2021 Ford Bronco vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The return of the 2021 Ford Bronco was highly anticipated, with its heritage stretching back to the original model that launched in 1966 and continued production until 1996. Ford's strategy for the new Bronco was to create a vehicle that remained faithful to its off-road roots, a model known for rugged capability and customizable appeal. The design invoked “Retrofuturism,” a style blending classic aesthetic with modern tech and flourishes. The Bronco featured a single-piece grille flanked by round headlights connected by bold "B-R-O-N-C-O" lettering. The fender flares and options for 32-inch or 35-inch tires, depending on the package, added to its rugged charm. The vehicle came with both two-door and four-door configurations and offered a choice between a black soft-top or a modular removable hardtop, with a palette of eleven vivid paint colors.

For the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, Ford adopted a design that echoed the Bronco's visual cues, yet it appealed more to the suburban lifestyle. The Bronco Sport utilized the Ford Escape platform, bringing in an adventure-friendly styling with a unibody construction. The compact stance, high approach angles, and the rear overhang design were ideal for light trail driving. The bold "BRONCO" lettering on the front grille and rear tailgate, with a modest blue oval Ford badge, gave it a distinctive, adventurous look. It featured a taller body designed to resemble that rugged outdoorsy charm, complemented by wheel choices ranging from 17-inch to 18-inch, with options for all-terrain tires on higher trims.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered two engine choices: a base 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four engine generating 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 providing 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. It came standard with a seven-speed manual transmission (six gears plus a crawler gear) for the 2.3-liter engine, while the 2.7-liter engine came paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Both engine variants had standard four-wheel drive (4WD). On-road, the Bronco handled like an off-road truck, particularly with the aggressive 35-inch tires from the Sasquatch package, which contributed to a noisier and wiggly ride. The Bronco demonstrated exceptional off-road prowess, thanks to its 35-inch tires, optimally aired down, enabling it to handle a range of challenging terrains effortlessly.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport also brought two engine options tailored to its trim levels. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks models came equipped with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine that delivered 181 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. The Badlands and First Edition models featured a more robust 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. Both engine options were mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD). Tested on both public roads and off-road trails, the Bronco Sport exhibited refined handling with its short wheelbase and independent suspension, providing a drama-free ride, although the 1.5-liter engine could feel underpowered when pushed hard.

The Bronco's design intentionally incorporated features that owner probably cherished. Ford emphasized modularity, making the doors not only removable but easy to handle and store within the vehicle using dedicated storage bags equipped with easy-to-follow QR code instructions. Removable fenders, grille, and bumpers demonstrated Ford's forward-thinking approach toward making the Bronco resilient and customizable. Inside, the Bronco continued this rugged utilitarian theme with a 12-inch touchscreen optional and 8-inch touchscreen standard.

While the Bronco Sport may not have been as modular as the Bronco, it offered smart storage solutions aimed at active lifestyles. Its cargo space was designed to accommodate up to two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes and came with a variety of factory and aftermarket accessories to handle a range of gear, from kayaks to camping equipment. The roof could support up to 150 pounds, or 100 pounds with a moonroof, and the cargo hold featured a flip-up rear glass, a slide-out work table, and an optional 400-watt inverter and liftgate floodlamps. Cargo capacity showcased clever design aimed explicitly at utility and flexibility.

The 2021 Bronco integrated the latest SYNC 4 infotainment interface, featuring an 8-inch standard touchscreen, upgradable to a 12-inch touchscreen. The technology supported enhanced voice recognition, sophisticated off-road traction systems called G.O.A.T. modes ("Go Over Any Terrain"), and a range of convenience features through different trim levels and packages, including luxurious sound systems, advanced navigation, and wireless charging capabilities.

Similarly, the Bronco Sport came equipped with SYNC 3 on an 8-inch touchscreen, offering compatibility with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available Ford+Alexa and SiriusXM. Like its bigger brother, the Bronco Sport featured the G.O.A.T modes, although with slight variations depending on the trim level, providing the driver with control over varying terrain conditions. The vehicle also offered an intelligent access suite and higher trims included advanced features such as Bang & Olufsen sound systems and 360-degree cameras for enhanced off-road navigation.

Ford ensured that the 2021 Bronco came with a comprehensive suite of safety features as part of its package strategy. Higher trims included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, with features like pre-collision assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher packages added a 360-degree camera, a forward-sensing system, and side-view mirror LED approach lamps, among others. The innovative side curtain airbags were designed to work even in off-road conditions, considering angles and rollover speeds.

The Bronco Sport also came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite across all trims, providing features like automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package was available on most trims, adding adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and advanced navigation systems. Trailer sway control and AWD added to the comprehensive safety profile, ensuring that the vehicle was prepared for varied driving conditions.