2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Ford Explorer is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Ford Explorer comes out slightly ahead, delivering a robust combination of spaciousness, power, safety, and technology. While the Bronco Sport excels in off-road capability and active lifestyle accommodations, the Explorer's higher overall rating reflects its greater versatility and family-oriented advantages. For most consumers, the Explorer would be the more well-rounded choice.
Choose the 2021 Ford Explorer if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a spacious interior with three-row seating flexibility for larger families.
- You need a vehicle with strong towing capacity and varied powertrain options.
- A comprehensive safety suite and high safety ratings are essential to you.
Choose the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport if:
Shop Now- You’re an outdoor enthusiast requiring smart storage and accessory options for active gear.
- Off-road capability with advanced terrain management modes is important.
- Compact size with modern tech integration and commuter-friendly features fits your lifestyle.
Overview | |
MSRP$32,925 | MSRP$27,215 |
Average price$31,396 | Average price$26,424 |
Listings5177 | Listings2415 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.3 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2021 Ford Explorer Reviews SummaryThere was a time when everybody in America seemingly drove an Explorer. That may be an exaggeration, but not by much. In its first four years of production, Ford sold over a million examples. In 1998, Ford was selling its second-generation Explorer at a rate of nearly 440,000 per year. Whether your family purchased an Explorer or not, this was the nameplate that invented the midsize SUV segment. Fast forward to the 2021 model year and the Explorer is in its sixth generation. It's now a three-row SUV that clocks in at a maximum of 4,700 pounds, with a price tag north of $50,000 for the Explorer Platinum trim level. Long gone are the days when it was the only game in town. Almost every automaker has a competitor. So how does the Explorer shake out for 2021? | |
2021 Ford Bronco Sport Reviews SummaryAfter a long buildup, Ford finally made the 2021 Bronco Sport available for the media to test drive. The spunky compact two-row crossover SUV proved to be a lively, capable, and attractive companion for on- and off-pavement adventures. | |
No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine1.5L 181 hp I3 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainAWD |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower | Horsepower181 hp @ 6000 rpm |
MPG City21 | MPG City25 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway28 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.3L 300 hp I4 | Engine Name1.5L 181 hp I3 |
Torque | Torque190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower181 hp @ 6000 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainAWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City21 | MPG City25 |
MPG Highway28 | MPG Highway28 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity7 | Seating Capacity5 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall5 | Front Crash Overall5 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space18.2 cu ft | Cargo Space32.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight4345 lbs | Curb Weight3457 lbs |
Height69.9 in | Height70.2 in |
Length198.8 in | Length172.7 in |
Width89.3 in | Width82.2 in |
Wheelbase119.1 in | Wheelbase105.1 in |
Maximum Payload1425 lbs | Maximum Payload1171 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity5300 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Ford Explorer is 7.5 out of 10, while the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport scores 7.3 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the 2021 Ford Explorer comes out slightly ahead, delivering a robust combination of spaciousness, power, safety, and technology. While the Bronco Sport excels in off-road capability and active lifestyle accommodations, the Explorer's higher overall rating reflects its greater versatility and family-oriented advantages. For most consumers, the Explorer would be the more well-rounded choice.
Choose the 2021 Ford Explorer if:
Shop Now- You prioritize a spacious interior with three-row seating flexibility for larger families.
- You need a vehicle with strong towing capacity and varied powertrain options.
- A comprehensive safety suite and high safety ratings are essential to you.
Choose the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport if:
Shop Now- You’re an outdoor enthusiast requiring smart storage and accessory options for active gear.
- Off-road capability with advanced terrain management modes is important.
- Compact size with modern tech integration and commuter-friendly features fits your lifestyle.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $32,925 | $27,215 |
Average price | $31,396 | $26,424 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.8 | 4.2 |
Expert reviews | 7.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.3 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | There was a time when everybody in America seemingly drove an Explorer. That may be an exaggeration, but not by much. In its first four years of production, Ford sold over a million examples. In 1998, Ford was selling its second-generation Explorer at a rate of nearly 440,000 per year. Whether your family purchased an Explorer or not, this was the nameplate that invented the midsize SUV segment. Fast forward to the 2021 model year and the Explorer is in its sixth generation. It's now a three-row SUV that clocks in at a maximum of 4,700 pounds, with a price tag north of $50,000 for the Explorer Platinum trim level. Long gone are the days when it was the only game in town. Almost every automaker has a competitor. So how does the Explorer shake out for 2021? | After a long buildup, Ford finally made the 2021 Bronco Sport available for the media to test drive. The spunky compact two-row crossover SUV proved to be a lively, capable, and attractive companion for on- and off-pavement adventures. |
Video | No video found | |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 1.5L 181 hp I3 |
Drive Train | RWD | AWD |
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm | |
MPG City | 21 | 25 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 28 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.3L 300 hp I4 | 1.5L 181 hp I3 |
Torque | 190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm | |
Horsepower | 181 hp @ 6000 rpm | |
Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 21 | 25 |
MPG Highway | 28 | 28 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 7 | 5 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 18.2 cu ft | 32.5 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 4345 lbs | 3457 lbs |
Height | 69.9 in | 70.2 in |
Length | 198.8 in | 172.7 in |
Width | 89.3 in | 82.2 in |
Wheelbase | 119.1 in | 105.1 in |
Maximum Payload | 1425 lbs | 1171 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 5300 lbs | |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.