2021 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Volvo XC60, positioned between the compact XC40 and the larger XC90, was a testament to Volvo's rebirth under Geely Holding Group's ownership. This second-generation model, built on Volvo's SPA platform, shared its architecture with other 60-series and 90-series vehicles. The XC60's design was characterized by its elegant, tailored crossover form, with short overhangs and athletic body sides. The front grille prominently displayed Volvo's iron mark logo, complemented by Thor's hammer-shaped LED daytime running lights. The interior was a showcase of Scandinavian design, featuring clean lines, authentic materials, and a serene atmosphere. The 9-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen was a standout feature, and the attention to detail in elements like the HVAC vents elevated the XC60 to near-luxury status.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, offered a modern retro aesthetic reminiscent of Land Rover designs. Its short front overhang and tall fender wells were tailored for trail driving, while the bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate tied it to its larger counterpart. The Bronco Sport's interior was rugged yet uncluttered, with a unique shape for the HVAC vents and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The vehicle's design catered to active lifestyles, with features like a cargo area designed to accommodate mountain bikes and a range of accessories for outdoor adventures. The Bronco Sport's interior trim varied across models, offering options from cloth to leather-trimmed seats.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 offered a range of powertrains, all featuring a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The T5 model produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, while the T6 model increased output to 316 hp and 295 lb-ft with the addition of a supercharger. The T8 models, being plug-in hybrids, combined an 87-hp electric motor with the gasoline engine, resulting in a total of 400 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque. The T8 Polestar Engineered variant further boosted power to 415 hp. The XC60's driving experience was marked by its solid and secure feel, with a quiet cabin and smooth suspension. Fuel consumption figures ranged from 11.1 L/100 km city to 9.3 L/100 km combined for the T8 PHEV.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims featured a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 181 hp and 190 lb-ft of torque. The Badlands model came with a 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine, delivering 245 hp and 275 lb-ft. All models had an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with a terrain management system offering up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and decent ground clearance. On-road, the 2.0-litre engine provided a more refined experience, while the 1.5-litre could feel strained under pressure.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was designed for comfort and style, with a focus on safety and functionality. The front seats were highly adjustable, and the heating system was effective in winter conditions. The XC60 offered smart storage solutions throughout the cabin, with intuitive controls for passengers. Cargo space was generous, with 613 litres behind the rear seats and up to 1,410 litres with the rear seats folded. The XC60 was also capable of towing up to 1,587 kilograms.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with features like a cargo area designed to fit two mountain bikes and a range of accessories for outdoor activities. The roof could support up to 68 kilograms, and the 2.0-litre engine could tow up to 997 kilograms. The cargo area included a flip-up rear glass and optional features like a slide-out work table. The front cabin offered ample storage, though visibility could be challenging for taller drivers. The driving position was less ideal for off-road visibility due to hood bulges.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 featured the Sensus infotainment system, which used a tablet-style touchpad interface. The system's portrait orientation and gesture controls were familiar to iPad users, though it required a learning curve. Smartphone integration included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system was a highlight, offering exceptional audio quality.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard. The Bronco Sport's terrain management system offered multiple drive modes, with trail control technology for off-roading. Higher trims included features like a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a digital instrument panel.

The 2021 Volvo XC60 was a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety, earning a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and five-star ratings from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included LED headlights, blind-spot monitoring, collision avoidance, and more. Volvo's semi-autonomous Pilot Assist system was available, integrating adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. The XC60's top speed was limited to 180 km/h for safety.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including features like pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The Bronco Sport received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.