2021 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, in its final year of production, offered a nostalgic nod to its storied past with the Heritage Edition trim. This version was celebrated for its classic design elements, such as bronze BBS wheels and a Yakima Megawarrior roof basket, which paired well with the Midnight Black exterior. However, the standard model, which arrived for review, was less striking in its Magnetic Gray paint and Terra leather upholstery. The exterior design, with its oversized headlights and chrome accents, lacked the character and charm of its predecessors, resembling more of a luxury-laden first-generation Highlander. Inside, the Land Cruiser mixed high-quality materials with dated design elements, such as a traditional hand-operated parking brake and a CD player, evoking a sense of nostalgia without fully embracing modernity.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco captured attention with its retro styling and robust off-road capabilities. The Bronco lineup expanded with the introduction of the Everglades model, designed for swamp trekking with features like an intake snorkel and 35-inch mud-terrain tires. The Bronco's design was unapologetically utilitarian, with short overhangs and modular construction that allowed for easy customization. Inside, the Bronco continued its rugged theme with marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs for easy cleaning. Despite its off-road focus, the Bronco offered modern technology, including a digital instrument panel and a large infotainment touchscreen, making it a versatile choice for both adventure and everyday driving.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a 381-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 engine, shared with the Toyota Tundra, delivering 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and quiet ride, though fuel economy was a modest 14.7 mpg during testing. The Land Cruiser's off-road prowess was supported by a full-time four-wheel-drive system, Torsen limited-slip differential, and a suite of traction control features, including Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control. Its sophisticated suspension system, featuring a double-wishbone front and four-link rear setup, ensured maximum wheel articulation, while skid plates protected the underbody.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 2.7-liter V6 producing 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco's seven-speed manual transmission, available with the four-cylinder engine, included a crawl gear for low-speed torque. All Broncos featured four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case. The Everglades model excelled in challenging off-road conditions, with a water fording capability of 36.4 inches. On-road, the Bronco impressed with its smooth ride and precise steering, outperforming rivals like the Jeep Wrangler.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's interior was luxurious, with premium leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. The SUV offered a commanding view of the road, but storage space was limited, with a small center console and a "cool box" that underwhelmed. The second-row bench seat was spacious and heated, while the third-row seat could accommodate adults if the second row was adjusted. Cargo space was 16.1 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 82.8 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design maximized interior space, providing ample headroom and legroom for passengers. Cargo capacity varied by model and roof type, with the two-door hard-top offering up to 52.3 cubic feet with seats folded, and the four-door hard-top providing up to 77.6 cubic feet. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, such as netted door pockets and accessory rails, and offered stowable doors for added convenience. External mounting points and removable fender flares enhanced its utility.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser's technology was reminiscent of a simpler era, with a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that lacked modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was straightforward but limited, with basic voice recognition and a dated rear-seat entertainment system. The 14-speaker JBL audio system provided decent sound quality but fell short of high-end competitors.

The 2022 Ford Bronco embraced technology to enhance its off-road capabilities, featuring G.O.A.T. modes for terrain-specific driving. The forward-looking trail camera and Trail Turn Assist improved off-road navigation. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, making it a tech-savvy choice for adventurers.

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser came equipped with 10 airbags and Toyota Safety Sense (TSS-P) driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. However, it lacked more advanced features like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and automated lane-keeping assistance. Crash-test ratings were unavailable for this model.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Bronco received favorable ratings from the IIHS, with "Good" scores in frontal, side, and roof strength tests, though NHTSA ratings were mixed, with a four-star frontal crash rating and three-star rollover protection.