2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, introduced as part of a mid-cycle refresh, closely resembled its gasoline counterpart in terms of dimensions and design. Measuring 182.1 inches in length, 73.0 inches in width, and 66.5 inches in height, it featured the same 19-inch alloy wheels and interior layout, including the dash and multi-function center console. The hybrid model was distinguished by blue-outlined Honda emblems, "Hybrid" badges, a hidden exhaust in the rear bumper, and LED fog lights on EX models and above. Inside, the gear shifter was replaced with a push-button selector, and paddle shifters were repurposed to adjust brake regeneration. The instrument panel displayed new information reflecting the vehicle's driving modes: Normal, EV, Econ, and Sport.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, offered a modern retro design reminiscent of the Land Rover lineup. It featured a short front overhang for better approach angles and a similarly short rear overhang. The tall fender wells and tucked-in body sides were designed for trail driving. The front grille and tailgate prominently displayed "BRONCO" in bold white lettering, with a smaller "SPORT" postscript. The Base model came with 17-inch Sparkle Silver wheels, while higher trims offered larger and more rugged wheel options. The interior was rugged yet uncluttered, with a unique shape for the HVAC vents, an 8-inch infotainment screen, and a rotary gear selector in the center console.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid featured a two-motor hybrid system with AWD, combining a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric generator/starter motor and a propulsion motor. This setup eliminated the need for a conventional transmission, using four fixed-ratio gear sets and a lock-up clutch instead. The total system output was 212 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque, compared to the gasoline model's 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid achieved an EPA rating of 40 mpg city, 35 highway, and 38 combined, significantly better than the gasoline model's 27/32/29 mpg. However, it ranked third among hybrid competitors, behind the Ford Escape Hybrid and Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. During a test drive in Tucson, Arizona, the CR-V Hybrid achieved nearly 41 mpg in city driving. The hybrid's EV mode was limited to about a mile under specific conditions, and the brake-regen adjustments were the primary driving options. The CR-V Hybrid offered a compliant ride with good steering feel and on-demand torque, making it more enjoyable to drive than the gasoline model.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine choices: a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque for the Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims, and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque for the Badlands and First Edition trims. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD, 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, generous suspension travel, and decent ground clearance. On-road, it offered good manners, with the 2.0-liter engine providing a better match for the vehicle's character.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid, while maintaining the same exterior dimensions as its gasoline counterpart, sacrificed some cargo capacity to accommodate the battery pack. It offered 33.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 68.7 cubic feet with the seats folded flat, compared to the non-hybrid's 39.2 and 75.8 cubic feet. Despite this, it still provided more cargo volume than the Ford Escape Hybrid. The CR-V Hybrid featured a low cargo floor for easy loading and unloading and offered more passenger space than its direct competitors, with superior front headroom and rear legroom. The configurable center console bin was a practical addition, though the armrest's adjustability was overly eager and could slide unexpectedly.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with features designed for outdoor adventures. The cargo space was engineered to hold two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes, and Ford offered over 100 factory and aftermarket accessories for transporting various gear. The roof could support up to 150 pounds (100 with a 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 rear glass flipped up for easy access, and an optional cargo management package added a slide-out work table, a 400-watt inverter, and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin featured ample storage compartments, though taller drivers might find outward visibility challenging. The seating position could be improved for better trail visibility.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid came standard with Bluetooth connectivity, Pandora compatibility, and a single 1.0-amp USB connector. Higher trims added a 7-inch touchscreen display, Honda Link, smartphone integration, SiriusXM and HD radio, a 180-watt stereo, and additional USB ports. The top Touring trim offered navigation, wireless device charging, and a 330-watt premium audio system. However, the infotainment system's lack of haptic feedback and complicated menu navigation could be frustrating.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available Ford+Alexa and SiriusXM. FordConnect with 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard. The base audio system included six speakers, while higher trims offered a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a 360-degree camera. The terrain management system's G.O.A.T. modes provided impressive tech for off-roading, with up to seven drive modes available. Intelligent access with push-button start was included on all trims except the Base, and higher trims featured heated and leather-wrapped steering wheels and a 6.5-inch digital instrument panel.

The 2020 Honda CR-V Hybrid earned a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS and a 5-Star Safety Rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with Honda Sensing, a suite of safety and driver-assistance technologies, including automatic braking, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, automatic high beams, and a multi-angle rearview camera. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available starting with the EX trim.

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, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, auto high-beam headlamps, and a reversing camera. The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering, evasive steering assist, a voice-activated touchscreen navigation system, SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link, and road-sign recognition. Trailer sway control was included with 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. Crash-worthiness ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available.