2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was a mixed bag in terms of aesthetics. While it had an aggressive front with a sloping hood, the design seemed to lose its edge past the A-pillar, making it resemble its predecessors. Despite efforts to enhance its appearance with flat taillights and a contoured rear, the GLE struggled to match the visual appeal of its competitors like the BMW X5 or Porsche Cayenne. However, the interior was a different story, offering a luxurious experience with high-quality materials and a striking red and black color scheme. The cabin was a blend of wood, metal, leather, and suede, providing a sense of opulence, although some controls felt flimsy.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport embraced a modern retro aesthetic that was both stylish and functional. Its design was reminiscent of a Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs that enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Bronco Sport featured bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, with minimal Ford branding. The SUV's wheels varied across trims, offering options that catered to both on-road and off-road preferences. Inside, the Bronco Sport maintained a rugged yet uncluttered design, with practical storage solutions and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The interior trim improved with each model, offering a range of seating and flooring options to suit different needs.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE excelled in performance with its advanced air suspension and turbocharged engines. The GLE 350 featured a 255 hp engine, while the GLE 450 offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 362 hp. The AMG GLE 53 took it further with 429 hp, and the GLE 580 boasted a twin-turbo V8 with 483 hp. The top-tier AMG GLE 63 S delivered a staggering 603 hp. The GLE's hybrid system provided additional power and seamless engine start-stop functionality, though it didn't significantly improve fuel efficiency. The GLE's towing capacity was impressive at 7,700 pounds, and its ride quality and steering were exceptional, making it feel agile despite its size.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options: a 1.5-liter EcoBoost three-cylinder with 181 hp for the Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims, and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder with 245 hp for the Badlands and First Edition models. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, along with a terrain management system featuring up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport performed well off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and decent ground clearance. While the 1.5-liter engine could feel strained, the 2.0-liter engine was better suited to the vehicle's character, providing a more satisfying driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE offered spacious interiors, with most models accommodating five passengers, and an optional third row increasing capacity to seven. The cargo space was generous, with 34 cubic feet behind the second row and 75 cubic feet with all rows folded. The Coupe variant, however, had less cargo space due to its sloping roofline. The GLE's usability was enhanced by the MBUX infotainment system, which simplified controls and offered intuitive features. The interior was well-appointed, with easy-to-use seat controls and rocker switches for suspension settings.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active lifestyles with its cleverly designed cargo space, capable of holding two 27.5-inch mountain bikes. Ford offered a range of accessories for transporting outdoor gear, and the roof could support up to 150 pounds. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass and an optional management package with a slide-out work table and inverter. The front cabin provided ample storage, though visibility could be challenging for taller drivers. The Bronco Sport's interior was practical and adaptable, with various seating and flooring options to suit different needs.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE was packed with advanced technology, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen with gesture control and a customizable head-up display. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a natural voice assistant. AMG models offered a Track Pace app for performance tracking. The GLE's interior boasted features like seat kinetics, ambient lighting, and a navigation system with augmented reality. The semi-automated driving functions added convenience and safety, making the GLE a tech-savvy choice.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came equipped with the SYNC 3 infotainment system on an 8-inch touchscreen, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered Ford+Alexa and SiriusXM capabilities, along with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims featured a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a 360-degree camera. The terrain management system included multiple G.O.A.T. modes, enhancing off-road performance. Intelligent access with push-button start and a digital instrument panel were available on select trims, providing a modern driving experience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and standard forward emergency braking. It offered optional features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and 360-degree cameras. The GLE's Pre-Safe Sound and Pre-Safe Impulse Side systems enhanced safety in the event of a crash, while its stability control and braking systems provided additional protection.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. All models featured AWD and a terrain management system with traction control and electronic stability control. While crash ratings were not available, the Bronco Sport's safety features offered comprehensive protection.