2022 Volvo XC60 vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport borrowed much of its aesthetic inspiration from the larger, upcoming Bronco model. It promised ruggedness, harkening back to the 1966-1996 Bronco lineage, while still offering a suburban-friendly approach. The Bronco Sport was designed as a unibody crossover, merging modernity with a retro feel that evoked comparisons to the likes of Land Rover designs. Its exterior showcased bold styling cues such as minimal front and rear overhangs to enhance its off-road capability. The side body remained sleek, with tucked-in aesthetics to prevent snagging on off-road obstacles. Notably, the vehicle brandished bold "BRONCO" badging on both the grille and tailgate, with smaller "SPORT" lettering for distinction.

Wheels were a significant feature across its various trims. The entry-level Base model came with 17-inch Sparkle Silver wheels, while the Big Bend upgraded to 17-inch Carbonized Gray-painted high-gloss aluminum wheels. The Outer Banks trim featured 18-inch machined-face aluminum Ebony Black-painted wheels with all-season tires, and the adventurous Badlands model sported 28.5-inch all-terrain tires on similar wheels. For those opting for the exclusive First Edition trim, 17-inch Ebony Black-painted wheels with 29-inch all-terrain tires were standard.

The interior of the Bronco Sport reflected rugged yet tasteful design choices. It boasted practical and uncluttered aesthetics with unique HVAC vent shapes and a conveniently placed 8-inch infotainment screen. The step-up in interior finishes saw a progression from cloth to heated leather-trimmed sport-contour bucket seats, culminating in Navy Pier Leather power front seats in the First Edition. This trim also offered a practical selection of flooring options, tailor-made for different uses—from rubberized cargo floors to carpeted mats.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Volvo XC60 received subtle styling updates, including a sportier front fascia with vertical "air blades" and a new rear bumper that concealed the tailpipes. Its design was sophisticated, staying true to Volvo's Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform. The front grille now included hidden driver-assist systems behind a heated Volvo logo for better performance in cold conditions.

Inside, the XC60 retained its elegant yet restrained design, with minimalistic layouts and a portrait-oriented touchscreen. Designed for functionality, the cabin included a new digital instrument cluster. The B6 R-Design test models featured distinctive aluminum mesh speaker grilles and an intricate seat texture that added flair without being ostentatious. The Inscription trim further elevated luxury with Nappa leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

At the Holly Oaks ORV Park, various 2021 Ford Bronco Sport models were put to the test on a mix of groomed trails, obstacles, and public roads. The Bronco Sport offered two engine choices based on trim levels. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims were powered by a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. Badlands and First Edition models were equipped with a more robust 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder, delivering 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. All models operated with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, incorporating a terrain management system with up to seven selectable G.O.A.T. (Go Over Any Type of Terrain) modes.

The Bronco Sport showcased impressive off-road capabilities, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and ground clearance ranging from 7.8 to 8.8 inches. However, the vehicle was also well-mannered on paved roads, suitable for daily urban commutes. The 2.0-liter engine on higher trims seemed more fitting for the Bronco Sport's adventurous character compared to the 1.5-liter engine, which felt strained under hard acceleration.

For 2022, Volvo introduced new B5 and B6 mild-hybrid powertrains for the XC60 to replace the previous T5 and T6 engines. Both configurations combined a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a 48-volt electrical system and starter generator. The B5 powertrain produced 258 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, available in both FWD and AWD. The B6, featuring an additional electric supercharger, delivered 295 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, exclusively in AWD format. Both variants utilized an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Despite a slight decrease in power compared to the previous year's non-hybrid engines, the B6 engine still provided adequate performance, accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The XC60 also stood out for its smooth power delivery, quiet cabin, and comfortable ride, aided by optional air suspension. Luxury dominated over sportiness, setting the XC60 apart from other performance-focused competitors. Additionally, Volvo offered a plug-in hybrid XC60 Recharge with 400 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 5 seconds. The Polestar Engineered version pushed the limits even further with 415 horsepower and a 4.9-second zero to 60 mph time.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport excelled in providing practical features for active lifestyles. Its cargo area was designed to accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes, and Ford offered a vast array of over 100 accessories for outdoor adventures. The roof could bear up to 150 pounds (100 pounds with a moonroof), and the 2.0-liter engine could tow 2,200 pounds, while the 1.5-liter variant managed 2,000 pounds. Clever touches included a rear glass panel that flipped up and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table, a 400-watt inverter, and liftgate floodlamps.

Front cabin storage was plentiful with large door pockets, multiple cubbies, and covered compartments perfect for gadgets. While the driving position was generally comfortable, some taller drivers found on-road visibility slightly challenging due to the roof overhang. Off-road, drivers wished for a higher seating position to improve trail visibility.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 remained competitive on interior space within its segment, offering above-average front-seat headroom. However, rear-seat headroom tied with the Audi Q5 as the worst in the class. Legroom was average for both rows. Cargo space for mild-hybrid models was 21.6 cubic feet with rear seats in place and expanded to 49.8 cubic feet with seats folded. Plug-in hybrid models saw a slight reduction, offering 21.1 cubic feet and 49.3 cubic feet, respectively. This positioned the XC60 with less cargo space compared to many of its luxury crossover rivals.

Despite its somewhat lower cargo capacity, the XC60 provided a commanding driving position and good forward and rear visibility. The large exterior mirrors helped ensure drivers did not overly rely on technological aids for safe maneuvering.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was well-equipped with modern tech features, centering around an 8-inch touchscreen running SYNC 3. It supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Ford+Alexa, alongside standard 4G LTE WiFi hotspot functionality. The base audio system included six speakers, with an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system available from the Outer Banks trim and above. Off-road enthusiasts benefitted from a 360-degree camera with split view and a washer.

The Bronco Sport's terrain management system was a highlight, offering five standard G.O.A.T. modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Slippery, and Sand. Additional modes like Mud/Ruts and Rock Crawl featured on Badlands and First Edition models. Trail control technology mimicked cruise control for off-road driving, assisting at speeds up to 20 mph forward and 6 mph in reverse. Higher trims also included luxury touches like push-button start, heated, leather-wrapped steering wheels, and a digital instrument panel.

The 2022 Volvo XC60 received a significant tech upgrade with an Android Automotive operating system for its 9-inch touchscreen. This included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth, and built-in WiFi hotspot. Available options encompassed a head-up display and premium audio systems from Harman Kardon and Bowers & Wilkins.

Integrated Google features facilitated voice control via Google Assistant, navigation through Google Maps, and third-party apps from the Google Play Store. The system offered comprehensive iPhone compatibility, although Apple users missed out on Google profile syncing. Enhanced OTA updates kept the system current. Despite the predominantly Google-centric design, the interface was user-friendly and maximized screen space efficiently.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was equipped with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, which included pre-collision assist, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, dynamic brake support, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, auto high-beam headlamps, and a reversing camera. Optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ enhanced safety with adaptive cruise control, lane centering, evasive steering assist, voice-activated navigation, and traffic-sign recognition. Trailer sway control as part of the tow package emphasized secure towing. The Bronco Sport’s AWD and terrain management systems also contributed to overall safety.

For the 2022 Volvo XC60, standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, automatic post-collision braking, driver-attention monitor, traffic-sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New additions included Ready to Drive Notification and Emergency Stop Assist. Volvo’s Pilot Assist package combined adaptive cruise control and automated lane centering, supporting safe highway driving.

The 2021 model, similar to the 2022 version, earned the IIHS "Top Safety Pick+" and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA, affirming its robust safety credentials.