2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, capturing a modern retro aesthetic reminiscent of Land Rover designs. It featured a frameless crossover structure, making it suitable for both urban and adventurous settings. The vehicle's design included short front and rear overhangs, tall fender wells, and a tucked-in body, all aimed at enhancing trail driving capabilities. The Bronco Sport's exterior was marked by bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, with minimal Ford branding, emphasizing its unique identity. Wheel options varied across trims, with sizes ranging from 17 to 18 inches, and the interior offered a rugged yet uncluttered design with a focus on practicality and comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had evolved since its debut, with a more proportioned look despite initial skepticism about its short grille and swept-back headlights. The Cherokee's appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude to the more refined 80th Anniversary Edition. Jeep's expertise in roof design was evident with the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof. The vehicle stood out in a crowded SUV market, bearing a resemblance to the larger Grand Cherokee. The Cherokee's interior was straightforward and businesslike, with trim levels influencing the quality of materials and finishes, ranging from basic rubberized plastic to upscale leather upholstery.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options linked to its trim levels. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks models featured a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands and First Edition trims were equipped with a more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 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, while maintaining good on-road manners.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine choices. The Latitude and Latitude Plus trims came with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower. A 3.2-liter V-6 engine, available on higher trims, increased output to 271 horsepower. The top-tier engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, generating 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. All engines were paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The Cherokee's off-road capabilities were highlighted in the Trailhawk model, featuring Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. While the Cherokee offered front-wheel drive options, its off-road prowess was best experienced in the all-wheel-drive configurations.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active lifestyles with features like cargo space designed to accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. It offered over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear, and the roof could support up to 150 pounds. The cargo area included smart features like a flip-up rear glass and optional cargo management tools. The interior provided ample storage, though visibility issues were noted for taller drivers.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee, positioned between the Renegade and Grand Cherokee, offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with seats up and 55 cubic feet with seats folded, falling short compared to rivals. It provided 102 cubic feet of passenger volume, competitive within its class. The interior was simple and functional, with trim levels affecting material quality. The Cherokee's cabin was designed for practicality rather than luxury, with higher trims offering more upscale features.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered FordConnect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system. The terrain management system included multiple G.O.A.T. modes, and trail control technology was available for off-road assistance. Higher trims included additional tech features like a 360-degree camera and heated steering wheels.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee boasted the Uconnect infotainment system, praised for its user-friendly interface. It offered 7-inch and 8.4-inch touchscreen options, both supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Cherokee included a 4G WiFi hotspot and Amazon Alexa integration. Remote start was available, enhancing convenience. The system's consistency across Stellantis brands was a notable advantage for users familiar with it.

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. All models had all-wheel drive and a terrain management system, enhancing safety. However, crash ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received "Good" scores in crashworthiness from IIHS but lacked a Top Safety Pick award. NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was limited to higher trims, available as part of an option package.