2021 Ford Bronco vs 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L

In 2021, Ford reignited the Bronco legacy, blending nostalgia with modern flair. The Bronco's retrofuturism struck a chord, harking back to its 1966 debut. A staple for off-roaders over three decades, the Bronco evolved through rugged customization, maintaining a fervent fanbase despite its 25-year hiatus.

The 2021 Bronco's design is a nod to its predecessor, much like the Ford Mustang's modern iteration. This SUV boasted a single-piece grille with iconic round headlights, connected by bold B-R-O-N-C-O lettering. The hood featured removable off-road sights, while the body, emphasized with 32-inch tires and optional 35-inch ones, showcased pronounced fender flares. The rear was just as classic, with a full-size spare tire on a swinging rack for tailgate access.

Two-door and four-door versions of the Bronco catered to diverse preferences, presenting wheelbase measurements of 100.4 inches and 116.1 inches, respectively. This translated into an overall length variance of up to nearly 16 inches between configurations. The model’s height ranged from 71.9 to 75.3 inches based on trim and equipment, with widths up to 79.3 inches.

The Bronco also impressed with its modular removable hardtops in black, complemented by a palette of eleven vibrant paint colors, such as Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat and Antimatter Blue. Inside, the SUV embraced a retro aesthetic merged with modern tech. Digitally replicating the 1966 dashboard, it incorporated an 8-inch or optional 12-inch color touchscreen, alongside a high-tech gauge cluster above the steering wheel. The rugged interior, robust with metal-reinforced plastic, exuded durability, highlighted by features like stretchy mesh door pockets and sturdy overhead grab handles.

Contrastingly, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L emerged as a new contender in the mid-size SUV market. This seven-passenger iteration diverged from its five-passenger sibling, extending its length for added third-row seating and cargo capacity. Despite potential for confusion, Jeep banked on the Grand Cherokee L’s striking resemblance to the upscale Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer.

Its signature seven-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and distinctive lighting solidified the Grand Cherokee L's Jeep identity. Available trims (Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve) spanned price points from $36,995 to $64,235. Aesthetic appeal was furthered by our test Summit trim model featuring metallic paint and the notable 19-speaker McIntosh premium audio system.

While lavish leather and real wood trim elevated the Summit's cabin, some materials fell short of luxury expectations. Yet, Jeep’s loaded tech and refined design defined its substantial improvement over older models, particularly in style and interior quality.

Under the hood, the 2021 Ford Bronco offered power with choice. It sported a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four-cylinder engine, producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. An optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 variant upped the performance ante with 310 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options included a seven-speed manual for the 2.3-liter and a 10-speed automatic for the 2.7-liter, with the latter also available for the smaller engine. Four-wheel drive (4WD) came standard, reaffirming the Bronco's off-road prowess.

Test drives in Michigan exposed us to varied conditions—pavement, dirt roads, and a challenging off-road course amidst torrential downpours. On streets, the Bronco felt robust, especially with the 2.7-liter engine and 10-speed automatic combo in our four-door First Edition. The Sasquatch package's 35-inch tires, while excellent off-road, translated to a noisier, less steady on-road experience; the standard 32-inch tires might suit daily driving better.

The Bronco truly shone off-road, where the short-wheelbase two-door with the Sasquatch package tackled muddy, rocky trails with aplomb. Its 35-inch tires, deflated for better grip, fortified the SUV against challenging terrains. The result was an engaging, competent off-road adventure, befit for novices and seasoned off-roaders alike.

In parallel, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L provided a different power dynamic. Standard across the lineup was a 3.6-liter V6 engine yielding 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Buyers could choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and three 4WD systems, each incorporating fuel-saving front-axle disconnect technology. The V6’s towing capacity capped at 6,200 pounds, with an EPA estimate of 21 mpg combined.

The optional 5.7-liter V8, available exclusively on higher trims (Overland, Summit, Summit Reserve), delivered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque. This upgrade, while boosting towing capacity to 7,200 pounds, dropped fuel efficiency to 17 mpg combined and added $3,295 to the price.

Our V6 4WD test model demonstrated decent acceleration, albeit with noticeable noise at higher revs. The eight-speed automatic transmission, optimized for fuel efficiency, sometimes delayed downshifts in Auto mode. Jeep’s Sport mode offered little athleticism, instead stiffening ride motions. Proving capable in off-road conditions, the Summit trim's Quadra-Drive II 4WD system notably included an electronic locking differential and a low-range transfer case. Its Quadra-Lift adaptive air suspension varied ground clearance from 8.3 to 10.9 inches and allowed up to 24 inches of water fording.

On highways, the Grand Cherokee L's fortified structure ensured a smooth, solid ride. Its steering, combined with 20-inch wheels, afforded reliable handling over uneven pavements, making daily commutes and long drives comfortable.

Practicality met creativity in the 2021 Ford Bronco's design. Engineers drew learning from aftermarket trends and Bronco enthusiasts' customizations. Modularity was key; the Bronco’s doors were not just removable but designed for convenient storage within the cargo area, complete with protective bags and simple plug-in electrical connections. Clever features like labeled storage bags with QR codes for instructional videos showcased Ford's attention to user-friendly details.

Underneath, standard protection and optional skid plates prepared the Bronco for off-road rigors. Removable fenders, bumpers, and front grille facilitated easy repairs and upgrades. Hood-mounted trail sights served dual purposes: navigation aids and tie-down points for roof-mounted cargo.

Internally, thoughtful design extended to two sets of switches: one set on the center stack for suspension settings and another overhead for auxiliary equipment. This intuitive arrangement ensured ease of use during off-road adventures without distracting the driver.

Cargo capacity also reflected the Bronco’s practicality. While specific volumes weren’t provided, ample space behind the rear seats allowed for door storage. With seats folded, the Bronco likely offered impressive cargo room.

Jeep’s approach with the 2021 Grand Cherokee L prioritized passenger comfort. The Summit trim featured heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with 12-way power adjustments, supplemented by a four-zone automatic climate control system. However, the dashboard vents were undersized, proving inefficient in cooling the cabin, especially on hot days.

Second-row captain’s chairs, offering generous legroom, could slide and tip forward, even with child safety seats installed, enabling easy third-row access. This third row provided real comfort for passengers, enhanced by large windows.

Cargo-wise, the Grand Cherokee L accommodated 17.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 46.9 cubic feet with the seats folded. Maximum cargo volume stretched to 84.6 cubic feet, competitive in its class.

Despite thoughtful seating configuration and cargo space, the Grand Cherokee L lacked front-seat storage, making it less practical for small-item organization compared to the Bronco’s clever use of space.

Modern tech equipped the 2021 Ford Bronco with impressive off-road capabilities. The GOAT (Go Over Any Terrain) system, with up to seven modes, catered to varied terrains efficiently. At the center of the dash, an 8-inch or optional 12-inch touchscreen ran the SYNC 4 interface, offering enhanced voice recognition, navigation, and more.

The High Package upgraded infotainment with a 10-speaker B&O sound system and wireless charging, while Bilstein shock absorbers in the Sasquatch Package boosted off-road travel.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L debuted Uconnect 5, claiming faster response and an improved user interface. An 8.4-inch or optional 10.1-inch screen facilitated connectivity, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Alexa compatibility, and a robust voice-recognition system.

Our test model's Uconnect 5 displayed quirks requiring acclimatization, but overall, it performed well. The 19-speaker McIntosh system, despite an incongruous logo, delivered notable audio quality. Additional tech included a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, digital rearview mirror, and a thermal-imaging night vision system, enhancing the Grand Cherokee L's functionality.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered tiered safety features across trims. The base model included essential airbags, while higher trims added Ford Co-Pilot 360 with pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The High Package included a 360-degree camera and forward-sensing system. The side curtain airbags, sensitized for off-road scenarios, reflected thoughtful engineering, although crash-test ratings were pending.

Jeep's Grand Cherokee L introduced Active Driving Assist, combining adaptive cruise control and lane-centering to ease long drives. However, its steering assistance felt artificial, making unexpected adjustments.

Intersection Collision Assist was standard on Summit trims, preventing cross-traffic accidents. Added features like Parallel and Perpendicular Park Assist aided maneuverability. Awaiting crash-test ratings, the Grand Cherokee L promised improvements over its predecessor.