2021 Land Rover Defender vs. 2021 Ford Bronco

The latest Ford SUV looks like a Range Rover, but can it really keep up on the trails? Our comprehensive 2021 Land Rover Defender vs. Ford Bronco comparison covers off-road performance, towing capacity, interior luxury, and more! Although the Bronco puts up a good fight, and definitely has some strong points, no rival can match what the new Defender has to offer. 

Ford Bronco vs. Land Rover Defender: Pricing and Value

The four-door Ford Bronco starts at just $33,200 MSRP. Although the 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 is priced considerably higher–with new models starting at $50,500 MSRP–the Bronco SUV’s apparent advantage disappears on closer inspection:

• The 2021 Land Rover Defender is ready to tackle many of the world’s toughest trails as standard. You only pay for the upgrades you really want.
• The Bronco, on the other hand, will require significant and costly upgrades. The most capable Bronco trims are the Badlands and the Wildtrak configurations, and these start at $44,590 MSRP and $51,370 MSRP, respectively.

The bottom line is that you’ll spend about the same amount to enjoy go-anywhere off-road capability with either model. Check out the full range of Land Rover Defender configurations to get a better sense of what sets our model apart.

Ford Bronco vs. Land Rover Defender: Performance

Models like the 2021 Ford Bronco and the 2021 Land Rover Defender need to be ready for anything, but only one of these models really has what it takes to respond to any conditions. Here’s why:

Ground Clearance & Off-Road Geometry

• The 2021 Ford Bronco offers 11.6 inches of ground clearance with its optional 35-inch tires. The 2021 Land Rover Defender offers 11.5 inches of ground clearance in any configuration.
• However, since the Defender achieves this maximum with standard air suspension, it notches another win! You can easily adjust your ground clearance to maximize on-road performance or off-road capability.

True off-road enthusiasts know that real-world capability is often determined by a model’s maximum Approach, Breakover, and Departure angles. On this point, the Defender and the Bronco are more or less evenly matched:

• Land Rover Defender Off-Road Geometry: 38 degrees (A), 28 degrees (B), and 40 degrees (D)
• Ford Bronco Off-Road Geometry: 43.2 degrees (A), 26.3 degrees (B), and 37 degrees (D)

Towing Capacity & Payload

One major difference between Bronco and Defender SUVs concerns their ability to move heavy cargo:

• 2021 Land Rover Defender Towing Capacity: Up to 8,200 pounds
• 2021 Land Rover Defender Payload Capacity: Up to 1,984 pounds
• 2021 Ford Bronco Towing Capacity: Up to 3,500 pounds
• 2021 Ford Bronco Payload Capacity: Up to 1,370 pounds

The Ford Bronco can tow about as much as a Jeep Wrangler, but both models fall far short of the standard set by the new Defender.

Engine Options & Specs

If you’re not already convinced, you should know that the Defender also offers more powerful engines than the Ford Bronco:

• Base 4-Cylinder Engines: 290 hp in the Defender, or 270 hp in the Bronco
• Available V6 Engines: 395 hp in the Defender, 310 hp in the Bronco

Ford Bronco vs. Land Rover Defender: Body & Suspension

If you’ve been an off-road enthusiast for more than a few years, you might still wonder if the more luxurious Defender can really go head-to-head with the Ford Bronco, which utilizes a classic body-on-frame design. The Defender, after all, has been designed with unibody construction and fully-independent air suspension–two genuine rarities in the world of off-roading.

We think recent Land Rover Defender off-road reviews speak for themselves! Air suspension really can get the job done on some of the world’s toughest trails. However, it’s also important to point out that the Bronco won’t be as comfortable on pavement. Only the Defender balances ride quality and capability in a single package.

Ford Bronco vs. Land Rover Defender: Interior Features

The Bronco and the Defender are both offered with either two doors or four, but we’ve focused on the four-door models for our Land Rover Defender vs. Ford Bronco matchup. Here’s what you should know about your options:

• The 2021 Land Rover Defender can be configured to seat five, six, or even seven passengers. The 2021 Ford Bronco seats five passengers in all four-door configurations.
• If we look to their second rows of seating, the Defender notches another (very close) win. An extra inch of legroom may not seem like much, but we’re sure you’re passengers will notice the difference.
• Remember the difference in pricing that we mentioned above? Well, you definitely get what you pay for in this year’s Land Rover Defender vs. Ford Bronco comparison. Rest assured: the Defender has a lot more to offer than the Bronco.

Take the 2021 Land Rover Defender for a Test Drive!

So, which will it be? The Ford Bronco or Land Rover Defender? The Defender truly offers the best of both worlds, since it has more impressive capabilities and it also features a more luxurious interior design. Whether you’re looking for space, towing capability, power, or advanced standard features, the Bronco will leave you wanting more.

It’s easy to shop online or claim one of our current Defender lease offers, but you can also contact us today to see it in-store! No matter which route you choose, we know you’ll love how the Defender handles the roads of Rumson and Colts Neck.