control and a locking differential, enhancing their trail capabilities. The 4Runner could tow up to 5,000 pounds, surpassing most car-based crossovers.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered clever features for active buyers, with cargo space designed to accommodate 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 vehicle 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, though visibility could be challenging for taller drivers.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner provided a maximum of 89.7 cubic feet of cargo space in the two-row version, slightly more than the three-row model. The optional third row reduced cargo space but increased seating capacity to seven. The 4Runner lacked a power rear liftgate but featured a power-operated rear window for easy access. While the cabin felt dated, it offered sufficient space for gear, though it could be more efficient.

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 multiple drive modes, and trail control technology provided off-road assistance. Higher trims featured additional tech, such as a 360-degree camera and heated steering wheels.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. It featured Bluetooth connectivity, Satellite Radio, and multiple USB ports. While the system was straightforward, it lacked advanced features like a head-up display. The 4Runner's infotainment system relied on tactile controls, appealing to those who appreciated its analog driving style.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, such as pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. All models featured AWD and a terrain management system with built-in traction control and electronic stability control. Safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available.

The 2022 Toyota 4Runner featured the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Additional safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system, were available. The 4Runner earned four stars in frontal and side-impact testing from NHTSA, with three stars for rollover testing. It was backed by a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.