2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a more traditional SUV aesthetic compared to other small luxury crossovers, featuring a tall, flat roof and an upright rear hatch. It seamlessly integrated with the rest of the Volvo lineup, showcasing signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. Gasoline models offered a white contrasting roof for a retro touch. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle “Recharge” badging, and unique alloy wheels. It also featured a gloss black roof and mirror caps, a distinct rear bumper, and a model-exclusive Sage Green Metallic color. The interior was minimalist yet premium, with real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, creating a cohesive and upscale cabin environment.

The 2022 Ford Bronco captivated with its retro styling and robust off-road capabilities, making it a highly sought-after vehicle. It introduced two new top-tier models, the Everglades and the Bronco Raptor, with the Everglades designed for swamp trekking and deep water adventures. The Bronco lineup expanded to seven trims, each offering varying degrees of off-road prowess. Despite its rugged appearance, the Bronco delivered a surprisingly smooth ride on pavement, outperforming its direct rival, the Jeep Wrangler. The interior maintained a utilitarian theme with features like marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs, while technology was well-represented with the Sync 4 infotainment system and advanced off-road features like G.O.A.T. modes and a trail camera.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline options included a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base FWD T4 produced 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the AWD T5 delivered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model shared its powertrain with the Polestar 2, featuring dual electric motors for AWD, generating a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft. It boasted a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, enabling a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.7 seconds. All versions were electronically limited to 112 mph. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality and the capability for one-pedal driving. The Recharge model also offered a towing capacity of 2,000 pounds.

The 2022 Ford Bronco came with a base turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. An optional turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine offered 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed manual transmission was available for the four-cylinder engine, featuring a crawl gear for low-speed driving. All Broncos included four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case. The Bronco excelled in off-road environments, with models like the Everglades showcasing impressive capabilities on challenging terrains. Despite its off-road focus, the Bronco delivered a smooth and comfortable ride on pavement, surpassing the Jeep Wrangler in highway performance.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its Recharge and gasoline variants, offered similar passenger and cargo space, though it was less spacious than competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the center console and large door bins, compensated for the limited space. The interior featured high-quality materials and a cohesive design, enhancing the overall premium feel.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its generous interior space, providing ample headroom and legroom for passengers. Cargo capacity varied depending on the 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 included clever storage solutions and accessories, such as netted door pockets and stowable doors. External hard mounting points and removable fender flares further enhanced its utility.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. It included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Recharge model also offered OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership.

The 2022 Ford Bronco utilized technology to enhance its off-road capabilities while maintaining driver engagement. The Sync 4 infotainment system provided quick responses and sharp graphics, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Off-road features like G.O.A.T. modes and a forward-looking trail camera added confidence for novice drivers, while seasoned off-roaders could manually select their preferred setups.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, with the gasoline model earning a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured Volvo’s latest sensor suite, scalable for future driver aid advancements.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered standard safety features like hill-start assist and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features such as adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system. The NHTSA awarded the four-door Bronco four stars for frontal crash protection, while the IIHS gave it a “Good” rating in several tests. All safety systems functioned reliably, with no false alarms or glitches.