2020 Honda CR-V vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of Honda's fifth generation of compact crossovers, had a design that was both familiar and enjoyable. Its exterior styling was characterized by soft, curvy lines that gave it a car-like appearance, closely resembling Honda's sedan lineup. This design approach made the CR-V a modern family vehicle, with a look that leaned more towards a station wagon than a traditional SUV. However, the interior told a different story, with a mix of textures and materials that included upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery in higher trims, clashing with some low-quality plastics. This contrast reminded drivers that even the more expensive CR-V versions were essentially upgraded commodity cars rather than premium products.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, capturing some of the rugged styling cues of its larger counterpart. It featured a modern retro look that could easily fit into the Land Rover lineup, with short front and rear overhangs designed for optimal off-road angles. The Bronco Sport's design was practical for trail driving, with minimal adornments to avoid catching on obstacles. Its bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with a modest Ford badge, emphasized its adventurous spirit. The interior was rugged yet tastefully designed, with a focus on functionality and convenience, including an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine across all trims, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which, despite some CVTs' reputation for sluggishness, provided a responsive and fuel-efficient driving experience. The CR-V's road manners were commendable, offering a sedan-like driving feel with nimble handling and minimal body roll. Its lightweight design contributed to its excellent fuel efficiency, with FWD models rated at 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres combined and AWD models at 8.1.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options: a 1.5-litre 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-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine with 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque for the Badlands model. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD, along with a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance, while also providing a comfortable on-road experience.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was known for its masterful packaging, offering a spacious cabin comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan without feeling oversized. It provided excellent head- and legroom, along with clever storage solutions like a deep centre console and a two-position load floor in the rear. The CR-V's cargo space was generous, with up to 1,110 litres available, and its door pockets were notably large, making it easy to accommodate various items.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with features like a cargo area designed to hold two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes and a catalog of over 100 accessories for outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 68 kilograms, and the 2.0-litre engine could tow up to 997 kilograms. The cargo area included smart features like a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table. The front cabin offered ample storage compartments, although some drivers found visibility challenges due to the roof overhang and hood bulges.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system showed its age, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen that felt small compared to competitors. It lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard. The CR-V offered plenty of USB ports and a wireless phone charger in higher trims, but its navigation system was only available in the Touring and Black Editions.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured the latest infotainment technology, including an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. It offered a subscription-based 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, and trail control technology provided additional off-road assistance. Higher trims included features like a digital instrument panel and heated, leather-wrapped steering wheels.

The 2020 Honda CR-V came standard with the "Honda Sensing" suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It earned a five-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, although lower trims had less effective halogen headlights. A safety recall affected a small number of vehicles for a rear subframe issue.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, such as pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The Bronco Sport received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.