2021 Volvo XC40 vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2021 Volvo XC40 presented a more traditional SUV aesthetic, characterized by its tall, flat roof and upright rear hatch, aligning it with the rest of Volvo's lineup through signature design elements like the “Thor’s Hammer” LED headlights and a simple oval grille. The gasoline models offered a retro touch with an optional white contrasting roof. The electric XC40 Recharge differentiated itself with a blanked-off grille, unique badging, and model-specific alloy wheels, alongside a gloss black roof and mirror caps. Despite these subtle differences, the Recharge maintained a low-key appearance, appealing to those who preferred not to flaunt their electric vehicle choice. The interior was minimalist yet premium, featuring real metal trim and a combination of Nappa leather and Nubuck textile upholstery, with a coherent design that integrated elements like the portrait-oriented touchscreen seamlessly.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco boasted attractive retro styling and a rugged, go-anywhere attitude, making it a highly sought-after vehicle. Its lineup expanded with the Everglades and Bronco Raptor models, designed for extreme off-road conditions. The Bronco's design was unapologetically utilitarian, with features like large recovery hooks, removable fender flares, and a full-size spare mounted to the tailgate. Inside, the Bronco continued its utilitarian theme with marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs in the floor, allowing for easy cleaning after off-road adventures. Despite its ruggedness, the Bronco incorporated modern technology, including a digital instrument panel and a large infotainment touchscreen, enhancing its appeal to a broad audience.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 offered a three-tiered powertrain lineup, with the electric Recharge at the top. The gasoline options included 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, featured dual electric motors providing all-wheel drive and a combined 402 hp and 486 lb-ft of torque. It utilized a 78-kilowatt-hour battery pack, enabling a 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 4.9 seconds. All versions were electronically limited to 180 km/h. The XC40 Recharge emphasized luxury and comfort, with excellent ride quality and the capability for one-pedal driving, along with a towing capacity of 900 kilograms.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's base engine was a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, with an optional 2.7-litre V6 engine offering 330 hp and 415 lb-ft. A seven-speed manual transmission was available for the two-door model with the four-cylinder engine, while a 10-speed automatic was standard for the V6 and all four-door models. The Bronco excelled in off-road performance, with features like a crawl gear for low-speed driving and a two-speed transfer case. The Everglades model demonstrated its prowess on challenging terrain, capable of fording water up to 92.5 centimetres deep. Despite its off-road focus, the Bronco provided a smooth and comfortable ride on pavement, outperforming rivals like the Jeep Wrangler.

The 2021 Volvo XC40, both in its gasoline and electric versions, offered no difference in passenger or cargo space. However, it was less spacious compared to competitors like the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E, with limited legroom and a smaller cargo area. Clever storage solutions, such as a removable trash bin in the centre console and large door bins, partially compensated for the lack of space. The XC40's interior was thoughtfully designed, with features like a wireless charging pad and a single USB-C port, although rear passengers lacked phone-charging options.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its generous interior space, providing ample headroom and legroom for passengers. Cargo capacity varied depending on the model and roof type, with the two-door hard top offering up to 634 litres behind the rear seats and 1,481 litres with seats folded. The four-door hard top increased capacity to 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including netted door pockets and accessory rails atop the dash. Its utility was further enhanced by external hard mounting points and removable fender flares, making it a versatile choice for adventure enthusiasts.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 Recharge featured the Android Automotive OS infotainment system, integrating Google apps like Google Assistant and Google Maps. The system included a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, offering top-notch graphics and menu layouts. The Recharge model also introduced OTA update capability, allowing for software updates without visiting a dealership. The absence of a start button and the potential for a Digital Key feature in the future highlighted Volvo's focus on innovation.

The 2022 Ford Bronco balanced traditional off-roading with modern technology, featuring G.O.A.T. modes for optimized off-road performance. A forward-looking trail camera and Trail Turn Assist enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Sync 4 infotainment system provided quick responses and sharp graphics, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The Bronco's technology suite supported its rugged nature while offering convenience and connectivity for drivers.

The 2021 Volvo XC40 received top safety ratings, with the gasoline model earning a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The Recharge model featured Volvo's latest sensor suite, capable of future enhancements through OTA updates.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered standard safety features like hill-start assist and trailer sway control, with additional options available in higher trims. The NHTSA awarded the four-door model four stars for frontal crash protection, while the IIHS rated it “Good” in most categories. Standard airbags and a rollover sensor provided comprehensive protection for occupants.