2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a highly anticipated addition to the Ford lineup, serving as a precursor to the larger Bronco. It drew inspiration from the classic 1966-1996 Bronco, yet it was designed as a more urban-friendly crossover. The Bronco Sport featured 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 sibling. The vehicle's exterior was marked by bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, with a subtle "SPORT" postscript. The SUV's wheel options varied across trims, with sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches, and the interior boasted a rugged yet tasteful design, featuring an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its timeless design, a hallmark of its fourth generation. The SUV combined rugged utility with upscale sophistication, characterized by its big wheels and flared fenders. The Grand Cherokee's lineup was diverse, ranging from the affordable Laredo and Limited trims to the luxurious Overland and Summit models, and even high-performance SRT and Trackhawk editions. The Summit trim, in particular, offered a plush interior with premium leather, genuine wood, and aluminum accents. However, despite its luxurious feel, the interior showed signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits. The Grand Cherokee's exterior styling remained timeless, but a redesign was anticipated to address the interior's dated elements.

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 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, complemented by 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. On-road, the 2.0-litre engine provided a more refined driving experience, while the 1.5-litre engine could feel strained under pressure.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, generating 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, capable of towing up to 2,818 kilograms. For those seeking more power, an optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 engine was available, producing 360 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, with a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,300 kg. The V8 featured cylinder deactivation technology for improved fuel efficiency, though it still consumed 14.1 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, along with its Quadra-Lift air suspension, provided excellent off-road capabilities, while its tight turning radius and responsive brakes made it a versatile performer in various driving conditions.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with its cleverly designed cargo space, capable of accommodating two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford offered a wide range of accessories for transporting outdoor gear, and the roof could support up to 68 kilograms. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin provided ample storage compartments, though taller drivers might find visibility challenging due to the roof overhang and hood bulges.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit offered a luxurious interior with quilted leather seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Both front seats were power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, though the controls were embedded in the infotainment system, potentially causing distractions. The rear seat provided comfort but limited legroom for taller passengers, and the optional rear-seat entertainment system could feel claustrophobic. The Grand Cherokee's cargo space measured 1,028 litres behind the rear seat, expanding to 1,934 litres with the second-row seats folded. However, the SUV's interior storage was limited, and the rear-seat entertainment system further reduced available space.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured the latest SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordPass Connect offered a subscription-based 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system was available on higher trims. The Bronco Sport's terrain management system included up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, with trail control technology for off-roading. Intelligent access with push-button start was standard on most trims, and a digital instrument panel was available on higher trims.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system provided a nearly flawless user experience, featuring navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. SiriusXM services included satellite radio, Traffic Plus, and Travel Link, with a free year of SiriusXM Guardian. The Grand Cherokee's voice recognition technology worked well, and the Summit trim boasted a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the Grand Cherokee offered advanced driving assistance systems, its overall tech offerings were considered "tech lite" compared to newer models.

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 road-sign recognition. The Bronco Sport received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall rating, respectively.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's safety ratings were mixed. While the 4WD model received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, the 2WD model's rating dropped due to a three-star rollover resistance score. The Grand Cherokee's performance in IIHS testing was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact collisions. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Grand Cherokee also offered parking assistance systems, though its headlights received a "Poor" rating unless upgraded.