With the recent release of the all-new 2021 Ford Bronco, it’s easy to forget the other rugged full-size SUVs on the market. The Ford Bronco has the best performance and capability stats in its segment, but that’s just the beginning. How does the Bronco compare as an overall SUV? There are only so many rocky trails you can navigate in a day. Let’s compare two of the top competitors, the 2021 Ford Bronco vs 2021 Toyota 4Runner, and see who has what it takes to go beyond the off-roading and adventure life.
Functional Design
The design of both of these SUVs has to be functional for everyday life and for off-road adventures. Most of all, it has to look nice driving down the road! The 2021 Ford Bronco has both a two-door and four-door option, all with removable doors. It is also worth noting that the 2021 Bronco is available with both hard and soft roof options depending on your model. For obvious reasons, the four-door Bronco is more practical for daily life, but it still has that original Bronco vibe.
The interior of the 2021 Bronco is a beautiful mix of durable, premium, and rugged. You have the option for leather seats, premium finishes, atop-of-the-line touchscreen, and more. Ford even designed the interior of the Ford Bronco to withstand the messy excursions you’re bound to take. From the design perspective, the four-door 2021 Ford Bronco is the right Bronco for those who are looking at life beyond off-roading.
The 2021 Toyota 4Runner may not look like it can match the 2021 Ford Bronco, but it definitely holds its own. The body-on-frame construction of the 4Runner makes it possible to take the SUV on thrilling outdoor adventures. Special editions of the 4Runner include features that make the trail life even more accessible. The interior of the 4Runner is what you would expect from your typical SUV, including comfort for five passengers, convenience, and flexibility for cargo.
While both SUVs are marketed for off-road adventures, their flexible designs make it easy to drive the kids to school one day and hit the trails the next. The Toyota 4Runner may not be designed to achieve what you want, but you can certainly rely on its practicality. The 2021 Ford Bronco is designed for more off-roading but is still functional for a family, making it the best of both worlds.
Premium Technology
When discussing technology, both Ford and Toyota make their tech features advanced and premium. You rely on your SUV to handle every area of your life, so the right type of technology is important. The 2021 Ford Bronco has advanced technology to increase your capability on the trail and also for everyday convenience and entertainment.
With the available 12-inch touchscreen, you’ll be able to stay connected and navigate seamlessly. The 2021 Bronco includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, keeping things cord-free as much as possible. The SYNC 4 system uses improved voice recognition technology, which comes in handy when you’re in a new area.
The 2021 Ford Bronco is also equipped with special technology that helps you take on the rugged trails with more control and ease. The G.O.A.T. driving modes are what the Bronco is most famous for. This technology means the 2021 Bronco literally “goes over any type of terrain.” The Bronco makes it easy to have the technology to call your mom from the road and drive in deep snow.
In the 2021 Toyota 4Runner, you see similar technology that stands out. It also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, but your smartphone must be plugged in. The standard 8-inch touchscreen gives you ample space to stay connected and entertained throughout the drive. Using the available premium 15-speaker JBL audio system, everything you hear will be up close and personal.
The 2021 4Runner also has technology for off-roading excursions. Its multi-terrain select lets you change your drive mode depending on your terrain, similar to the 2021 Ford Bronco but not quite as advanced. Technology can go a long way for a driver who’s looking for that extra bit of convenience on the road. While the Bronco may seem like all of its technology is dedicated to off-roading, there is a significant amount of technology you can find a use for in your everyday routine.
Advanced Safety
No matter if you’re driving through a desert or going to the office on a Tuesday, safety features are vitally important. Even though the new advanced safety technologies don’t replace your attention on the road, it acts as an extra layer of security when you need it most. The good news is that the 2021 Ford Bronco and 2021 Toyota 4Runner don’t skimp out on safety features. They each offer their own suite of standard and available safety technology features.
The 2021 Ford Bronco features Co-Pilot360, which is Ford’s suite of safety features. These features help on remote adventures and on the highway. The available 360-degree camera with off-road views is perfect for those times you need the best view of your Bronco and surroundings. Hill descent controls give you more control on those steep grades. A rear camera view with backup assist will help you perfectly back into the desired area.
The pre-collision assist with automatic braking will sense if there is a possible collision ahead of you and put on the brakes if needed. Finally, auto high beams work to keep you and other drivers safe by automatically adjusting your high beam lights. These features should give drivers of the 2021 Bronco extra peace of mind.
Toyota Safety Sense is the safety suite for the 2021 Toyota 4Runner. A pre-collision system with pedestrian detection works to detect and automatically brake for a potential collision. The dynamic radar cruise control helps you maintain a safe cruising speed on the highway with other vehicles around. Lane departure alert will let you know if you are drifting from your lane so you can correct. Finally, auto high beams are very important for everyone’s safety during nighttime driving.
You can’t really go wrong with the safety features on either SUV. Each feature was meticulously designed and tested to help you have the safest drive possible. Both Ford and Toyota have good track records for producing safe vehicles, and the 2021 Ford Bronco and 2021 Toyota 4Runner are no different.
Who’s The Best?
It’s easy to see the 2021 Ford Bronco and 2021 Toyota 4Runner have a lot more to offer than just off-roading capabilities. While off-roading is what these SUVs were designed for, you can easily tackle your normal responsibilities in these vehicles. Comparing these two SUVs side-by-side, the 2021 Ford Bronco gives the most versatility between adventure life and family life. You can truly achieve both with the new Bronco.
The design, technology, and safety features of SUVs matter just as much as their performance and capabilities. Taking everything into consideration will help you make a more well-rounded opinion, and help you find the SUV that works best for you. The possibilities are unlimited, and with a bit of research, you will surely get where you want to go in style.
