2021 Ford Bronco vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 Ford Bronco was a long-awaited revival of a classic, with Ford teasing its return since 2004. The new Bronco drew inspiration from its 1966 predecessor, embracing a "Retrofuturism" design philosophy that combined classic styling with modern technology. The Bronco's exterior featured a single-piece grille with bold B-R-O-N-C-O lettering, round headlights, and a choice of 32-inch or 35-inch tires. Available in two-door and four-door configurations, the Bronco offered a range of paint colors and a choice between a soft-top or modular hardtop. Inside, the Bronco's retro styling was complemented by modern technology, including a color touchscreen and a digitized instrument cluster. The interior was rugged yet functional, with features like stretchy mesh door pockets and sturdy grab handles.

The 2022 Genesis GV70, while inheriting some styling elements from other Genesis models, boasted a unique appearance with its quad LED headlights and taillights, shield-shaped grille, and sloping roofline. The Sport Prestige model added distinctive features like 21-inch wheels and a dark chrome finish. Inside, the GV70's interior was inspired by an airplane wing's cross-section, with an elliptical theme and minimalistic design. The touchscreen was perched atop the dashboard, and the rotary gear selector added a futuristic touch. The GV70 offered a variety of interior color options and luxurious materials, though base models featured leatherette seats. The interior was designed for comfort, with features like heated and ventilated front seats, though some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

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 V6 with 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The 2.3-liter engine came with a seven-speed manual transmission, while the 2.7-liter was paired with a 10-speed automatic. All models featured standard four-wheel drive. During testing in Michigan, the Bronco demonstrated its off-road prowess, handling challenging terrain with ease. The First Edition model, equipped with the 2.7-liter engine and Sasquatch package, provided a powerful and smooth on-road experience, while the two-door base model excelled off-road with its sure-footedness and smart electronics.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two powertrains: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four engine with 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV70 featured a rear electronic limited-slip differential and launch control, emphasizing its sporty character. However, the GV70's chassis felt heavy, lacking the sharpness of some competitors. The steering was adequate but not precise enough for spirited driving. The GV70 excelled on highways, offering a comfortable ride, though the 21-inch wheels made for a firm ride even in Comfort mode.

The 2021 Ford Bronco excelled in modularity, with removable doors and fenders, and easy-to-replace parts. The doors were designed with protective storage bags and integrated grip handles, making them easy to remove and store. The Bronco's interior featured smart design elements like a row of buttons for suspension settings and beefy toggle switches for auxiliary equipment. The Bronco's cargo space was designed to accommodate off-road adventures, with standard protection under the chassis and accessory skid plates available.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered mid-pack interior space for its segment, with adequate legroom and good rear-seat visibility. The cargo space was substantial, though not class-leading. The daring interior design compromised storage space, with a slim center console and thin door pockets. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering comfort and support, though some controls were buried in touchscreen menus. The GV70's interior was designed for luxury, with features like heated and ventilated front seats, though the massage controls were less intuitive.

The 2021 Ford Bronco featured the G.O.A.T. system for off-road traction, with up to seven drive modes available. The SYNC 4 infotainment system included an 8-inch standard touchscreen, upgradeable to a 12-inch screen with the High Package. The Lux Package added a 10-speaker B&O sound system and wireless device charging. The Bronco also offered position-sensitive Bilstein shock absorbers with the Sasquatch Package.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The infotainment system featured a glass rotary controller with pinch-and-zoom functionality. Higher trim levels offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 included a digital-key feature and a fingerprint scanner for starting the car. Genesis Connected Services offered remote camera activation and other features, free for three years.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered a range of safety features, with more available as you moved up the trim levels. The Base model included airbags, while higher trims added features like Ford Co-Pilot 360, a reverse sensing system, and a 360-degree camera. The Bronco's side curtain airbags were designed to deploy appropriately in off-roading situations, though crash-test ratings were not yet available.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 came standard with numerous safety features, including lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot assist. The GV70 also featured eight airbags, including a front-center airbag. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality. The GV70's Highway Driving Assist impressed with smooth control inputs, though the lane-centering function had limitations. Crash-test ratings were not yet available.