2021 BMW X5 vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a nod to the past with its modern retro design, reminiscent of the classic Bronco. It was a unibody crossover that combined rugged styling with everyday practicality, making it suitable for both urban and adventurous settings. The vehicle featured a short front overhang for improved approach angles and tall fender wells designed for trail driving. The Bronco Sport's exterior was marked by bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, with a modest Ford badge on the tailgate. The SUV's wheels varied by trim, with options ranging from 17-inch to 18-inch, and the interior was rugged yet tastefully designed, featuring an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector.

In contrast, the 2021 BMW X5 was a luxury SUV that maintained the brand's signature design elements, such as the kidney grille and body shape, ensuring it was unmistakably a BMW. The X5 featured full adaptive LED headlights and a choice of matte aluminum or high-gloss black finishes, depending on the trim. The interior was characterized by a familiar BMW design, with an abundance of leather and soft-touch materials, though it was criticized for its sameness across the brand's lineup. The M Sport models offered a more aggressive interior styling, including an M sports steering wheel and model-exclusive trim strips.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims were equipped with a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands and First Edition models featured a more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance. It also offered a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2021 BMW X5 provided a range of powertrain options, all paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base X5 sDrive40i/xDrive40i featured a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. The X5 M50i boasted a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine with 523 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque, while the X5 M offered up to 617 horsepower with the Competition Package. The X5 xDrive45e plug-in hybrid model combined a 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a 24-kilowatt-hour battery, achieving 389 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque, with an all-electric range of up to 30 miles. Despite its power, the X5's driving dynamics were criticized for lacking the engaging handling typically associated with BMW.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was designed with active buyers in mind, offering clever features like a cargo space engineered to hold two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. It also had a catalog of over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 150 pounds, and the vehicle could tow up to 2,200 pounds with the 2.0-liter engine. The interior featured ample storage compartments, though visibility was a concern for taller drivers.

The 2021 BMW X5 made efficient use of space, with comfortable seating for short trips and an available third row. The split liftgate and vehicle height adjustment button facilitated loading cargo, while the cargo area was spacious without the third row. However, moving children and cargo in and out of the second row was challenging due to narrow door openings.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a 360-degree camera on higher trims. The terrain management system included multiple drive modes, and trail control technology was available for off-roading.

The 2021 BMW X5 featured a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The standard features included a digital gauge cluster, a 10-speaker sound system, and a panoramic moonroof. Buyers could upgrade to a Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins audio system, among other options. The iDrive system required some acclimation but was user-friendly once mastered.

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 AWD and a terrain management system, though crash ratings were not available.

The 2021 BMW X5 was equipped with a comprehensive list of standard safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Driving Assistance Professional Package had issues with lane-keeping and adaptive cruise control, particularly in bright sunlight or rain. The X5 received high safety ratings from the IIHS but had several recalls.