2020 Toyota RAV4 vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 had undergone a significant redesign in 2019, giving it a bolder and more angular appearance, which enhanced its rugged look while maintaining its reputation for durability. The TRD Off-Road trim, introduced in 2020, further elevated its off-road capabilities with features like matte-black 18-inch alloy wheels, all-terrain tires, and a specialized TRD suspension setup. The interior of the RAV4 TRD Off-Road was equipped with TRD logos, rubber floor mats, and a rubber cargo mat, contrasting with the soft-touch materials and quality construction found throughout the cabin. The RAV4 lineup offered a range of trims, from the base LE to the top-tier Limited, with the TRD Off-Road positioned near the top.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, captured a modern retro aesthetic reminiscent of Land Rover designs. It featured a short front overhang for improved approach angles and a design focused on trail driving. The Bronco Sport's exterior was marked by bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, with minimal Ford branding. The SUV offered a variety of wheel options across its trims, from 17-inch Sparkle Silver wheels on the Base model to 18-inch Ebony Black-painted wheels on the Outer Banks and Badlands models. Inside, the Bronco Sport boasted a rugged yet uncluttered design, with a unique shape for the HVAC vents and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The interior trim varied by model, with options for leather-trimmed seats and rubberized flooring.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 was powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 203 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It also offered a hybrid variant with 219 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, though the TRD Off-Road trim was not available as a hybrid. The RAV4's 8-speed automatic transmission generally performed well, though it occasionally struggled with gear selection. The TRD Off-Road model featured a torque-vectoring AWD system with multiple terrain settings and 8.6 inches of ground clearance, making it capable on challenging trails. Despite its off-road focus, the RAV4 TRD Off-Road was well-suited for urban environments, though its fuel economy fell short of EPA estimates, averaging 23.4 mpg.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options: a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder 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 with 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque for the Badlands and First Edition models. All models featured an 8-speed automatic transmission and AWD, with a terrain management system offering 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, the 2.0-liter engine provided a more refined experience, while the 1.5-liter could feel strained under pressure.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 offered easy ingress and egress, with a low and sporty driving position in the 8-way adjustable driver's seat. The TRD Off-Road trim featured SofTex upholstery, which could trap heat, but the optional Weather Package added heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The rear seat provided ample legroom for adults and children, with air conditioning vents and USB ports for passenger comfort. The RAV4 boasted generous interior storage, including a dashboard shelf, and offered 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 69.8 cubic feet with the seats folded. A robust roof rack and optional hands-free power liftgate enhanced its utility.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active lifestyles with features like a cargo area designed to accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford offered over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear, and the roof could support up to 150 pounds. The cargo area included a flip-up rear glass, optional slide-out work table, and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin featured ample storage compartments, though taller drivers might struggle with visibility due to the roof overhang and hood bulges. The Bronco Sport's towing capacity varied by engine, with the 2.0-liter capable of towing 2,200 pounds and the 1.5-liter towing 2,000 pounds.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4's technology was user-friendly, with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The TRD Off-Road trim came with an 8-inch display, though it suffered from glare. The system included SiriusXM, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and optional upgrades like navigation and a JBL premium sound system. The TRD Off-Road's voice-recognition technology was particularly impressive, accurately responding to commands. The optional Technology Package added wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree camera, and a digital rear-view mirror with adjustable camera settings.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and offered Ford+Alexa and SiriusXM. A 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard, with a Bang & Olufsen sound system available on higher trims. The Bronco Sport's terrain management system included up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, adjusting steering, transmission, and throttle response for various conditions. Trail control technology provided a cruise-control-like feature for off-roading. Intelligent access with push-button start was standard on all but the Base model, with higher trims offering heated steering wheels and a digital instrument panel.

The 2020 Toyota RAV4 came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included advanced safety features like Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, radar adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, and blind spot assist with rear cross-traffic alert. The RAV4 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though only models with full LED, curve adaptive headlights qualified. Toyota also offered a free 1-year subscription to Safety Connect services, providing collision notification and emergency assistance.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, such as pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a reversing camera. The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and a voice-activated navigation system. All Bronco Sport models featured AWD and a terrain management system with traction control, anti-lock braking, and electronic stability control. Safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available for the Bronco Sport.