2021 Subaru Ascent vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Subaru Ascent, introduced as a much-needed addition to Subaru's lineup, filled the gap left by the discontinued Tribeca. The Ascent's design was a scaled-up version of Subaru's smaller models, like the Forester and Outback, offering a familiar look to loyal Subaru customers. Its interior mirrored this approach, with a dashboard design that could easily be mistaken for other Subaru models, reinforcing the brand's identity. The Ascent was available in four trims: Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring, each offering a range of features from driver-assistance technologies to upgraded infotainment systems and luxurious interior options.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, capturing a modern retro aesthetic reminiscent of Land Rover designs. It featured a short front overhang for improved approach angles and a rugged exterior with bold "BRONCO" lettering. The Bronco Sport's interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering a clean and functional layout with an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector. The model lineup included Base, Big Bend, Outer Banks, Badlands, and a limited First Edition, each with distinct wheel designs and interior upgrades, catering to both urban and adventurous lifestyles.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent was powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, delivering 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, provided a balanced performance suitable for various driving conditions. The Ascent excelled in comfort and handling, with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and Subaru’s X-Mode system, making it adept in snowy conditions and light off-roading. It also boasted a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds, supported by a standard Trailer Stability Assist.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options: a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque for the Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims, and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque for the Badlands and First Edition trims. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, complemented by a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport impressed off-road with its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and ground clearance ranging from 7.8 to 8.8 inches, depending on the trim.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent offered a spacious interior with 17.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 47.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 86.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. It provided seating for up to eight passengers, or seven with optional second-row captain's chairs. The Ascent featured 19 cupholders and numerous storage compartments, though it lacked a hands-free power liftgate option.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active lifestyles with a cargo area designed to accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. It offered a range of over 100 accessories for outdoor gear and a roof capable of supporting up to 150 pounds. The cargo area included a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table and liftgate floodlamps. The interior featured ample storage compartments, though visibility issues were noted for taller drivers.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent featured the StarLink infotainment system with intuitive menus and large icons, available on 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreens. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports, with options for a WiFi hotspot and a 14-speaker Harman Kardon stereo.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen running SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered FordConnect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and an available Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Bronco Sport's terrain management system included multiple G.O.A.T. modes, with additional off-road tech like trail control and a 360-degree camera available on higher trims.

The 2021 Subaru Ascent earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating, thanks to its EyeSight suite of driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure warning. Additional safety options included reverse automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, featuring 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 included AWD and a terrain management system, though crash ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available at the time.