2021 Ford Bronco vs 2022 Toyota Sienna

Back in 2004, Ford ignited the public’s fascination with its new Bronco by unveiling the Bronco Concept vehicle. Fast forward to 2021, and the Ford Bronco Sport, a compact crossover SUV, hit the market with adventure-ready styling and standard all-wheel drive on an Escape platform. Drawing inspiration from its 1966 predecessor that built a 30-year legacy of off-road prowess, the new Bronco celebrated “Retrofuturism,” updating its classic design with modern technology and materials. It featured a single-piece grille with bold B-R-O-N-C-O lettering, round headlights, and modular elements like fender flares and beadlock-capable wheels.

On the other side, Toyota embraced its minivan roots with the 2022 Sienna while adding some SUV-inspired flair. Despite the decline of minivans in favor of SUVs, Toyota continued with family-centric design. The latest Sienna offered a macho front end with cleverly concealed sliding door hinges, emphasizing an assertive profile. Standard 17-inch wheels could be upgraded to 18 or 20-inch versions on higher trims, providing a more aggressive stance. The interior boasted impressive storage solutions and a flexible seating arrangement, making it a practical choice for families.

For the Bronco, Ford offered two engine options: a 270-horsepower, turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four standard engine, and an optional 310-horsepower, twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter inline-four. The former came with a seven-speed manual transmission, while the latter featured a 10-speed automatic. Both engines provided a four-wheel-drive system. During our mixed on- and off-road test in Michigan, both engines and transmissions proved capable. The Bronco’s off-road adeptness shone through, particularly with the Sasquatch package's 35-inch tires, showcasing balanced handling and outstanding traction on rugged terrains.

Contrarily, the 2022 Sienna came exclusively with a hybrid powertrain that featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors, delivering a combined 243 horsepower. FWD was standard, with an available AWD system driven by an additional electric motor. The Sienna's electronically controlled CVT facilitated smooth power delivery and excellent fuel economy, achieving an impressive 36 mpg combined for FWD models and 35 mpg combined for AWD. Its ride was smooth and comfortable, thanks to its advanced suspension system.

Ford designed the Bronco with an eye toward customization and practical outdoor use. Key features included removable doors with labeled storage bags and simple removal tools, fenders, bumpers, and a front grille that could easily be replaced after an off-road adventure. The Bronco was equally thoughtful inside, with switches and toggles within easy reach for smooth off-road operation.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Sienna excelled in family-friendly functionality. It could transport a full 4x8 sheet of plywood and offered flexible cargo arrangements with a maximum of 101 cubic feet behind the first row, 75.2 cubic feet behind the second row, and 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row. It also supported up to 3,500 pounds in towing capacity. Enhanced convenience featured power-operated side sliding doors and rear tailgate with foot-motion triggers, making loading and unloading hassle-free.

The Bronco incorporated Ford's latest infotainment system, SYNC 4, with an 8-inch standard touchscreen, upgradeable to a 12-inch screen. Trim packages added tech features like a 10-speaker B&O sound system, navigation, and wireless charging, enhancing the adventure-ready experience with modern connectivity.

In the Sienna, Toyota prioritized advanced technology with a 9-inch standard touchscreen offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. Though it missed wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, the Sienna incorporated thorough telematics and WiFi services. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker JBL audio system and a rear-seat entertainment package with an 11.6-inch display. It also offered a head-up display and digital rearview mirror for an enriched driving experience.

Safety features for the Bronco were package-dependent. Base trims included standard airbags, while higher trims and packages offered Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 suite, featuring advanced aids like pre-collision assist, blind-spot information, and a 360-degree camera. Removable doors slightly impacted safety, but side curtain airbags mitigated this by adapting to off-road situations.

The 2022 Sienna, however, was robust in safety, featuring the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite across all models. This included adaptive cruise control, Lane Tracing Assist, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, and more. With ten airbags and multiple child-seat connectors, it provided comprehensive protection for family journeys. The Sienna received top safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.