2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a highly anticipated addition to the Ford lineup, designed as a smaller sibling to the rugged Bronco. It featured a modern retro aesthetic reminiscent of the Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs ideal for off-road adventures. The vehicle's tall fender wells and tucked-in body sides were crafted for trail driving, minimizing unnecessary adornments that could catch on obstructions. The front grille and tailgate prominently displayed the "BRONCO" name, with a smaller "SPORT" postscript, while the Ford blue oval appeared modestly on the tailgate. The interior boasted a rugged yet uncluttered design, with a unique shape for the HVAC vents and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The trim levels offered a range of interior finishes, from cloth seats to leather-trimmed, heated sport-contour bucket seats, and a variety of flooring options.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Limited, on the other hand, presented a more understated exterior, despite being fully loaded with options. It lacked the larger wheels found on the non-hybrid RAV4 Limited and did not offer an Adventure trim level. However, it maintained a tough appearance for a compact SUV. Inside, the RAV4 Hybrid was stylish and practical, with a mix of impressive materials and some glossy hard plastics. The test vehicle had a rattle from the license plate vibrating on the tailgate, but overall, the interior was functional and comfortable. The dashboard was well-organized, with oversized climate control knobs and easy-to-use infotainment systems.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices tied to its 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 more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. All models were equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, along with 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, it was a capable commuter, though the 1.5-liter engine could feel strained under pressure.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine with front and rear electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack, producing a total of 219 horsepower. The hybrid powertrain provided standard all-wheel drive and several driving modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Trail, and EV. The RAV4 Hybrid felt lively when accelerating, thanks to the instant torque from the electric motors, though the gas engine sounded unpleasant when revved. The EPA rated it at 40 mpg in combined driving, and it averaged 39.7 mpg in testing. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) operated smoothly, and the regenerative braking system was effective. The RAV4 Hybrid's suspension and steering provided a comfortable and agreeable driving experience, though the all-season tires limited its grip in corners.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with features like a cargo space designed to hold two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes and a catalog of over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could hold up to 150 pounds, and the vehicle could tow up to 2,200 pounds with the 2.0-liter engine. The cargo hold included a flip-up rear glass, a slide-out work table, a 400-watt inverter, and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin offered ample storage compartments, though taller drivers might find visibility challenging due to the roof overhang and hood bulges.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid provided comfort with an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, and heated and ventilated front seats. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed decent legroom, good leg support, and heated cushions. The dashboard was well-arranged, with oversized climate control knobs and easy-to-use infotainment systems. Storage was plentiful, with useful shelves and a roomy 37.5 cubic-foot cargo area. Folding the rear seats expanded the cargo space to 69.8 cubic feet, though the premium sound system's subwoofer took up some space.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Ford+Alexa, and SiriusXM. It also included FordConnect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The base audio system had six speakers, while higher trims offered a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a 360-degree camera. The terrain management system provided up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, and trail control technology allowed for cruise-control-like off-roading. Intelligent access with push-button start and a 6.5-inch digital instrument panel were available on higher trims.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid offered infotainment systems with either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. The top-tier system included an 11-speaker JBL audio system, dynamic navigation, and voice recognition. The 8-inch display was user-friendly, with shortcut buttons and stereo knobs. The RAV4 Hybrid also featured a 360-degree surround-view camera system and a rearview camera mirror.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including pre-collision assist, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, auto high-beam headlamps, and a reversing camera. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and more. All models had AWD and a terrain management system with traction control, anti-lock braking, and electronic stability control. Crash ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available.

The 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, featuring adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, lane-centering assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and road-sign recognition. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic warning, with rear automatic braking available on the Hybrid Limited. The RAV4 Hybrid earned a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and top marks from IIHS, except for its headlights.