2022 Ford Bronco vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often seen as blending into the crowded crossover market with its conventional styling. Its design shared similarities with many competitors, making it less distinctive. While there were some unique features like the grille and chromed plastic accents, the CR-V wasn't typically chosen for its exterior appeal. Colour options were limited, with many shades of grey, black, and white dominating the palette. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seats and upscale touches like wood panels and chrome, but it faced stiff competition from more stylish rivals like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco stood out with its retro styling and rugged, go-anywhere attitude. It offered a wide range of trims, including the Everglades and Raptor models, designed for extreme off-road conditions. The Bronco's design was unapologetically utilitarian, featuring short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height for off-road prowess. Its modular construction allowed for easy customization, and the interior was equipped with practical features like marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs, making it easy to clean after off-road adventures.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 190 horsepower. It offered smooth acceleration and predictable handling, with a 0-100 km/h time of about 8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided a steady driving experience, though it lacked the engagement of competitors with conventional transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available on higher trims. The CR-V's suspension setup ensured decent handling and ride quality, but it didn't stand out in terms of driving excitement.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered more robust performance with its base 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. An optional 2.7-litre V6 engine increased output to 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco featured a seven-speed manual transmission with a crawl gear for off-road use, while a 10-speed automatic was available for other models. All Broncos came with four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case, making them highly capable off-road. The Bronco excelled in challenging terrains, and its on-road performance was surprisingly smooth and comfortable.

The 2021 Honda CR-V prioritized functionality with its spacious interior, offering over 100 litres more volume than the Toyota RAV4. It provided ample cargo space, with 1,065 litres available when the rear seats were folded. Depending on the trim, the CR-V featured manual, power, or hands-free tailgate options. Roof rails were standard on most trims, enhancing its practicality for carrying additional gear.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its generous interior space, providing ample headroom and legroom. Cargo capacity varied by model and roof type, with the two-door hard top offering up to 1,481 litres with seats folded. The four-door hard top increased capacity to 2,197 litres. Clever storage solutions and removable features like fender flares and stowable doors added to its versatility. The Bronco also featured external mounting points for additional utility.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, supporting Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered enhanced audio systems, satellite navigation, and additional charging ports. The Touring trim included a wireless phone charger, adding convenience for tech-savvy users.

The 2022 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities. The G.O.A.T. modes and trail camera provided confidence for off-road driving. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Bronco's tech features were designed to complement its rugged nature while keeping drivers connected.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing system, offering advanced safety features like forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control as standard across all trims. The only exception was blind spot monitoring, available from the Sport trim upwards.

The 2022 Ford Bronco included standard safety features like hill-start assist and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features like frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Bronco received favourable ratings from the IIHS, though NHTSA ratings were mixed. Its safety systems were reliable, with no false alarms or glitches reported.