2021 BMW X3 vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a highly anticipated addition to the Ford lineup, serving as a smaller sibling to the rugged Bronco. It featured a modern retro design reminiscent of the classic Bronco, with a focus on being an everyday driver ready for weekend adventures. The Bronco Sport's exterior boasted short front and rear overhangs, tall fender wells, and a tucked-in body designed for trail driving. The bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with the modest Ford blue oval badge, added to its distinctive look. Wheel options ranged from 17-inch Sparkle Silver wheels on the Base model to 18-inch machined-face aluminum Ebony Black-painted wheels on the Outer Banks model, with various tire options for different trims.

Inside, the Bronco Sport offered a tastefully rugged interior with an uncluttered design. The HVAC vents had a unique shape, and the center stack featured convenient storage cubbies and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The rotary gear selector and cupholders were located in the center console. Interior trim levels varied from cloth seats to leather-trimmed, heated sport-contour bucket seats, with the First Edition model featuring Navy Pier Leather power front seats. The cargo area included practical features like a rubberized cargo floor and second-row seat protector, catering to the needs of active buyers.

The 2021 BMW X3, introduced in its third generation for the 2018 model year, received updates in 2020, including a plug-in hybrid model and M performance variants. The redesign refined the X3's formula, giving it the exterior and interior presence of larger, more expensive BMW models. The X3's exterior resembled a downsized BMW X5, while the interior featured the brand's signature cold, mechanical styling. Although not as aesthetically pleasing as the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, the X3's dash was more functional.

Trims for the 2021 BMW X3 included the sDrive30i, xDrive30i, M40i, and the xDrive30e plug-in hybrid. Standard features on the sDrive30i and xDrive30i included 18-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, synthetic leather upholstery, tri-zone climate control, a 10.2-inch infotainment system, navigation, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Optional features included genuine leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, heated-and-ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and wireless device charging. The M40i trim added 19-inch alloy wheels, 14-way power-adjustable front seats, unique exterior styling, and an M Sport suspension.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices tied to trim levels. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims featured a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands and First Edition models came with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. All Bronco Sport models had an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD), along with a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes (Go Over Any Type of Terrain).

The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase (105.1 inches), four-wheel independent suspension, generous suspension travel, and decent ground clearance (7.8 to 8.8 inches, depending on tire and wheel size). On-road, the 2.0-liter engine in the Badlands and First Edition trims provided a better driving experience, while the 1.5-liter engine could feel strained when pushed hard.

The 2021 BMW X3 sDrive30i and xDrive30i came equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 248 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The sDrive30i had rear-wheel drive (RWD), while the xDrive30i featured all-wheel drive (AWD). This engine provided solid acceleration for city driving and highway speeds.

The xDrive30e plug-in hybrid powertrain delivered 288 horsepower and brisk acceleration, especially at low speeds. It had a 17-mile electric-only range and could be recharged in about 3.5 hours using a 240-volt Level 2 charger or nearly 12 hours with a 120-volt wall outlet. For a true performance experience, the M40i trim featured a 382-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six engine, offering robust acceleration and responsive cornering. The high-performance X3 M model boasted 473 horsepower, catering to those seeking speed and space for the family.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with clever features beyond the usual compact crossover mold. The cargo space was designed to accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes, and Ford offered over 100 factory and aftermarket accessories for transporting kayaks, surfboards, skis, and camping equipment. The roof could hold up to 150 pounds (100 with moonroof), and the 2.0-liter engine could tow up to 2,200 pounds, while the 1.5-liter engine could tow 2,000 pounds.

The cargo hold featured a flip-up rear glass, an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table, a 400-watt inverter, and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin had ample storage compartments, including big door pockets, multiple cubbies, and covered storage. However, taller drivers might find it challenging to see past the roof overhang when on-road, and the bulges in the hood could obscure the trail view when off-road.

The 2021 BMW X3 offered impressive cargo space, with up to 62.7 cubic feet available when the rear seats were folded and 28.7 cubic feet with the rear seats in use. A power liftgate was standard, and a hands-free power liftgate was optional. The X3 provided ample headroom and legroom for front-row passengers, along with a commanding driving position. The rear seats were comfortable for adults, even on longer trips.

BMW equipped the X3 with real buttons and dials to complement the main touchscreen, making it user-friendly for drivers and passengers alike.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also offered Ford+Alexa and SiriusXM capability, along with FordConnect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The base audio system included an AM/FM stereo with six speakers, while a Bang & Olufsen sound system was available on Outer Banks and above trims. A 360-degree camera with split view and a washer was also available.

The Bronco Sport's terrain management system included five drive modes (Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand) for Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims, while Badlands and First Edition models added Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl modes. The available trail control technology allowed for cruise-control-like operation at up to 20 mph forward and 6 mph in reverse. Intelligent access with push-button start was included on all trims except the Base model, and heated and leather-wrapped steering wheels were available on Outer Banks and above trims.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with a 10.2-inch touchscreen running the iDrive infotainment system, which was user-friendly compared to other luxury systems. The combination of touch operation and the iDrive dial in the center console catered to different user preferences. The X3 included Apple CarPlay as standard, while Android Auto was optional. Other options included wireless device charging, a fully digital instrument panel, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon premium stereo system. Gesture control was also available, allowing basic controls through hand movements.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, dynamic brake support, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, auto high-beam headlamps, and a reversing camera. The optional Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane centering, evasive steering assist, a voice-activated touchscreen navigation system, SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link, and road-sign recognition. Trailer sway control was available as part of the tow package. All Bronco Sport models featured AWD and a terrain management system with G.O.A.T. modes, enhancing traction control, anti-lock braking, and electronic stability control.

The 2021 BMW X3 came standard with advanced driver-assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and front-and-rear parking sensors. Optional safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, headlights that bend with the road, and a head-up display.