2021 Ford Bronco vs 2021 Volkswagen ID.4

In the world of automotive design, the 2021 Ford Bronco’s relaunch represented a nostalgic yet forward-thinking masterstroke. Ford had been stirring excitement since it debuted the Bronco Concept back in 2004. This momentum only heightened with the release of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, a compact crossover SUV that combined the versatile Ford Escape platform with robust all-wheel drive and adventure-inclined aesthetics. The Bronco name itself harkened back to its origin in 1966, enduring through five generations until 1996 and creating a legacy rooted in formidable off-road capability. This heritage turned the Bronco into a prized candidate for customizations.

The new Bronco echoed this legacy by adopting a “Retrofuturism” design philosophy, similar to what Ford achieved with the Mustang. This approach was cozy yet contemporary, integrating advanced technology and modern materials while preserving the classic appeal. The Bronco’s appearance maintained an iconic aesthetic with a single-piece grille and round headlights spelled out with bold ‘B-R-O-N-C-O’ lettering. Its body was straightforward, complemented by applied fender flares and substantial 32-inch tires, with an option for 35-inch tires with the Sasquatch package.

Available in both two-door and four-door configurations, the Bronco offered a range of dimensions to fit different needs. It boasted either a black soft-top or a modular removable hardtop and came in eleven paint colors, including eye-catching options like Rapid Red and Antimatter Blue. Inside, Ford expertly balanced retro styling with modern functionality, featuring a prominent color touchscreen (8-inch standard and 12-inch optional) and a digitized instrument cluster.

Conversely, Volkswagen’s 2021 ID.4 showcased a design that fully embraced its electric vehicle foundation, distancing itself from the conventional stylings of its gasoline counterparts like the Tiguan and Atlas. The ID.4’s sleek, streamlined profile, extended out over its wheels, set it apart visually from many EVs and crossovers.

Built on VW’s MEB platform, the ID.4 was intended to appeal to the American market with its crossover format, despite having a somewhat hatchback-like appearance. However, its styling choices brought it in line with several competitors. The interior combined VW’s minimalist approach with a smartphone aesthetic, employing piano black and matte plastic elements. The base ID.4 Pro included a leather-wrapped steering wheel and cloth seats, while higher trims featured upgraded leatherette upholstery. Inside, the Volkswagen offered a fresh take on conventional controls and a tech-forward design aesthetic, although this wasn’t without its challenges.

The 2021 Ford Bronco emerged with robust engine options that promised to uphold its trailblazing reputation. At launch, it came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four-cylinder as standard, producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. An optional, twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter engine lifted those figures to 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco offered a seven-speed manual transmission with the smaller engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission paired with the 2.7-liter engine, ensuring flexibility and capability across all models. Standard four-wheel drive sustained the Bronco’s commitment to off-road dominance.

Test drives in diverse conditions revealed the Bronco’s dual personality. On pavement, particularly with the Sasquatch package’s 35-inch tires, the ride was noisy and less refined. However, once off-road, the Bronco’s capabilities shined. With the 2.7-liter engine, the Bronco felt powerful and responsive, and its short-wheelbase version navigated off-road trails with assurance and agility. Ford equipped it with technologies and smart electronics designed to handle varied terrains, reinforcing its off-road prowess.

By contrast, Volkswagen’s 2021 ID.4 ventured into the electric arena with a rear-mounted electric motor generating 201 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque, supported by an 82-kilowatt-hour battery pack. The ID.4’s rear-wheel drive setup, a first since the Beetle, offered a balanced driving experience, superior to its front-wheel-drive competitors. Instantaneous torque typical of EVs made urban drives effortless and enjoyable. The later AWD version bumped the figures to 295 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque, enhancing its versatility and acceleration.

However, the ID.4 was tuned more for comfort than sporty performance, with ample body roll in corners but a smooth ride over rough surfaces. VW’s decision to focus more on friction brakes rather than aggressive regenerative braking aimed at providing a familiar experience for those transitioning from gasoline vehicles, although it might have dissuaded some EV purists.

Form and function intersected thoughtfully in the 2021 Ford Bronco. Designers meticulously researched the market, the aftermarket, and Bronco enthusiasts to craft a vehicle that combined classic utility with modern solutions. Its modular design allowed for customized functionality, including removable doors with integrated storage solutions and user-friendly electrical connections. Protective underbody plating and easily replaceable fenders and bumpers highlighted its readiness for the trail.

Cargo capacity varied across models. Two-door Broncos measured at a 100.4-inch wheelbase and four-door models at 116.1 inches, translating to different lengths and heights. Its cargo hold, designed to accommodate door storage bags, emphasized utility and readiness for adventure.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4, although perceived more as a crossover in the EV segment compared to its gasoline counterparts, made efficient use of space. It offered slightly more front and rear headroom than its electric competitors and ample, although average, legroom. Cargo space stood at 30.3 cubic feet with all seats in place, expanding to 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, overshadowing many EVs but falling short of traditional crossovers like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

The ID.4 forwent a “frunk” for extra cabin space, and while its dashboard-mounted gear selector helped in theory, practical storage was limited. Standard heated seats and steering wheel were efficient for cabin warmth, while seat comfort was mixed, with critiques pointing to a lack of thigh support.

Technological ingenuity was at the forefront of the 2021 Ford Bronco’s offerings. Its center console housed the G.O.A.T. system, an intuitive traction management system with up to seven terrain modes. The Bronco implemented Ford’s SYNC 4 infotainment, standard with an 8-inch touchscreen (upgradable to 12 inches) and enhanced voice recognition. The High and Lux Packages introduced advanced features like a 10-speaker B&O sound system, voice-activated navigation, and wireless charging.

Enhanced by the Sasquatch Package’s Bilstein shock absorbers, each trim level of the Bronco offered progressively refined off-road and tech capabilities, making navigation and adventure seamless.

Conversely, the ID.4’s technology was promising but not without flaws. It featured a standard 10-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 5.3-inch instrument cluster display, and confusing haptic touchpads. The control setup, while modern, often confused users accustomed to physical buttons. VW's voice-control system added convenience, albeit with occasional sluggish responses.

The innovative ID.Light provided driving cues visually but bordered on gimmicky. The overall in-car experience was enhanced by well-positioned touchscreens and user-friendly menus.

Safety was a salient feature for the 2021 Ford Bronco, but availability varied with trim levels. The Base model included essentials like airbags, while higher trims incorporated advanced features like Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping systems. The High Package added a 360-degree camera and forward-sensing system, upping the Bronco’s safety ante. It addressed the unique challenge of having removable doors with a sophisticated side curtain airbag system.

The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 stood out in safety, achieving the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick+ designation and five stars from NHTSA for its RWD version. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. New for 2021 were Travel Assist (with automated lane centering) and Emergency Assist, which could autonomously bring the car to a stop if the driver was incapacitated. The Travel Assist’s performance on curvy roads was notably smooth and responsive, demonstrating its advanced capability even beyond some gasoline VW models.