2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a nod to the adventurous spirit, capturing the essence of its larger sibling, the Bronco, with a modern retro design. It featured a frameless crossover build, making it suitable for both urban commutes and weekend getaways. The Bronco Sport's exterior was characterized by its short front overhang, tall fender wells, and minimalistic body sides, all designed for trail driving. The bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with the modest Ford blue oval badge, added to its rugged appeal. Inside, the Bronco Sport offered a tastefully rugged interior with an uncluttered design, featuring an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector. The interior trim varied across models, from cloth to leather-trimmed heated seats, catering to different preferences.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid presented a more refined and practical approach. Despite its fully loaded status, the RAV4 Hybrid Limited AWD maintained a modest appearance, with styling that leaned towards toughness. The interior was stylish and functional, with a mix of impressive materials and some hard plastics. The RAV4 Hybrid offered a comfortable ride with features like an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated and ventilated front cushions, and dual-zone automatic climate control. The rear seats provided decent legroom and support, while the cargo area offered ample space, expanding to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded down.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims were equipped with a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, delivering 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands model featured a more powerful 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine, producing 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. 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, the 2.0-litre engine was better suited to the vehicle's character, while the 1.5-litre engine could feel strained under pressure.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors, generating a total of 219 horsepower. The hybrid system provided standard all-wheel drive and offered several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. The RAV4 Hybrid's curb weight ranged from 1,680 to 1,720 kilograms, and it delivered a lively performance with instant electric-motor torque. The continuously variable transmission operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's suspension design and Active Cornering Assist system contributed to its agreeable ride and handling, although the all-season tires limited grip during spirited driving.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with its cleverly designed cargo space, capable of accommodating two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford offered a range of over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 68 kilograms, and the vehicle's towing capacity varied between 907 and 997 kilograms, depending on the engine. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass and optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin provided ample storage compartments, though visibility could be challenging for taller drivers.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid prioritized comfort and practicality. The driver's seat was power-adjustable, and the steering wheel was heated and telescopic. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent legroom and reclining backrests, while dual-zone climate control enhanced comfort. The dashboard layout was intuitive, with oversized climate control knobs and easy-to-use infotainment controls. The cargo area offered 1,059 litres of space, expanding to 1,977 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the subwoofer and all-weather mat could be cumbersome.

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, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system was available on higher trims. The terrain management system offered multiple G.O.A.T. modes, and trail control technology provided off-road assistance. Intelligent access with push-button start was standard on most trims, and a digital instrument panel was available on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, both supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The larger screen included SiriusXM satellite radio and various connectivity features. The top-tier system featured an 11-speaker JBL audio system with dynamic navigation. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and voice recognition technology. The RAV4 Hybrid also offered advanced camera-based technology, including a 360-degree camera system and a camera rearview mirror.

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. The Bronco Sport received top safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and more. The system was generally effective, though some functions could be erratic in heavy traffic. The RAV4 Hybrid earned top safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, except for its headlights.