2022 Ford Bronco vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Ford Bronco was a standout with its retro styling and robust off-road capabilities. It offered a wide range of trims, including the Everglades and Bronco Raptor, which were designed for extreme terrains like swamps and rocky paths. The Bronco's design was unapologetically utilitarian, featuring short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height to enhance its off-road prowess. Inside, it maintained a rugged theme with features like marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs, allowing for easy cleaning after off-road adventures. Despite its ruggedness, the Bronco was equipped with modern technology, including G.O.A.T. modes and a digital instrument panel, making it both a capable off-roader and a comfortable daily driver.

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its imposing spindle grille and high ground clearance, presented a strong visual presence. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned with limited availability, offering exclusive paint options. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design was more about function, with a short wheelbase and minimal overhangs, making it adept at tackling obstacles. Inside, the GX was a mix of luxury and practicality, though it was let down by an abundance of plastic materials. It featured heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery, but the third row was cramped, making it more suitable as a two-row SUV with occasional extra seating.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.7-litre V6 producing 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were turbocharged, providing ample power for off-road adventures. The Bronco's seven-speed manual transmission, available with the four-cylinder engine, featured a crawl gear for low-speed, high-torque driving. All models came with four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case, making them highly capable off-road. The Bronco excelled on challenging terrains, such as Drummond Island's muddy trails and steep rock climbs, while also offering a surprisingly smooth and comfortable ride on highways.

The 2023 Lexus GX was powered by a naturally aspirated 4.6-litre V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission. While it didn't match the power of some modern engines, the V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery. The GX had a towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms, making it more capable than most three-row crossovers, though it lagged behind other SUVs. Its fuel economy was typical of a V8, with estimates of 16.2 L/100 km in the city and 12.3 on the highway. The GX's weight affected its handling, but its roll was predictable and controllable. The Torsen limited-slip differential and four-wheel drive system enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, offering ample headroom and legroom for passengers. Accessing the rear seats in the two-door model required some manoeuvring, but the four-door version provided easier access. Cargo capacity varied depending on the model and roof type, with the two-door hard top offering up to 634 litres behind the rear seats and 1,481 litres with them folded. The four-door hard top increased capacity to 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including accessory rails and stowable doors, enhancing its utility.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered practical storage solutions, with a deep centre console bin and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, relying on older USB-A ports. The GX retained physical controls, which were appreciated by those who preferred tactile buttons over touchscreens. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and fold-out cupholders, while the third row was cramped and best suited for occasional use. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 328 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,322 litres with the third row folded, and 1,832 litres with both rows down.

The 2022 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities while keeping the driver engaged. The G.O.A.T. modes provided confidence for novice drivers, while seasoned off-roaders could manually select their preferred setups. The forward-looking trail camera was a standout feature, offering a clear view of the terrain ahead. The Bronco's Sync 4 infotainment system was responsive and featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a wireless charging pad.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated compared to other Lexus models. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering features like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, and smartphone integration. However, the graphics and responsiveness lagged behind competitors. The GX excelled in off-road technology, with a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) for improved handling. The optional multi-terrain monitor and crawl control further enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered a range of safety features, including hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features like frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings in most categories.

The 2023 Lexus GX, despite its older design, included advanced driver assistance systems through the Lexus Safety System+. It featured automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. While it lacked some top-end features, its safety systems were commendable for a vehicle of its age.