2021 Audi Q5 vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a highly anticipated addition to the Ford lineup, serving as a smaller sibling to the iconic Bronco. It drew inspiration from the classic 1966-1996 Bronco, yet it was designed as a more urban-friendly crossover, perfect for city dwellers with a penchant for weekend adventures. The Bronco Sport boasted a modern retro aesthetic, reminiscent of a Land Rover, with a short front overhang for optimal approach angles and a rear design that echoed its larger counterpart. The vehicle's exterior was marked by bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, with a subtle nod to its "SPORT" designation. The SUV's wheels varied by trim, ranging from 17-inch Sparkle Silver to 18-inch Ebony Black-painted options, with the Badlands model featuring all-terrain tires. Inside, the Bronco Sport offered a rugged yet refined cabin, with a unique design for the HVAC vents and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The interior trim options progressed from cloth to leather-trimmed seats, with practical features like a rubberized cargo floor for active lifestyles.

The 2021 Audi Q5, on the other hand, was a sophisticated crossover SUV that embodied Audi's design language while maintaining its distinct character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille, complemented by crisp body lines and a protective greenhouse. The rear showcased bold taillights, contributing to the Q5's classy and modern appearance. The plug-in hybrid variant, the Q5 PHEV, sported S-Line trim enhancements and standard 19-inch wheels, with optional 20-inch wheels available. Inside, the Q5 exuded luxury with high-quality materials, including real wood and metal accents. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was strategically placed for easy access, and the second row offered ample space with standard leather upholstery. The Q5's interior was designed for comfort and functionality, with smartly arranged controls and a focus on authenticity in materials.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options, each tied to specific trim levels. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims were equipped with a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands model featured a more powerful 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, along with a terrain management system offering 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. On-road, it provided a comfortable ride, though the 1.5-litre engine could feel strained under pressure, making the 2.0-litre engine a better match for the vehicle's character.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV took performance to the next level with its plug-in hybrid setup. It combined a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, resulting in a total output of 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque. This setup allowed the Q5 PHEV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds. The vehicle's 14.1-kWh battery contributed to impressive fuel efficiency, with a combined rating of 4.7 litres-equivalent per 100 kilometres. The Q5 PHEV's drivetrain featured a seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission and full-time Quattro all-wheel drive, with multiple driving modes for optimal performance. The vehicle's handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with its clever features and ample cargo space. It was designed to accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes, and Ford offered a wide range of accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 68 kilograms, and the vehicle's towing capacity varied by engine, with the 2.0-litre model capable of towing up to 997 kilograms. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table and inverter. The front cabin offered generous storage compartments, though taller drivers might have found visibility challenging due to the roof overhang and hood bulges.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV excelled in interior space and smart packaging. Its battery pack was cleverly positioned under the luggage compartment floor, preserving cargo space. The Q5 offered 710 litres of space behind the second row, expandable to 1,503 litres with the seats folded down. The second row provided ample legroom, headroom, and shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with optional ventilation. The Q5's interior was thoughtfully designed, with well-placed storage compartments and a focus on functionality.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was equipped with the latest infotainment technology, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system was available on higher trims. The Bronco Sport's terrain management system offered multiple G.O.A.T. modes, with additional off-road assistance through trail control technology. Intelligent access with push-button start was included on most trims, along with a digital instrument panel on higher models.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV boasted Audi's latest MMI 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster. The Q5 offered a high level of customization with LED ambient lighting and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto were included, enhancing connectivity and convenience.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a reversing camera. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and more. The Bronco Sport received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall rating.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV had not been rated by the IIHS, but the gasoline model received top ratings in most categories. The NHTSA awarded the Q5 gasoline model five stars. The Q5 PHEV included six airbags, electronic stability control, and a range of driver-assistance features such as Audi Pre Sense front, adaptive cruise control, and lane assist.