2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB, introduced in 2020, joined an already extensive lineup of Mercedes-Benz SUVs. Slotting between the smaller GLA and the larger GLC, the GLB measured 182.4 inches in length with a 111.4-inch wheelbase. Despite its distinct measurements, the GLB shared a strong family resemblance with its lineup-mates, making it difficult to distinguish without reading the badge. The GLB featured an attractive, athletic stance, partly due to its 7.9 inches of ground clearance, which was more forgiving for soft roads and speed humps compared to the lower-slung GLA and GLC.

Inside, the GLB was a modern stunner with a striking repetition of round shapes across the dash and polished metal details on the HVAC vents, evoking an aerospace vibe. The single panel housing both the virtual instrument cluster and the infotainment screen was elegant and attractive. The cabin boasted Mercedes-Benz levels of fit and finish, with a beefy steering wheel featuring perforated leather grips adding to the overall premium feel.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, a smaller sibling to the resurrected Bronco, captured some of the same rugged styling cues but was designed as a more suburban, everyday driver ready for weekend adventures. The Bronco Sport featured a modern retro look, with short front and rear overhangs, tall fender wells, and tucked-in body sides designed for trail driving. Bold white lettering on the front grille and tailgate announced the vehicle's name as "BRONCO," with a smaller "SPORT" postscript, while the Ford blue oval appeared only once on the exterior.

The Bronco Sport's wheels played a significant role in its off-road and on-road abilities, with various options available across trim levels. The interior was tastefully rugged, with an uncluttered design and a unique shape for the HVAC vents. The center stack featured convenient open storage cubbies and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The rotary gear selector and multiple storage compartments added to the practicality of the cabin, while the step-up in interior trim from model to model provided a range of options for buyers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a single engine choice: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder gasoline unit producing 221 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT) with wheel-mounted shift paddles. Front-wheel drive (FWD) was standard, while 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) was optional for an additional $2,000. The GLB's fuel economy was estimated at 23 mpg city/30 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for the FWD version and 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway/26 mpg combined for the AWD version.

Built on a FWD platform, the GLB featured four-wheel independent suspension with 8.0 x 18-inch wheels. With a curb weight ranging from 3,638 to 3,891 pounds, the GLB delivered a 0-60 mph time of 6.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. The 4MATIC version offered better handling in various conditions and came with the Off-Road Engineering Package, which included hill-start assist, downhill speed regulation, and an animation program for off-road maneuvers.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices tied to trim levels. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims featured a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands and First Edition models came with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. All Bronco Sport models had an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD, along with a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes (Go Over Any Type of Terrain).

The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, four-wheel independent suspension, generous suspension travel, and decent ground clearance. On-road, the crossover had good manners, with the 2.0-liter engine providing a better match for the vehicle's character. The 1.5-liter engine, while capable, could sound strained when pressed hard.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB offered an optional third-row seat, which significantly impacted the second row and cargo compartments. The second row's seatback was divided 40:20:40, with each passenger able to adjust their own angle of recline. The seat bottom was divided 40:60, with each section sliding six inches. In three-row GLB models, the second row featured an "Easy-Entry" function for easier access to the third row, which folded flat when not needed.

Cargo space in the five-passenger GLB was 27.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 62.0 cubic feet with the second row folded. In the seven-passenger GLB, cargo space was 5.1 cubic feet behind the third row, 24.0 cubic feet behind the second row, and 56.7 cubic feet with both rows folded. The third row was best suited for children or brief trips for smaller adults, given its modest legroom and headroom.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with features designed for outdoor adventures. The cargo space was engineered to hold two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes, and Ford offered a catalog of over 100 accessories for transporting various gear. The roof could hold up to 150 pounds (100 with a moonroof), and the 2.0-liter engine could tow up to 2,200 pounds, while the 1.5-liter engine could tow 2,000 pounds.

The cargo hold featured a flip-up rear glass, an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table, a 400-watt inverter, and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin had ample storage compartments, including big door pockets and multiple cubbies. However, taller drivers might find outward visibility challenging due to the roof overhang and hood bulges, affecting the view of traffic lights and trails.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB was packed with technology, including the latest Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system with voice control and natural language understanding. Standard features included a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a 7-inch touchscreen multimedia display, a rearview camera, smartphone integration with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, keyless start, and a power liftgate.

The Premium Package upgraded the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen media display to 10.25 inches each, added keyless go, and offered a Burmester Surround Sound System. The optional Multimedia Package included navigation with augmented reality (AR) and traffic-sign assist. Other advanced options included adaptive damping, 64-color ambient interior lighting, wireless device charging, NFC pairing, parking assistance with surround view, active parking assist, and a head-up display (HUD).

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured the latest infotainment systems, including an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Ford+Alexa, and SiriusXM capability. FordConnect with 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system was available on higher trims. The terrain management system offered up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, with additional off-road tech like trail control for navigating trails.

Intelligent access with push-button start was included on all trims except the Base model, while higher trims featured heated and leather-wrapped steering wheels and a 6.5-inch digital instrument panel. The available trail control technology allowed for a cruise-control-like feature for off-roading, enhancing the Bronco Sport's off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLB came with a suite of standard safety features, including active brake assist, adaptive braking technology with hill-start assist and brake hold, crosswind assist, attention assist, and Mercedes-Benz emergency call service. Available safety features included active LED headlamps, adaptive high-beam assist, and blind-spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package added advanced features like active distance assist Distronic adaptive cruise control, active steering assist, active brake assist with cross-traffic function, active speed limit assist, active blind-spot assist, active lane-keeping assist, and Pre-Safe Plus with Pre-Safe Sound.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features as standard, which comprised pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, dynamic brake support, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, auto high-beam headlamps, and a reversing camera. The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering, evasive steering assist, a voice-activated touchscreen navigation system, SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link, and road-sign recognition.

AWD was standard on all Bronco Sport models, enhancing safety with traction control, anti-lock braking, and electronic stability control. Trailer sway control was included in the available tow package, ensuring safe towing.