2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS, a continuation of the third generation introduced in 2020, was a luxurious SUV that evolved from the original GL-Class. Initially intended to replace the G-Class, the GLS found its niche among affluent families seeking a more practical yet opulent alternative to the likes of the Navigator and Escalade. Despite its size, the GLS appeared less bulky than its predecessors, thanks to softened angles and clever design elements. Inside, it boasted a futuristic cabin dominated by a massive digital screen, emphasizing its tech-centric nature. The GLS lineup included the GLS 450, GLS 580, and the high-performance AMG GLS 63, each offering a range of luxurious features and options to enhance comfort and convenience.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, capturing the rugged spirit of its predecessor while catering to a more suburban audience. With a modern retro design reminiscent of Land Rover, the Bronco Sport featured short front and rear overhangs, tall fender wells, and a body designed for trail driving. Its bold "BRONCO" lettering and minimal Ford branding added to its distinctive look. The Bronco Sport offered a range of wheel options across its trims, from 17-inch Sparkle Silver wheels on the Base model to 18-inch Ebony Black-painted wheels on the Outer Banks and Badlands models. Inside, the Bronco Sport's cabin was rugged yet uncluttered, with a focus on practicality and convenience.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered a range of powerful engine options. The entry-level GLS 450 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, producing 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. The GLS 580 stepped up with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, delivering 483 hp and 516 lb-ft. Both models utilized a nine-speed automatic transmission and Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel drive system. The AMG GLS 63, with its hand-crafted 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, generated an impressive 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, achieving a 0-60 mph time of just 4.1 seconds. All engines featured Mercedes’ EQ Boost 48-volt mild-hybrid system, enhancing performance and efficiency. The GLS 63's adaptive air suspension and multiple drive modes provided a dynamic driving experience, while E-Active Body Control ensured a smooth ride.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices tied to its trim levels. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims were equipped with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands and First Edition models featured a more robust 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 245 hp and 275 lb-ft. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, along with a terrain management system offering up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance, while maintaining good manners on pavement.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS offered spacious three-row seating, accommodating up to seven passengers, with optional second-row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to six. The first and second rows provided ample headroom and legroom, while the third row was suitable for adults. The GLS boasted 17.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 42.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.4 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The power-folding third row and numerous storage compartments added to its practicality.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active lifestyles with clever features like cargo space designed to hold two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford offered over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 150 pounds, and the 2.0-liter engine could tow up to 2,200 pounds. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass, optional slide-out work table, and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin provided ample storage, though visibility could be challenging for taller drivers.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS featured the MBUX infotainment system with a large touch screen and trackpad, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto via USB-C. The system included a voice-control feature activated by saying "Mercedes," and a digital dash extending to the instrument panel. Touch-sensitive pads on the steering wheel allowed for easy control of the infotainment and instrument displays.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered FordConnect with 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and higher trims included a Bang & Olufsen sound system and 360-degree camera. The terrain management system provided multiple G.O.A.T. modes, and trail control technology assisted in off-road driving. Intelligent access with push-button start was standard on all but the Base model.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features, including Active Brake Assist, forward-collision avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. Additional available safety tech included lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and a following-distance indicator. The GLS also featured a full array of airbags, traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features as standard, offering pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a reversing camera. The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and road-sign recognition. All models featured AWD and a terrain management system with built-in traction control and electronic stability control. Crash-worthiness ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.