2021 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a nod to the past with its modern retro design, reminiscent of the classic Bronco. It was a unibody crossover that catered to urban dwellers with a penchant for weekend adventures. The vehicle's design featured short front and rear overhangs, tall fender wells, and a tucked-in body, all of which were tailored for trail driving. The bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with the modest Ford blue oval badge, added to its rugged appeal. Inside, the Bronco Sport offered a tastefully rugged interior with an uncluttered design, featuring an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector. The interior trim varied across models, with options ranging from cloth to leather-trimmed heated seats.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander stood out with its distinctive styling, featuring wide headlights, a long hood, and a trapezoidal grille. The character line along its side was reminiscent of the Supra sports car, while the taillights borrowed elements from Lexus models. The Highlander managed to appear longer and lower than its predecessor without sacrificing size. The introduction of the XSE trim level added a sportier look with a restyled front end and 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Highlander excelled in luxury, especially in the Limited trim, with near-flawless fit and finish, tan leather seats, and wood details. The vehicle prioritized comfort and convenience, making it an ideal choice for families.

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, producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands model featured a more powerful 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine, delivering 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 decent ground clearance. On-road, the 2.0-litre engine was better suited to the vehicle's character, while the 1.5-litre engine could feel strained under pressure.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, available in both front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations. While not designed for high-performance driving, the Highlander offered smooth and predictable operation, making it a reliable choice for families. It compared well with competitors like the Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride in terms of power, though it was outperformed by the Ford Explorer ST. The Highlander's suspension was tuned for comfort, with the XSE trim offering a slightly sportier feel with retuned shock absorbers and a rear stabilizer bar.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with its clever features. The cargo space was designed to accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes, and Ford offered a 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. The front cabin offered ample storage compartments, though taller drivers might have found visibility challenging due to the roof overhang and hood bulges.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander excelled in interior space and comfort. The front seats featured large shelves for storage, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with seats that could slide to optimize space for the third row. However, the third row was best suited for children or short trips. The Highlander offered 453 litres of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 1,150 litres with the third row folded, and 2,245 litres with both rear rows down. The placement of rear-seat climate control vents on the ceiling was a minor inconvenience, but overall, the Highlander provided a spacious and practical interior.

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 terrain management system offered multiple drive modes, with additional off-road modes on the Badlands model. Intelligent access with push-button start was standard on all trims except the Base model, and higher trims featured a digital instrument panel.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch screen available on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, though the navigation system struggled with points of interest. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were standard, along with Bluetooth connectivity. The 12.3-inch screen was visually impressive, but its functionality was limited, as some apps only used a portion of the display. A JBL audio system was standard on higher trims, providing good sound quality.

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. All models featured AWD 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 Toyota Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. Intersection support was a notable addition, enhancing safety at intersections. Blind spot monitoring and LED headlights were standard, with LED fog lights available on higher trims. The Highlander received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.