2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its rugged origins, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Initially designed as a utilitarian vehicle, it quickly moved upscale, offering a wide range of powertrains and personalization options. The model we tested, priced at $106,715, featured the HSE Westminster special-edition trim, showcasing a timeless design with hallmark cues like blacked-out windshield pillars and clean styling. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance, although its infotainment system, InControl Touch Pro Duo, was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco captured attention with its retro styling and off-road prowess. The Bronco lineup expanded with the Everglades model, designed for swamp trekking with features like an intake snorkel and 35-inch mud-terrain tires. Despite its rugged appearance, the Bronco offered a comfortable ride on pavement, outperforming rivals like the Jeep Wrangler. The interior was utilitarian yet spacious, with clever storage solutions and options for customization. The Bronco's technology, including the Sync 4 infotainment system and G.O.A.T. modes, enhanced its off-road capabilities while maintaining driver engagement.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. Its four-wheel drive system, combined with Terrain Response 2 traction control, ensured off-road capability, although our test was limited to a well-traveled trail. The Range Rover provided a smooth and quiet ride, with an adaptive air suspension filtering road harshness. However, its steering was slow, and the vehicle's weight and tall center of gravity led to side-to-side wallow on uneven roads. The EPA estimated fuel economy at 20 mpg combined, but our test averaged 18.5 mpg.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and a 2.7-liter V6 with 330 horsepower. Both engines provided ample power, with the V6 paired to a mandatory 10-speed automatic transmission. The Bronco excelled in off-road conditions, with features like a two-speed transfer case and various drive modes. On Drummond Island, the Everglades model handled challenging terrain with ease. On pavement, the Bronco offered a smoother ride than expected for an off-road vehicle, with precise steering and reduced driver fatigue. Wind noise was a minor issue, but overall, the Bronco impressed with its versatility.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers still found entry challenging. The front seats were comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in an uncomfortable seating position. Storage space was limited, with a small refrigerated center console bin and minimal luggage volume. The cargo area offered 25 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 59.8 cubic feet with them folded, less than some compact SUVs.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design maximized interior space, providing ample headroom and legroom. Accessing the rear seats in the two-door model required some maneuvering, but the four-door version offered more convenience. Cargo capacity varied by model, with the four-door hard-top offering up to 77.6 cubic feet with seats folded. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including netted door pockets and accessory rails. Removable doors and fender flares added to its utility, while external mounting points enhanced its versatility.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's digital instrumentation and infotainment system, InControl Touch Pro Duo, offered numerous features but was not entirely intuitive. The dual 10-inch touchscreens were distracting while driving, and the head-up display was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The Activity Key wristband allowed for keyless entry, and the iGuide app served as a digital owner's manual.

The 2022 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, with G.O.A.T. modes and a forward-looking trail camera providing confidence on challenging terrain. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. The Bronco's technology balanced modern convenience with off-road functionality.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assistance, with optional packages adding adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered standard safety features such as hill-start assist and trailer sway control, with additional options available in various packages. The NHTSA awarded the four-door Bronco four stars for frontal crash protection, while the IIHS rated it "Good" in most tests. The Bronco's safety systems performed reliably, with no false alarms.