Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, capturing the rugged spirit of its predecessor while focusing on a more suburban lifestyle. It featured a modern retro design reminiscent of the Land Rover lineup, with short front and rear overhangs for improved off-road capability. The vehicle's exterior was marked by bold "BRONCO" lettering and minimal Ford branding, emphasizing its adventurous character. Wheel options varied across trims, with sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches, and the interior offered a rugged yet tasteful design with practical storage solutions and a step-up in materials from cloth to leather across different models.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling cues from the Tacoma, presenting a rugged front with a trapezoidal grille. However, its side profile introduced a softer character line, creating a somewhat disjointed appearance. The interior featured an asymmetrical dash with a metallic styling element, providing storage solutions and a high-mounted infotainment screen for reduced driver distraction. The Bronze Edition introduced a unique fabric pattern, though it was less practical for families due to its tendency to attract dirt. Overall, the Highlander's design was less cohesive compared to competitors, but it offered practical interior space and features.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options: a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder with 181 horsepower and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder producing 245 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, featuring a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road with its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance, while maintaining good manners on pavement. The 2.0-liter engine was better suited for the vehicle's character, providing a more robust performance.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 horsepower, paired with a continuously variable transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive system powered by an electric motor. The Highlander Hybrid accelerated to 60 mph in just over 8 seconds, with a smooth transition from electric to gasoline power. The ride quality was soft, with a suspension that handled bumps well, though the engine's drone during acceleration was noticeable. The Highlander Hybrid prioritized comfort over sporty handling, providing a quiet cabin on highways.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with features like cargo space designed to fit two mountain bikes and a catalog of over 100 accessories for outdoor activities. The roof could support up to 150 pounds, and the vehicle offered towing capacities of 2,200 pounds with the 2.0-liter engine and 2,000 pounds with the 1.5-liter. The cargo area included a flip-up rear glass and optional features like a slide-out work table and liftgate floodlamps. However, visibility issues were noted for taller drivers both on and off-road.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid provided well-cushioned front seats with ample adjustments, though the driver's door armrest was awkwardly positioned. Storage solutions included a deep tray under the infotainment screen and a large center armrest bin. The second-row seats offered generous space and versatility, with sliding and reclining captain's chairs or an optional bench. The third row was less accommodating, suitable for children or short trips. Cargo space behind the third row was 16 cubic feet, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded, offering competitive storage for its class.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered Ford+Alexa, SiriusXM, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims included a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a 360-degree camera. The terrain management system provided multiple drive modes, and trail control technology assisted off-road driving. Intelligent access and push-button start were standard on most trims, with additional features like heated steering wheels and digital instrument panels on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option on top trims. The system was responsive, with physical shortcut buttons and climate controls. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa were standard, with wireless charging on XLE trims and above. Limited and Platinum trims included navigation and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The technology package met expectations but didn't exceed them, with some screen reflection issues noted on the larger display.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite with features like 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 for enhanced safety, though crash ratings were not yet available from IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star NHTSA rating and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. A surround view camera and adaptive headlights were exclusive to the Platinum trim. While effective, some systems required fine-tuning for smoother operation.