2021 Toyota 4Runner vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, drawing inspiration from its rugged predecessor while offering a more urban-friendly design. It featured a modern retro aesthetic reminiscent of Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs for improved off-road capability. The Bronco Sport's design included tall fender wells and a tucked-in body, minimizing unnecessary adornments for trail driving. Its bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with a modest Ford badge, added to its distinctive look. The interior was rugged yet tasteful, with a focus on functionality, offering a range of seating and flooring options across different models.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner retained its classic design, having undergone minimal changes over the years. Its two-box body with flared fenders and trapezoidal wheel arches exuded timeless styling and utility. While not conventionally attractive, the 4Runner's design was practical and durable, akin to a reliable tool. The interior featured hard plastics and a straightforward dashboard with large knobs and buttons, emphasizing simplicity and ease of use. Despite its age, the 4Runner's design continued to appeal to those seeking a rugged and dependable SUV.

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 producing 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque for the Badlands model. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, 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 maintaining good on-road manners.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner was powered by a 4.0-litre V6 engine delivering 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. It featured a part-time four-wheel-drive system with a maximum towing capacity of 2,268 kilograms. The 4Runner's off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like A-Trac, a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control. However, on pavement, the 4Runner felt slow and heavy, with truck-like driving characteristics that could be challenging in urban settings. Its fuel consumption was notably high, averaging 14.0 litres per 100 kilometres during testing.

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. It offered over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear and had a roof rated to hold up to 68 kilograms. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass and optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table and inverter. The interior provided ample storage compartments, though visibility could be challenging for taller drivers.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with supportive front and rear seats and generous legroom. It provided an open-air experience with its moonroof and power windows. The cargo space was substantial, measuring up to 1,337 litres behind the back seat and 2,540 litres with the rear seat folded. The 4Runner's back bumper served as a convenient seating area for outdoor activities. Interior storage was decent, and the vehicle's high ground clearance could pose a challenge for shorter passengers.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system. The terrain management system included various G.O.A.T. modes, and trail control technology was available for off-roading. Intelligent access with push-button start was standard on most trims, and higher trims offered additional tech features like a digital instrument panel.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner's entry-level Trail grade had limited technology, but it included a windshield wiper de-icer and a cargo area power outlet. The standard 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supported Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM. Higher trims offered upgraded audio systems and dynamic navigation. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical buttons and knobs for easy operation, even with gloves.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including features like 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 top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall rating and a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2021 Toyota 4Runner featured Toyota Safety Sense P, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane departure warning. However, it lacked blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning. The 4Runner received a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and a "Good" roof crush strength rating from the IIHS. Its protection in frontal-impact collisions was rated as Marginal by the IIHS.