2021 Ford Explorer vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2021 Ford Explorer was part of Ford's strategic lineup of SUVs, each bearing a familial resemblance with names starting with "E." This approach harkened back to the 1950s, aiming to keep customers loyal to the brand as they moved up the price ladder. The Explorer's exterior was appealing, though it could be mistaken for the Edge at a quick glance. It featured sporty, raked belt lines and distinctive visages that set it apart from other brands. The Explorer offered six trim levels, each with varying grille designs and price points ranging from $32,925 to $52,730. Inside, it provided three rows of seating as standard, with cloth upholstery on the base model. The dashboard was clean, featuring an 8-inch LCD touchscreen and a center console with a rotary gearshift, enhancing storage space. The XLT trim was the most popular, offering better equipment and finishes, while leather upholstery was standard on higher trims.

The 2022 Ford Bronco captivated buyers with its retro styling and off-road prowess. It returned with two new top-tier models, the Everglades and the Bronco Raptor, the former designed for swamp trekking with features like an intake snorkel and 35-inch mud-terrain tires. The Bronco lineup expanded to seven trims, each offering increasing off-road capabilities. Despite its rugged design, the Bronco was sold out for 2022, highlighting its popularity. Buyers could choose between two- or four-door models, with options for a removable roof and a range of paint choices. The Bronco's design was utilitarian, with features like removable fender flares and a full-size spare tire. Inside, it continued the utilitarian theme with marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs for easy cleaning. The Bronco's technology included G.O.A.T. modes for various terrains, a digital instrument panel, and a comprehensive camera system, making it both capable off-road and comfortable on pavement.

The 2021 Ford Explorer, weighing 4,345 pounds at its lightest, featured a base 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine outperformed the Kia Telluride's V6, despite the Explorer's heavier weight. All trims came with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Limited Hybrid trim offered a V6 hybrid drivetrain with 310 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. Higher trims boasted a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, delivering 365 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, while the Explorer ST offered 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer excelled in towing, with capacities ranging from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, though not exceptional in its class.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's base engine was a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, producing 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. An optional 2.7-liter V6 offered 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed manual transmission was available for the four-cylinder, featuring a crawl gear for low-speed driving. All Broncos had four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case. The Bronco excelled off-road, with models like the Wildtrak and Everglades conquering challenging terrains. The Everglades, tested on Drummond Island, handled deep water crossings and steep climbs with ease. On pavement, the Bronco offered a smoother ride than its rival, the Jeep Wrangler, with better steering and reduced driver fatigue. Wind noise was minimal, and the absence of tire howl contributed to its overall excellence.

The 2021 Ford Explorer offered seating for seven in the base model, with captain's chairs in higher trims reducing capacity to six. It provided 39 inches of second-row legroom, surpassing some competitors but falling behind others like the Kia Telluride. With the third row deployed, it offered 21 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 81 cubic feet with seats folded, though this was less than some smaller SUVs.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design maximized interior space, offering ample headroom and legroom. Accessing the rear seats in the two-door model required some maneuvering. Cargo capacity varied by model and roof type, with the two-door hard top offering 22.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 52.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The four-door hard top increased capacity to 35.6 cubic feet and 77.6 cubic feet, respectively. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including netted door pockets and accessory rails. It also offered stowable doors and removable fender flares for added utility.

The 2021 Ford Explorer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen as standard, featuring AM/FM radio, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G WiFi hotspot, and Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system. Higher trims offered a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. Charging options included two USB ports and five 12-volt power points, with a 110-volt AC outlet available on higher trims.

The 2022 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities. G.O.A.T. modes provided confidence for novice drivers, while seasoned off-roaders could manually select settings. A forward-looking trail camera and Trail Turn Assist improved maneuverability. The Bronco featured the Sync 4 infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with an available wireless charging pad.

The 2021 Ford Explorer was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top scores in crash tests and an "Acceptable" rating for adaptive headlights. It offered the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including blind-spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist.

The 2022 Ford Bronco included standard safety features like hill-start assist and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features like frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA rated the four-door Bronco four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it "Good" scores in most tests.