2022 Toyota Venza vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a highly anticipated addition to the Ford lineup, serving as a smaller sibling to the iconic Bronco. It drew inspiration from the original 1966-1996 Bronco, aiming to compete with rugged models like the Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner. However, the Bronco Sport was designed as a unibody crossover, focusing more on urban and suburban driving while still catering to weekend adventurers. Its design featured a modern retro aesthetic, reminiscent of Land Rover vehicles, with short front and rear overhangs for improved off-road capability. The vehicle's exterior was marked by bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, with a modest Ford badge on the tailgate. The interior was rugged yet tasteful, with a unique design for the HVAC vents and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The Bronco Sport offered a range of wheel options, from 17-inch Sparkle Silver wheels on the Base model to 18-inch Ebony Black-painted wheels on the Outer Banks trim.

The 2022 Toyota Venza made a comeback after its previous iteration faded away in 2015. Built on the Toyota New Global Architecture K platform, it shared its foundation with models like the Avalon, Camry, and RAV4. The Venza's design was sleek and modern, with proportions that could easily fit into the Lexus lineup. Its exterior featured a deeply scalloped body side and a distinctive tailgate with LED lighting. The Venza's interior was elegant, with high-quality materials and a layered dash design. The cabin offered ample space, with supportive front seats and a rear bench that could comfortably accommodate three adults. The Venza's design prioritized comfort and style over off-road capability, making it more suited for urban environments.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options. 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 generous ground clearance. On-road, it provided a comfortable ride, with the 2.0-litre engine offering a more refined driving experience.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-litre inline four-cylinder engine with three electric motors to produce a total of 219 horsepower. The hybrid system balanced electric and gas power for optimal efficiency, with electric motors at the rear axle providing all-wheel drive capability. Drivers could choose from EV, Normal, Eco, and Sport modes to tailor performance. The Venza's regenerative braking system helped recharge the lithium-ion battery, while the main charge came from the gas engine. The Venza offered a smooth and agile driving experience, with a focus on comfort and efficiency rather than aggressive handling.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was designed with active buyers in mind, offering features like a cargo space capable of holding two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford provided a catalog of over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 68 kilograms, and the vehicle could tow up to 997 kilograms with the 2.0-litre engine. The cargo area included a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table. The interior featured ample storage compartments, though taller drivers might have found visibility challenging due to the roof overhang and hood bulges.

The 2022 Toyota Venza offered seating for five, with a 60/40-split folding second-row bench seat. The cabin provided good headroom and legroom, with a spacious feel enhanced by the available Star Gaze panoramic sunroof. Convenience features included an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, electric parking brake, and sliding sun visors. The Venza's cargo capacity was impressive, with up to 816 litres of space behind the second row and 1,560 litres with the seats folded flat. Toyota focused on creating a quiet cabin, using sound-blocking materials throughout the vehicle.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came 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 capabilities on the Badlands model. Intelligent access with push-button start was included on most trims, along with a digital instrument panel on higher trims.

The 2022 Toyota Venza featured a hybrid powertrain that required no special attention from drivers. The vehicle's infotainment system included an eight-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch touchscreen, JBL audio system, and a head-up display. Toyota Connected Services provided various features, including Safety Connect and Remote Connect. The Venza's technology package focused on convenience and efficiency, with features like a power liftgate and digital rearview mirror.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including 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 2022 Toyota Venza included the Toyota Star Safety System, featuring stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. The vehicle also had eight airbags and the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 suite, which included forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Venza received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA.