2022 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a nod to the classic Bronco, capturing its rugged spirit in a more compact, urban-friendly package. It featured a modern retro design that echoed the larger Bronco, with a short front overhang for improved approach angles and a body designed to minimize snags on trails. The bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with the understated Ford badge, added to its distinctive look. 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.

In contrast, the 2022 Volvo XC40 maintained a more traditional design approach, closely resembling its gasoline counterpart. The XC40 Recharge featured a solid grille panel, unique 19-inch alloy wheels, and "Recharge" badging, subtly indicating its electric nature. The interior was a testament to Scandinavian design, offering a spacious and airy feel despite its compact size. The cabin was well-appointed with harmonious lines and premium materials, reinforcing Volvo's position in the luxury SUV market.

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, 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 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge, powered by a 78-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack, delivered an impressive 402 horsepower and 486 pound-feet of torque through its dual electric motors. This setup enabled a swift 0-100 km/h time of 4.9 seconds. The XC40 Recharge featured regenerative braking and a one-pedal drive option, enhancing its efficiency and driving experience. With a lower centre of gravity due to the battery placement, the XC40 Recharge offered excellent handling and stability. It boasted a range of 359 kilometres on a full charge, with fast-charging capabilities for added convenience.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active lifestyles with its versatile cargo space, capable of accommodating two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. It offered over 100 accessories for various outdoor activities and a roof capable of supporting up to 68 kilograms. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass and optional slide-out work table, while the cabin provided ample storage compartments. However, visibility issues were noted for taller drivers, both on and off-road.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge excelled in form and function, offering a "frunk" for additional storage and a well-designed cabin with numerous storage solutions. The front seats provided excellent comfort, while the rear seats were more suitable for two passengers. The XC40 Recharge offered up to 1,628 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded and a towing capacity of 907 kilograms, making it a practical choice for various needs.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered a range of drive modes through its terrain management system, with additional off-road capabilities in the Badlands model. The Bronco Sport included intelligent access with push-button start and optional heated and leather-wrapped steering wheels on higher trims.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge was equipped with a 9.3-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, running on the Android Automotive operating system. It offered built-in Google services, over-the-air updates, and a heat pump to extend its range. However, the range display showed a percentage rather than distance, which could cause range anxiety for some drivers.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. It received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, with additional safety features available through the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package.

The 2022 Volvo XC40 Recharge earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and featured an extensive list of safety equipment, including collision avoidance, blind-spot information, and a high-strength protective cage for the battery. It also introduced a new sensor platform for enhanced active safety features and Volvo's Connected Safety system for real-time hazard communication.