2021 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a nod to the classic Bronco, offering a modern retro aesthetic that appealed to both urban and adventurous drivers. Its design featured short front and rear overhangs, tall fender wells, and a tucked-in body, all contributing to its off-road capabilities. The bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with minimal Ford branding, emphasized its rugged identity. Inside, the Bronco Sport boasted a tastefully rugged interior with an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector, offering a step-up in trim from cloth to leather-trimmed seats as you moved up the model range.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 sported a rugged exterior reminiscent of traditional SUVs, with boxy fender flares and a scowling front end. While its styling suggested off-road prowess, the RAV4 was built on the TNGA platform, shared with other Toyota models, making it more of a conventional vehicle underneath. The RAV4 Trail model added unique styling elements like an Ice Edge roof and orange interior accents, while the TRD Off-Road package offered matte black wheels and a TRD front skid plate. Inside, the RAV4 featured functional touches like large rubberized knobs and SofTex upholstery, though it lacked real leather options even on higher trims.

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 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands model featured a more powerful 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. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and decent ground clearance, while maintaining good on-road manners.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, generating 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered standard front-wheel drive with optional all-wheel drive. The engine achieved impressive thermal efficiency and revved eagerly, but the transmission's hesitance and lack of steering feel detracted from the driving experience. The RAV4's off-road capabilities were enhanced in the Trail and TRD Off-Road models, which featured torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, increased ground clearance, and all-terrain tires. However, its limited suspension articulation and approach angles were less suited for serious off-roading.

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

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 provided ample headroom and good outward visibility, though legroom was slightly lacking compared to competitors. The front seats were comfortable, but the rear seats had flat cushions, making long trips less appealing. Cargo space was above average, with a wide aperture for easy loading, though the cargo lip was higher than some rivals. The interior featured oversized knobs and steering-wheel controls, but the centre-console storage was somewhat limited.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with 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, and trail control technology provided off-road assistance. Intelligent access with push-button start was included on most trims, along with a digital instrument panel on higher models.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 came with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with most trims featuring a 7-inch touchscreen. Higher trims offered an 8-inch screen, while the RAV4 Prime had a 9-inch option. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked standout features. A JBL premium audio system and SiriusXM were available, though the gasoline RAV4 didn't offer a head-up display. The RAV4's tech was straightforward, catering to those seeking simplicity.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, such as pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. All models had AWD and a terrain management system with built-in traction control. The Bronco Sport received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 earned a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and front-crash prevention. However, it missed the highest rating due to mixed headlight scores. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating. The standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 bundle included features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. A 360-degree camera system was available in certain packages.