2021 Ford Bronco vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Ford Bronco was a revival of a classic, drawing inspiration from its 1966 predecessor. It embraced a retrofuturistic design, blending nostalgic elements with modern technology. The Bronco featured a bold front grille with B-R-O-N-C-O lettering, round headlights, and a rugged body with removable doors and tops. Available in two-door and four-door configurations, it offered a range of wheel and tire options, including the off-road-focused Sasquatch package. Inside, the Bronco combined retro styling with advanced tech, such as a color touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, while maintaining a rugged, durable feel.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid presented a more contemporary design with a distinctive, bold front end. Its styling included a floating roof effect and swollen haunches, which some found polarizing. The Highlander Hybrid offered a range of trims, with the Limited and Platinum featuring upscale touches like leather upholstery and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The interior was spacious, though the third row was cramped for adults. The Highlander Hybrid prioritized comfort and practicality, with features like a heated steering wheel and ample cargo space, though some storage solutions were less convenient.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four with 270 horsepower and a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 310 horsepower. Both engines provided robust performance, with the 2.7-liter paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Bronco excelled off-road, thanks to its standard four-wheel drive and available Sasquatch package, which included 35-inch tires. On-road, it delivered a truck-like ride, with the larger tires contributing to noise and a wiggly feel. The Bronco's off-road prowess was evident in challenging conditions, offering excellent traction and balance.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, meanwhile, focused on efficiency with its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, delivering 243 horsepower. It achieved impressive fuel economy, rated at 36 mpg combined. The Highlander Hybrid's performance was adequate for everyday driving, though it lacked excitement. The engine could sound strained under load, and the steering felt lifeless. However, the regenerative brakes were smooth, and the SUV handled well on smooth roads. The Highlander Hybrid excelled in providing a quiet, comfortable ride, especially in urban settings.

The Ford Bronco emphasized modularity and practicality, with removable doors and fenders for easy customization and repair. It featured clever storage solutions, like dedicated bags for door storage and easy-to-remove components. Inside, the Bronco offered intuitive controls for off-road settings and auxiliary equipment, enhancing its functionality for adventure seekers.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid prioritized comfort and space, with supportive front seats and a sliding second-row bench for flexibility. While the third row was cramped, the Highlander offered generous cargo space with the seats folded. Storage solutions were practical, though some, like the wireless charger, could obstruct access. Overall, the Highlander Hybrid provided a family-friendly environment with ample room for passengers and cargo.

The Ford Bronco came equipped with the SYNC 4 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to 12 inches. It offered voice recognition, navigation, and a premium sound system with the Lux Package. The Bronco's G.O.A.T. system provided multiple drive modes for various terrains, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid boasted a comprehensive infotainment system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen on higher trims. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa connectivity, along with a JBL audio system. The Highlander offered user-friendly controls and features like Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror, enhancing convenience and safety.

The Ford Bronco offered a range of safety features, with higher trims adding advanced systems like Ford Co-Pilot 360. It included airbags, a reverse sensing system, and a 360-degree camera. The Bronco's safety design considered off-road scenarios, with side curtain airbags deploying based on vehicle dynamics.

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, with enhancements like intersection support and emergency steering assistance. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on higher trims. The Highlander received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was expected to achieve a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.