2022 Lexus GX vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a compact crossover that captured the rugged spirit of its larger sibling, the Bronco, while offering a more urban-friendly design. It featured a modern retro aesthetic reminiscent of a Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs that enhanced its off-road capabilities. The vehicle's design was practical, with tall fender wells and minimal adornments to avoid catching on obstacles during trail driving. The bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, along with a modest Ford badge, added to its distinctive look. Inside, the Bronco Sport offered a rugged yet tasteful interior, with an uncluttered design and convenient storage options, including an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX maintained a design that harkened back to its first-generation model, with a signature spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The interior, while not as dated as the exterior, still carried a similar theme to its predecessors. The cabin was crafted with the high-quality materials and refinement expected from Lexus, providing a quiet and comfortable environment. The GX was available in Standard, Premium, and Executive trims, with prices ranging from $72,100 to $83,750, excluding destination charges. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the GX 460 Premium, added unique styling elements and started at $80,550.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims featured a 1.5-litre EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands model came with a more powerful 2.0-litre EcoBoost turbo four-cylinder engine, delivering 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance. It also offered a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, enhancing its versatility on various terrains.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 was equipped with a 4.6-litre V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. Despite its power, the GX's performance was hampered by its hefty curb weight of 2,325 kilograms. The SUV featured a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system, providing a 40/60 power split between the front and rear wheels. The GX's towing capacity was impressive at 2,948 kilograms. However, its fuel consumption was high, with an estimated 14.5 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving. The GX's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System improved its ride quality, making it more stable and secure on and off-road.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was designed with active buyers in mind, offering clever features like a cargo space that could accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford provided a wide range of accessories for transporting outdoor gear, and the roof could support up to 68 kilograms. The Bronco Sport's cargo area included a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table and liftgate floodlamps. The interior offered ample storage compartments, though visibility issues were noted for taller drivers.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. The interior featured comfortable seating and physical controls, though some switchgear was outdated. The Black Line Special Edition offered NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim. The GX's third-row seat was cramped and difficult to access, reducing cargo space when in use. The tailgate swung open to the side, complicating loading in tight spaces. Despite these challenges, the GX offered a respectable 1,322 litres of cargo space with the third row folded.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered a subscription-based 4G LTE WiFi hotspot and an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system. The terrain management system included up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, and trail control technology was available for off-roading. Intelligent access with push-button start was standard on most trims, and higher trims offered additional features like a heated steering wheel and digital instrument panel.

The 2022 Lexus GX boasted a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and navigation, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. The stereo controls were awkwardly placed, but the infotainment display offered a dual-screen view. Voice recognition technology was praised for its accuracy. The GX also featured Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view cameras.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. The Bronco Sport received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with a five-star overall rating and a four-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings due to its age, but it included the Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and more. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some modern safety technologies found in competitors, which could be a drawback for some buyers.