2021 Ford Bronco vs 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica underwent a mid-generation refresh that gave it a revised exterior. Sporting new standard LED headlights nestled on either side of a new hexagonal grille, the Pacifica displayed an upgraded, muscular aesthetic, drifting away from the elegance seen in the previous three years. Despite this shift, some of the original design's sophistication remained, especially noticeable when moving one's gaze to the van's sides and rear. The back was adorned with a new all-LED taillamp spanning the vehicle's width, boasting the Chrysler wing badge at its center.

Chrysler introduced six new wheel designs for 2021 and reintroduced the S Appearance Package, which came with darkened features and black accents replacing the chrome elements. Inside, the Pacifica distinguished itself from other minivans like the Toyota Sienna and Kia Sedona. While the Sienna emphasized a rugged, spacious dashboard and the Sedona opted for a more utility-centric design, the Pacifica aimed to blend practicality with a premium feel, particularly in higher trims like the Pinnacle. The Pinnacle embraced luxury with a flat dashboard anchored by a 10.1-inch touchscreen, Piano Black plastic trim, wood accents, and real metal surrounds. Quilted leather seats, suede pillows, and well-engineered sound-deadening technology further nuanced its upscale look.

Meanwhile, Ford released the highly anticipated 2021 Bronco, which harked back to the original 1966 model, balancing retro aesthetics with modernity—dubbed "Retrofuturism". The Bronco's design featured a single-piece grille connecting round headlights with bold BRONCO lettering, a modestly bulged hood with off-road sights, and flat body sides accented by applied fender flares. Various wheel choices, from 16-inch steel to 18-inch aluminum, and distinctive color options like Rapid Red Metallic and Antimatter Blue, added to its stylish appeal. The Bronco was available in two- and four-door configurations, with modular elements like removable doors and tops enhancing its versatility. Inside, the retro feel blended with modern technology, such as a central color touchscreen and digitalized gauge clusters, maintaining a rugged yet advanced appearance.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica offered two powertrains: a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, and a hybrid powertrain combining a V6 engine and dual-motor electric variable transmission, delivering 260 horsepower. The hybrid variant featured an all-electric range of over 30 miles and a combined range exceeding 500 miles, achieving 82 MPGe and 30 mpg combined. Traditional V6 models returned 19 mpg city/28 mpg highway (22 mpg combined), while the AWD option lowered these figures slightly.

On the other hand, the 2021 Ford Bronco provided two engine choices: a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four generating 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The former came with a seven-speed manual transmission, while the latter was mated to a 10-speed automatic. The Bronco, equipped with standard four-wheel drive, distinguished its performance across different terrains, integrating the G.O.A.T. (Go Over Any Terrain) system for versatility. Test drives revealed its sure-footedness and balance over a variety of conditions, from slick pavements to challenging off-road trails.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was designed with family life in mind, featuring spacious front seating and practical storage options like the under-stack bin for purses or muddy shoes. Power-sliding rear doors and three-zone climate control facilitated all-weather comfort, while Stow 'n Go seats added flexibility, enabling the second- and third-row seats to fold into the floor. The Pacifica boasted a significant cargo space, with the Pinnacle model providing a best-in-class total storage of 227.6 liters.

Contrastingly, the 2021 Ford Bronco was all about modularity and practicality. Removable, frameless doors came with protective storage bags and a simple plug-and-play system for electrical connections, ensuring easy use. The Bronco also featured practical elements like under-chassis protection, replaceable fenders and bumpers, and convenient hood-mounted trail sights. The interior had rugged touches and practical switches for off-road controls, emphasizing functionality for adventure-ready setups. The Bronco's four-door variant offered adequate rear legroom, though its modular design focused more on utility.

Technology in the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica was centered around the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, notable for its responsiveness and user-friendly design. Hands-free sliding door functionality was available in higher trims, along with an optional second-row in-seat entertainment system featuring up to 20 speakers. The Pacifica Pinnacle's FamCam offered an innovative child seat view, adding practicality for families.

For the 2021 Ford Bronco, SYNC 4 with enhanced voice recognition served as the base for its infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard and an upgradeable 12-inch version. The Bronco included Ford's G.O.A.T. system, allowing drivers to seamlessly navigate various terrains. Optional packages enhanced the technology offerings, with upgrades like a B&O sound system, voice-activated navigation, and a wireless charging pad.

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica came standard with 97 safety features, expanding to 100 in the Pinnacle trim. Key features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection. The Pacifica earned a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

Safety in the 2021 Ford Bronco was tiered across trim levels, with the Base trim featuring essential airbags. Higher trims could add packages providing features such as pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, a lane-keeping system, and a 360-degree camera. The Bronco's design accommodated off-roading hazards with strategically deploying side curtain airbags.