When you’re shopping for a small crossover, both the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport and Toyota RAV4 are likely to catch your attention. Deciding between them won’t be an easy task, but our comparison guide can help you better understand your options.
Interior Comfort: 2021 Ford Bronco Sport
For modern comfort, the Bronco Sport leads the way. This all-new Ford crossover is very spacious, outdoing competitors with its front-seat headroom and wide-ranging seat adjustments. All seats have enough padding for the long haul, maximizing your family’s road-trip comfort levels. Various Bronco Sport trim levels offer comfort upgrades, including heated front seats and leather upholstery.
The 2021 Toyota RAV4, however, offers major competition in this department. It, too, is very spacious, with more than enough room for five passengers. The front seats are comfortable enough, though the seat bottoms can feel a little flat after a few hours of driving.
Tech Supplies: It’s a Tie!
Both crossovers come standard with a wealth of driver safety aids and smartphone-friendly infotainment features. Safety technology, such as forward collision mitigation and lane-keeping assist, are standard on both models. The Bronco Sport comes standard with blind-spot monitoring and the RAV4 features standard adaptive cruise control.
Inside, both crossovers are handsomely equipped with modern infotainment gear. There’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in every model, giving you hands-free access to your favorite smartphone apps. Both crossovers’ infotainment systems are easy to use, with accommodating touch screens and intuitive menu structures.
Fuel Economy: 2021 Toyota RAV4
If you’re a commuter, the RAV4 can help you save money on fuel. Depending on configuration, Toyota’s small crossover earns up to 30 mpg combined (28 city/35 highway).
With its base engine, the four-wheel-drive Bronco Sport earns up to 26 mpg combined (25/28 mpg). These figures are pretty good for the segment, but they don’t quite beat the RAV4.
Off-Road Potential: 2021 Ford Bronco Sport
Since it’s essentially a smaller version of the off-road-ready Ford Bronco, it’s not surprising that the Bronco Sport feels right at home on the trail. Every model comes standard with four-wheel drive for optimal performance on soft surfaces. As you climb the trim levels, you’ll find an increasingly capable ride, thanks to features like off-road-specific suspension and all-terrain tires.
The Toyota RAV4 has a few off-road-friendly trims: the Adventure and TRD Off-Road models. These RAV4s are specially designed for outdoor getaways, with features like taller roof rails and all-terrain tires. However, none of the RAV4 trims are really built for exceedingly rugged trails.
Final Grades
We like the 2021 Toyota RAV4 well enough, but the all-new 2021 Ford Bronco Sport is the standout option. Choose Ford’s all-new small crossover for world-class off-road performance, comfy cruising, and a healthy list of tech supplies.