2021 Ford Bronco vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Ford Bronco was a revival of a classic, drawing inspiration from its 1966 predecessor. Ford's designers embraced a "Retrofuturism" approach, blending the nostalgic charm of the original Bronco with modern technology and design elements. The Bronco's exterior featured a single-piece grille with bold B-R-O-N-C-O lettering, round headlights, and a rugged body with removable doors and fender flares. Available in two-door and four-door configurations, the Bronco offered a range of wheelbase and length options, catering to different preferences. Inside, the Bronco combined retro styling with contemporary technology, including a color touchscreen and a digitized instrument cluster, while maintaining a rugged and durable feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its utilitarian roots into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. With a starting price of $92,000, the Range Rover offered a wide range of powertrains and personalization options, allowing it to reach prices upwards of $250,000. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Range Rover's design, with its hallmark blacked-out windshield and roof pillars, exuded timeless elegance. Inside, the cabin was a blend of luxury and modernity, with high-quality materials and a mid-century modern ambiance, although the infotainment system was not as intuitive as newer models.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a standard 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged engine with 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco's off-road prowess was evident during test drives in challenging conditions, where it handled mud, slick rock, and treacherous trails with ease. The Sasquatch package, with its 35-inch tires, enhanced the Bronco's off-road capabilities, while the 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth power delivery on the road.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, producing 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The Range Rover's four-wheel drive system, combined with Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured it could handle various weather and surface conditions. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth and wafting ride, although the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity limited its agility on winding roads. The Range Rover's fuel economy was rated at 20 mpg combined, with our test achieving 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Ford Bronco excelled in modularity, with removable doors and fenders, making it easy to repair and customize. The Bronco's interior featured thoughtful design elements, such as easily accessible controls for off-road settings and auxiliary equipment. The cargo area was designed to store the removable doors, and the trail sights on the hood served dual purposes, including managing roof-mounted cargo.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a luxurious interior with comfortable front seats and high-quality materials. However, the second row lacked comfort, with limited thigh support and a slouched seating position. Storage space was limited, with a small refrigerated center-console bin and a maximum cargo capacity of 59.8 cubic feet. The air suspension's kneel mode made entry and exit easier, and the clamshell-style tailgate provided access to the cargo area.

The 2021 Ford Bronco featured the SYNC 4 infotainment system with enhanced voice recognition, available with an 8-inch or 12-inch touchscreen. The G.O.A.T. system offered up to seven drive modes for various terrains. The Bronco's technology package included options like a 10-speaker B&O sound system, wireless device charging, and a 360-degree camera.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's technology was centered around the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with three digital displays. While the system offered numerous features, it was not entirely intuitive, requiring users to familiarize themselves with its functions. The Range Rover also included a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2021 Ford Bronco's safety features were tiered by trim level, with higher trims offering more advanced options. The Mid Package included Ford Co-Pilot 360, with features like pre-collision assist, blind-spot information, and lane-keeping systems. The High Package added a 360-degree camera and forward-sensing system. The Bronco's side curtain airbags were designed to deploy appropriately in off-road situations.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, although the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.