2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

In the previous iterations of Ford's SUV lineup, the 2021 Ford Explorer stood out for its aesthetic appeal, aligning well with the brand's trademark look. Ford's sequential naming akin to the 1950s approach—Escape, Edge, Explorer, Expedition—had a nostalgic charm that invoked brand loyalty. The Explorer showcased a robust exterior that could be mistaken for its sibling, the Edge, at a quick glance. Nevertheless, its sporty lines and confident stance gave it a distinctive flair within its class.

Each trim of the Explorer—from the base to the high-end Platinum—offered varied grille designs, ranging from black to full chrome. Starting at a practical $32,925 and soaring up to $52,730, the six trim levels brought incremental enhancements in both exterior and interior finishes, with the XLT being the most popular due to its balanced offering of features and price.

Inside, the Explorer boasted a spacious cabin with three standard rows of seating. Cloth upholstery was standard in the base trim, and although comfortable, the third row wasn't ideal for adults on long journeys. The dashboard was neat and user-friendly, equipped with an 8-inch LCD touchscreen and intuitive center console controls, including a rotary gearshift that maximized storage space.

Conversely, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport made a bold visual statement with its modern-retro aesthetics, almost rivalling the luxurious look of Land Rover models. Its short front and rear overhangs were not just stylistic but functional, aimed at enhancing off-road capability. The tall, unadorned fender wells were designed to minimize potential trail obstacles, while large "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate accentuated its rugged persona.

Wheel choices varied by trim, from the 17-inch Sparkle Silver wheels on the Base model to the Badlands and First Edition's 17-inch Ebony Black-painted wheels with all-terrain tires. The interior of the Bronco Sport maintained a rugged yet tasteful design, with essential features like an 8-inch infotainment screen and multiple storage cubbies. The trim progression introduced additional comforts such as leather-trimmed, heated seats and user-friendly storage solutions.

The 2021 Ford Explorer had a diverse range of powertrains that catered to different performance needs. The base model, although hefty at 4,345 pounds, was powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering an impressive 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine outperformed some competitors, such as the Kia Telluride's V6 engine. All trims featured a 10-speed automatic transmission.

The Limited Hybrid model upped the ante with a V6 hybrid drivetrain, offering 310 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims came with a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, pushing out 365 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, while the sporty ST version delivered a whopping 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Despite its SUV stature, the Explorer had commendable towing capabilities between 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the configuration, though not exceptional within its class.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices tied to different trim levels. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims came with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the Badlands and First Edition trims featured a more potent 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, churning out 245 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque—more suited to the Bronco Sport's adventurous spirit. The eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD with terrain management, including seven available G.O.A.T. modes, enhanced its off-road prowess.

The Bronco Sport excelled off-road due to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance. On the road, it offered a comfortable ride, though the 1.5-liter engine could sound strained under duress. The 2.0-liter engine fitted better with its rugged yet commuter-friendly character.

The 2021 Ford Explorer was designed with family utility in mind. The base model offered seating for seven, while higher trims with second-row captain’s chairs reduced the seating capacity to six. Its 39 inches of second-row legroom were fairly competitive within its class. With all seats in use, it provided a decent 21 cubic feet of cargo space, which expanded to 81 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down.

Conversely, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport integrated practical features tailored for active lifestyles. The cargo space was notably high enough to accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford's accessory catalog for the Bronco Sport featured over 100 options for carrying outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 150 pounds (100 with the moonroof), and a smart cargo management package introduced a slide-out work table and other functional features.

In terms of towing, the Bronco Sport varied by engine choice: the 2.0-liter engine could tow up to 2,200 pounds, while the 1.5-liter engine managed 2,000 pounds. Despite minor issues with outward visibility related to the driving position, the Bronco Sport’s interior storage and thoughtful design made it a practical choice for both everyday use and weekend adventures.

The 2021 Ford Explorer came well-equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, featuring AM/FM radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G WiFi hotspot, and Ford’s Sync 3 system. Higher trims like the Limited offered a premium 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and an optional upgrade to a 10.1-inch touchscreen with more speakers.

The Explorer included multiple USB ports and 12-volt power points scattered throughout the cabin, with the ST trim adding a 110-volt AC power outlet and optional wireless charging pad from the Limited trim.

Similarly, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport embraced modern tech with its standard 8-inch infotainment touchscreen linked to SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Ford+Alexa. A 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was also standard. The base six-speaker system could be upgraded to a Bang & Olufsen sound system in higher trims, paired with a 360-degree camera useful for off-roading.

The Bronco Sport’s G.O.A.T. modes, included in the terrain management system, provided tailored drive settings for various conditions, supported by off-road tech like trail control. Higher trims featured additional comforts like heated, leather-wrapped steering wheels and an advanced digital instrument panel.

The 2021 Ford Explorer excelled in safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS thanks to high crash test scores and adaptive headlight ratings. The base model featured the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, which included essential safety technologies such as forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

Consumers needed to opt for the Limited trim or higher to access the complete Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite, offering advanced features like adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Explorer’s safety equipment was superior to many class competitors, where such features were often optional.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite across all trims, including essential features like pedestrian detection and lane-keeping assist. The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and additional navigational aids, enhancing driving safety. AWD and various G.O.A.T. modes embedded traction control and stability features into the Bronco Sport’s safety profile, making it as reliable off-road as on pavement.

The Bronco Sport’s crash-worthiness ratings were pending from IIHS and NHTSA, but its comprehensive safety suite and inclusion of trailer sway control as part of the tow package promised robust safety credentials.