2021 GMC Yukon vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 GMC Yukon was a testament to GMC's commitment to offering a rugged yet refined SUV experience. Positioned between Chevrolet and Cadillac, the Yukon aimed to deliver a premium feel without the plushness associated with Buick. The redesigned Yukon, available in various trims including the off-road-focused AT4 and the upscale Denali, showcased a blend of ruggedness and sophistication. The Denali trim, in particular, stood out with its exclusive dashboard design, real wood trim, and leather-wrapped panels, offering a more sophisticated appearance compared to its Chevrolet counterpart. The Yukon Denali Ultimate, with its Midnight Blue paint and 22-inch wheels, exuded an upscale aura, making it a compelling choice for those seeking substance over mere brand prestige.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a more urban-friendly sibling to the anticipated Bronco, capturing the essence of adventure in a compact crossover form. With its modern retro styling, the Bronco Sport echoed the rugged appeal of its larger counterpart while focusing on everyday usability. The design featured short front and rear overhangs, tall fender wells, and a body designed for trail driving, making it suitable for weekend getaways. The Bronco Sport's interior was tastefully rugged, with a focus on practicality and convenience, including an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector. The vehicle's design and features catered to those seeking a balance between daily driving comfort and off-road capability.

The 2021 GMC Yukon offered a range of engine options, with the Denali trim featuring a powerful 420-horsepower 6.2-litre V8 engine. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided robust acceleration and a distinctive V8 burble at idle. However, fuel efficiency was not its strong suit, with an average consumption of 16.3 litres per 100 kilometres on a testing loop. The Yukon's new independent rear suspension and available Four-Corner Air Ride suspension improved ride quality and handling, although the 22-inch wheels could make pavement irregularities more noticeable. The Active Response 4WD system, with its Autotrac two-speed transfer case and electronic limited-slip differential, enhanced the Yukon's cornering performance and traction. Despite its capabilities, the Yukon Denali was not particularly fun to drive but proved capable when needed.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices, with the Badlands model featuring a 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine producing 245 horsepower. This engine, combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, provided a balanced performance for both on-road and off-road driving. The Bronco Sport's short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance contributed to its off-road prowess, while its terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes allowed for tailored driving experiences. The 1.5-litre engine in other trims, while adequate, could feel strained under pressure. Overall, the Bronco Sport delivered a pleasant driving experience, with the Badlands trim offering the best match for its adventurous character.

The 2021 GMC Yukon benefited from a new independent rear suspension, resulting in significant gains in passenger and cargo space. The front seats, while heated and ventilated, could feel hard over long drives, and the lack of a massage function was noted. The second-row seats offered improved comfort and cargo room, with a power release function for easier access to the third row. The third-row seat provided actual thigh support, accommodating adults comfortably. Cargo volume was impressive, with up to 3,480 litres available with seats folded, rivaling minivan capacities.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with clever features like a cargo space designed to hold two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. The vehicle offered over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear, and the roof could support up to 68 kilograms. The cargo area featured 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 visibility issues were noted for taller drivers. The Bronco Sport's interior was designed for practicality, with a focus on accommodating active lifestyles.

The 2021 GMC Yukon Denali, especially with the Ultimate Package, offered a comprehensive infotainment system with a 10.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The rear-seat media system, with dual 12.6-inch displays, provided entertainment options, though streaming content required some trial and error. The 14-speaker Bose audio system was a letdown, lacking the quality expected at this price point. Additional technology included a 15-inch head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and multiple surround-view camera angles, enhancing the Yukon's maneuverability.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The FordPass Connect system offered a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system was available on higher trims. The Bronco Sport's terrain management system with G.O.A.T. modes provided tailored driving experiences, while trail control technology assisted in off-road situations. Intelligent access with push-button start and a digital instrument panel were available on select trims, adding to the vehicle's modern appeal.

The 2021 GMC Yukon was equipped with a range of advanced driving assistance systems, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. The Denali trim offered additional features like adaptive cruise control and enhanced automatic emergency braking. The Yukon's ADAS operated smoothly, providing a reassuring driving experience. Crash-test ratings were unavailable, but the Yukon's substantial curb weight suggested a robust safety profile.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The Bronco Sport's AWD and terrain management system contributed to its safety, and it received top ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA, affirming its strong safety credentials.