2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a smaller sibling to the much-anticipated Bronco, capturing the rugged spirit of its predecessor while offering a more urban-friendly design. It featured a modern retro aesthetic reminiscent of Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs designed for optimal off-road performance. The Bronco Sport's exterior was marked by bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, with a modest Ford badge on the tailgate. Wheel options varied across trims, with sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches, and the interior boasted a rugged yet tasteful design with an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector.

In contrast, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC embraced a timeless design with soft curves and rounded edges, offering a more refined and luxurious appearance. The GLC's exterior was characterized by a long hood and wide grille, giving it a dramatic stance akin to a raised sedan. Inside, the GLC's cabin was an artful blend of flowing lines and a minimalist approach, setting a high standard for compact luxury SUVs. The GLC was available in both conventional SUV and coupe body styles, with the latter sacrificing some cargo space for a sleeker look. Standard features included 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a power liftgate, with a host of premium options available.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices. 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 lb-ft 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, while maintaining good on-road manners.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 was powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. The GLC offered a balanced driving experience, with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters and Dynamic Select drive modes. For those seeking more power, the AMG GLC 43 featured a twin-turbocharged V6 with 385 hp, while the AMG GLC 63 S boasted a twin-turbo V8 producing 503 hp, delivering sports car-like performance.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with clever features like cargo space designed to accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford offered over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear, and the roof could support up to 68 kg. The cargo area included a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table. The interior provided ample storage, though taller drivers might find visibility challenging due to the roof overhang and hood bulges.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC offered 1,600 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded in the conventional SUV model, while the Coupe variant provided 1,400 litres. The GLC's interior featured a spacious centre console, deep door pockets, and retractable cupholders. Rear-seat space was adequate, with the SUV offering more headroom than the Coupe. Overall, the GLC made efficient use of its interior space, though the Coupe's design compromised some practicality.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 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 and a digital instrument panel were available on select trims.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC featured the MBUX infotainment system with a 10.25-inch touchscreen, centre console touch controller, and advanced voice-control system. The system was intuitive, offering both touch and controller options. The steering wheel included touch-sensitive pads for customizing the digital instrument panel and navigating the infotainment screen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were integrated, though switching between radio and smartphone apps required navigating through menus.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The Bronco Sport received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with AWD and a terrain management system enhancing its safety profile.

The 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLC required the Intelligent Drive Package for advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. Parking sensors and hands-free parking assist were part of the Premium Plus Package. However, the parking sensors were noted to be overly sensitive, causing distractions.