2021 Honda CR-V 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, aiming to compete with rugged off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner. However, the Bronco Sport was designed as a more urban-friendly crossover, perfect for daily commutes and weekend adventures. Its design featured a modern retro aesthetic, reminiscent of a Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs for improved off-road capability. The vehicle's bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with its tastefully modest Ford badge, added to its distinctive look. The Bronco Sport's interior was rugged yet refined, with a focus on functionality and comfort, offering a range of seating options and practical storage solutions.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V was known for its understated design, blending in with the sea of compact crossovers on the market. While its exterior styling was not its standout feature, the CR-V offered a few distinguishing details, such as its grille and chrome accents. The CR-V was available in a limited range of colours, with shades of grey, black, and white dominating the options. Inside, the CR-V provided a comfortable and modern cabin, with angular seat designs and upscale materials in higher trims. While it may not have been the most visually striking vehicle in its class, the CR-V excelled in practicality and functionality, offering ample interior space and a user-friendly layout.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options, catering to different 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. For those seeking more power, the Badlands model featured a 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 for various driving conditions. The Bronco Sport's off-road capabilities were impressive, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance. While it excelled off-road, it also provided a comfortable on-road experience, with the 2.0-litre engine offering a more refined performance.

In comparison, the 2021 Honda CR-V featured a single powertrain across all five trims—a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower. Its acceleration was smooth and steady, with a 0-100 km/h time of around 8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a consistent driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of traditional automatic transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option on the LX trim and standard on higher trims. The CR-V's suspension setup, consisting of MacPherson struts in the front and a multi-link rear suspension, contributed to its decent handling and ride quality. While it may not have been the most thrilling vehicle to drive, the CR-V offered a reliable and predictable performance.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was designed with active buyers in mind, offering clever features that catered to outdoor enthusiasts. Its cargo space was engineered to accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes, and Ford provided a wide range of accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 68 kilograms, and the vehicle's towing capacity varied between 907 and 997 kilograms, depending on the engine. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table and other useful features. While the Bronco Sport's driving position had some visibility challenges, its interior storage compartments were well-designed for organizing gadgets and tools.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized interior space and functionality, offering more than 100 litres of additional interior volume compared to the Toyota RAV4. With the rear seats folded, the CR-V provided 1,065 litres of cargo space, making it ideal for carrying luggage and gear. Depending on the trim, the CR-V offered various tailgate options, including a hands-free power tailgate on higher trims. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing the vehicle's versatility for carrying additional cargo. The CR-V's interior was designed to comfortably accommodate five passengers, with a focus on practicality and ease of use.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was equipped with the latest infotainment technology, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available SiriusXM. 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 drive modes, with additional off-road modes on the Badlands model. Intelligent access with push-button start was included on most trims, and higher trims featured a digital instrument panel and heated steering wheel.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch high-definition touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SMS text messaging functions. Audio systems varied by trim, with the Touring trim featuring a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. The CR-V EX-L and higher trims included SiriusXM and HD radio, while the Touring and Black Edition offered satellite navigation. Charging ports were abundant throughout the cabin, with wireless phone charging available on the Touring trim.

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 more. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and other advanced features. All models featured all-wheel drive and a terrain management system with traction control and electronic stability control. The Bronco Sport received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning top ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS. While it didn't achieve the highest IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating due to headlight and side crash test scores, it still performed well in safety evaluations. The CR-V's Honda Sensing system included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Most features were standard across all trims, with blind-spot monitoring available on higher trims.