2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a smaller sibling to the 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's style, with short front and rear overhangs enhancing its off-road capabilities. The vehicle's design included bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, with minimal Ford branding. Wheel options varied across trims, with sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches, catering to both off-road and on-road preferences. Inside, the Bronco Sport offered a rugged yet tasteful interior, with a focus on practicality and comfort, including an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded luxury and elegance, with a design that scaled down the classic Range Rover profile into a sportier package. Its sleek, streamlined form featured a sloping roof and flush door handles, contributing to its sophisticated appearance. The Velar's exterior details, such as taillight lenses with depth illusions and aggressive R-Dynamic trim accents, added to its allure. Inside, the Velar's cabin was refined, with high-quality materials and a polished black centre stack. The infotainment system included three screens with customizable layouts, and the interior offered a blend of luxury and functionality, even in the base trim.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options: a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder with 181 horsepower and a 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder producing 245 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. On-road, the 2.0-litre engine provided a more satisfying driving experience, while the 1.5-litre could feel strained under pressure.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower centre of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling. The base engine was a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower, while an optional 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system delivered up to 395 horsepower. The Velar's standard suspension provided a smooth ride, with an optional air suspension offering additional comfort and clearance. The Velar's performance was more street-oriented, with limited off-road capabilities compared to larger Range Rover models.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active lifestyles with features like cargo space designed to fit two mountain bikes and a range of accessories for outdoor activities. The roof could support up to 68 kilograms, and the vehicle could tow up to 997 kilograms with the 2.0-litre engine. The interior offered ample storage, though visibility could be challenging for taller drivers.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar prioritized style over space, with limited headroom and visibility due to its design. Cargo space was modest, with 552 litres behind the rear seats and 1,358 litres with seats folded. The Velar's interior featured a new Pivi Pro infotainment system, but the lack of a discrete parking brake control was a notable design flaw. Despite these issues, the Velar's infotainment and comfort features were advanced and user-friendly.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The terrain management system offered multiple drive modes, and trail control technology assisted in off-road conditions. Higher trims included additional tech features like a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a digital instrument panel.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a highlight, offering a simplified layout and voice assistant. The system included features like a PM2.5 air filter, navigation with traffic detours, and a 360-degree camera. Standard tech included LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, and a 12-speaker Meridian sound system.

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. It received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, with standard safety features like forward emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Optional features included 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.