2022 Ford Bronco vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design, characterized by its blunt and bulbous nose, which gave it an aggressive front-end appearance. Over time, however, this design became more familiar and less striking. The SUV's styling was further accentuated by black windshield pillars that created a floating roof effect, and swollen haunches that attempted to balance the overall look. Despite the presence of 20-inch alloy wheels, the exaggerated quarter panels seemed to overwhelm the design. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid Platinum trim offered a two-tone interior with soft leather, but the dashboard's asymmetrical design and glossy black detailing could suffer from reflections. The controls were logically arranged, though the mix of illumination colours in the gauges created a busy appearance.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco was celebrated for its retro styling and robust off-road capabilities. The Bronco's design was not only visually appealing but also functional, with short overhangs and low-profile bumpers enhancing its off-road prowess. The vehicle's tall ride height and utilitarian appearance, complete with large recovery hooks and removable fender flares, catered to its adventurous fan base. Inside, the Bronco maintained its rugged theme with features like marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs for easy cleaning. The G.O.A.T. mode dial and large toggle switches facilitated off-road driving, while the digital instrument panel and infotainment touchscreen added a modern touch. Despite its ruggedness, the Bronco offered a surprisingly smooth ride on pavement, making it a versatile choice for both off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 engine to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine, resulting in improved fuel efficiency. The new engine delivered a total output of 243 horsepower and was rated to use 6.7 L/100 km in combined driving. While this represented progress in terms of efficiency, the Highlander Hybrid's performance was less thrilling. The SUV managed to climb hills and reach freeway speeds, but the engine sounded strained during hard acceleration. The steering was lifeless, and the ride quality suffered from unwanted body movement. However, the regenerative brakes performed well, and the electric motor torque provided a smooth driving experience in urban settings.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and a 2.7-litre V6 engine delivering 330 horsepower. Both engines provided ample power, with the V6 offering more torque for challenging terrains. The Bronco's off-road capabilities were impressive, with models like the Everglades excelling in difficult conditions. The vehicle's performance on pavement was equally commendable, with precise steering and a smoother ride compared to its rivals. The Bronco's ability to handle both off-road adventures and highway cruising made it a versatile performer.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum trim offered comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with features like a heated steering wheel and leather upholstery. The second-row bench seat increased seating capacity to eight, but the narrow cabin made it uncomfortable for three adults. The third-row seat was cramped and lacked support, making it unsuitable for adults. Cargo space was generous, with a maximum capacity of 2,387 litres, but the storage solutions were not as practical as in previous models.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, providing ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The two-door model required some effort to access the rear seats, but the four-door version offered easier entry. Cargo capacity varied depending on the model and roof type, with the four-door hard-top model offering up to 2,197 litres of space. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including netted door pockets and accessory rails. The removable doors and fender flares added to its practicality, while external mounting points enhanced its utility.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with a range of technology features, including Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The Platinum trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, an 11-speaker JBL audio system, and a navigation system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with large knobs and shortcut buttons for easy access. However, the JBL sound system's audio quality was inconsistent, and the voice recognition system did not control climate settings. The Highlander also offered Driver Easy Speak technology and a video rearview mirror for added convenience.

The 2022 Ford Bronco embraced technology to enhance its off-road capabilities. The G.O.A.T. modes provided confidence for novice drivers, while seasoned off-roaders could manually adjust settings. The forward-looking trail camera and Trail Turn Assist feature improved off-road navigation. The Bronco's Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The available wireless charging pad added convenience, making the Bronco a tech-savvy choice for adventurers.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which included features like automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The system also offered intersection support and emergency steering assistance. The Highlander received a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it earned four-star ratings for frontal-impact crash tests.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered 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 a four-star rating for frontal crash protection from the NHTSA and a three-star rating for rollover protection. The IIHS awarded the Bronco its best score of "Good" in several tests, highlighting its safety credentials.