2021 Toyota Venza vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Toyota Venza, with its sleek design, was often compared to a Lexus, blurring the lines between the two brands. Its elongated profile and distinctive grille drew inspiration from the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, showcased at the 2018 North American International Auto Show. Available in three trims—LE, XLE, and Limited—the Venza offered a choice of seven paint colors, though not all were available across every trim. Standard features included LED headlights and taillights, a wireless charging pad, and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. The Venza Limited trim boasted a 12.3-inch infotainment screen and the option for a Star Gaze panoramic roof.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, was designed as a versatile crossover with a modern retro aesthetic reminiscent of Land Rover. Its short front and rear overhangs, tall fender wells, and tucked-in body sides were tailored for trail driving. The Bronco Sport's bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with its minimal Ford branding, emphasized its rugged identity. Wheel options varied across trims, with sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches, and the interior featured a practical, uncluttered design with an 8-inch infotainment screen and rotary gear selector.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack, delivering a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. Its electronically-controlled continuously-variable transmission (eCVT) provided smooth acceleration, though engine noise was noticeable during speed increases. The Venza excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 40 mpg on the highway, 37 mpg in the city, and 39 mpg combined, outperforming competitors like the Murano, Passport, and Blazer. Toyota offered a 10-year/150,000-mile hybrid battery warranty and an eight-year/100,000-mile Hybrid System warranty.

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 with 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, with a terrain management system offering up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport's off-road capabilities were impressive, with a short wheelbase, independent suspension, and decent ground clearance, making it suitable for both trail and urban environments.

The 2021 Toyota Venza's interior was uniquely styled, with premium appointments in the center stack and a deep center console featuring resizable cup holders and a wireless charging pad. The cabin offered ample space for front and rear passengers, with comfortable seating for extended drives. While the Venza had less cargo space than the RAV4, its 55.1 cubic feet of maximum cargo capacity was sufficient for daily use, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks allowed for easy cargo arrangement.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active lifestyles with features like a cargo space designed to accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes and a catalog of over 100 accessories for 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 hold included a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin offered ample storage compartments, though visibility issues were noted for taller drivers.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured the Entune infotainment system, with an 8-inch screen on the LE and XLE trims and a 12.3-inch screen on the Limited trim. While the system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, it was not the most user-friendly. A nine-speaker JBL audio system was available on higher trims, and Toyota connected services like Safety Connect and Remote Connect were standard.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came with an 8-inch touchscreen running SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordConnect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system was available on higher trims. The terrain management system's G.O.A.T. modes offered impressive tech for off-roading, and intelligent access with push-button start was included on all trims except the Base.

The 2021 Toyota Venza included the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, featuring eight airbags, a rearview camera, and advanced driver-assist technologies like pre-collision warning, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard, with an upgrade available for automatic braking.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, offering pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. All models had AWD and a terrain management system with G.O.A.T. modes, enhancing safety and traction.