2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning seamlessly with Volvo's current lineup. Signature design elements such as the "Thor’s Hammer" LED headlights and a simple oval grille were prominent, while gasoline models offered a retro touch with a white contrasting roof. The XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, subtle "Recharge" badging, and unique alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. Its design was understated, appealing to those who preferred not to flaunt their electric vehicle choice. The interior was minimalist yet luxurious, featuring high-quality materials like Nappa leather and Nubuck textile, with a coherent design that integrated elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen and air vents into a harmonious whole.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, captured a modern retro feel reminiscent of the Land Rover lineup. Its design was tailored for both urban and adventurous settings, with short front and rear overhangs enhancing its off-road capabilities. The vehicle's bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with minimal Ford branding, emphasized its rugged identity. Wheel options varied across trims, with sizes and finishes enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. Inside, the Bronco Sport offered a rugged yet uncluttered design, with unique HVAC vent shapes and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The interior trim varied by model, offering a progression from cloth to leather-trimmed seats, catering to different preferences and needs.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a versatile powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge model at the top. The gasoline variants featured a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base T4 model delivered 187 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, while the T5 variant offered 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The Recharge model, sharing its powertrain with the Polestar 2, boasted dual electric motors providing all-wheel drive and a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. Its 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack enabled a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds. All models were electronically limited to 180 km/h. The XC40 emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality even on challenging roads. The Recharge model featured one-pedal driving and a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices linked to trim levels. 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 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine, delivering 245 hp and 275 lb-ft. All models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, complemented by a terrain management system with 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 offered good manners, with the 2.0-litre engine better suited to its character.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its Recharge and gasoline variants, offered similar passenger and cargo space, though it was not particularly spacious compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y or Ford Mustang Mach-E. Clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and a bag hook in the glovebox, compensated for the limited space. The Harman Kardon audio system's speakers were relocated to the dashboard, allowing for larger door bins. However, second-row occupants lacked phone-charging options.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with features like cargo space designed to accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford offered over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 68 kilograms, and the 2.0-litre engine could tow up to 997 kilograms. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin offered ample storage compartments, though taller drivers might find visibility challenging due to the roof overhang and hood bulges.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge introduced the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, featuring Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Recharge models offered OTA update capability, though Volvo was vague about future plans. The Recharge lacked a start button, relying on a key fob for activation.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard. The base audio system included six speakers, with a Bang & Olufsen system available on higher trims. The terrain management system offered up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, with trail control technology for off-roading. Intelligent access with push-button start was standard on most trims, with heated and leather-wrapped steering wheels available on higher trims.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received the highest "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA for its gasoline models. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and more. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, capable of future updates for advanced driver aids.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and navigation features. AWD and a terrain management system enhanced safety. The Bronco Sport received the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.