2022 Lexus NX vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned for a more modern appeal, was available in four model series: NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. Each model offered various trim levels, including base, Premium, F Sport, and Luxury, with base MSRPs ranging from $47,400 to $59,950, excluding a $2,145 destination charge. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, was the focus of many reviews. The NX's design was unmistakably Lexus, featuring a prominent spindle grille and refined styling details reminiscent of the Lexus IS sports sedan. The SUV was longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, offering more passenger and cargo space. Interior options included NuLuxe simulated leather upholstery, with real leather and open pore wood trim available in the Executive Package. The F Sport trim stood out with unique exterior and interior features, including sport-bolstered seats and a distinctive steering wheel. The interior design aimed for minimalism, integrating many functions into a 14-inch touchscreen, which some found challenging to navigate quickly. Despite some criticisms, the NX maintained high-quality levels, though certain elements, like the turn signal, felt less premium.

The 2022 Ford Bronco, with its retro styling and off-road prowess, was a highly sought-after vehicle. It returned with two new top-tier models, the Everglades and Bronco Raptor, expanding the lineup to eight trims. The Everglades model was designed for swamp trekking, featuring an intake snorkel, a Warn winch, and 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires. The Bronco's design was utilitarian, with short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height, enhancing its off-road capabilities. The interior continued this theme, offering features like sealed switches, marine-grade vinyl upholstery, and drain plugs for easy cleaning. The G.O.A.T. mode dial allowed drivers to select specific terrain modes, while technology features like a digital instrument panel and a full complement of cameras enhanced its usability. Despite its rugged nature, the Bronco was comfortable on pavement, with better ride quality and steering precision than its direct rival, the Jeep Wrangler. The Bronco's success was evident, with models selling out quickly and prices rising due to high demand.

The 2022 Lexus NX emphasized electrification, offering two electrified versions: the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower and an estimated 61 kilometres of electric range. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The NX 350 F Sport added Sport S, Sport+, and Custom driving modes, along with an adaptive variable sports suspension. The F Sport's performance on winding roads was taut and responsive, while the regular NX 350 offered a softer ride. The NX's acceleration to 60 mph was estimated at 6.6 seconds, with observed fuel consumption of 10.6 L/100 km for the F Sport and 9.2 L/100 km for the non-F Sport. Despite improvements, the NX's turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of German rivals, and its off-road capabilities were limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered a base turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 2.7-litre V6 with 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed manual transmission was available for the two-door Bronco with the four-cylinder engine, while a 10-speed automatic was standard for the V6 and four-door models. The Bronco's off-road capabilities were impressive, with models like the Everglades excelling in challenging terrain. The Everglades could ford water up to 92.5 centimetres deep and handled difficult trails with ease. On pavement, the Bronco offered a smoother ride and better steering precision than the Jeep Wrangler, making it a more comfortable road trip companion. Wind noise was present but not intrusive, and the absence of tire howl contributed to the Bronco's overall excellence.

The 2022 Lexus NX offered more interior room for passengers and cargo, though it felt cozy from the driver's seat. The dashboard design created an intimate atmosphere, and models with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel provided comfort. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering for the front seats, and rear-seat passengers enjoyed roomy accommodations with rear air conditioning vents and heated cushions. The NX's panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, and the cargo space increased by 14% to 643 litres behind the rear seats, expanding to 1,328 litres with the seats folded.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design contributed to its spacious interior, offering ample headroom and legroom. Accessing the rear seats in the two-door model required some effort, but the four-door model provided easier access. Cargo capacity varied by model and roof type, with the two-door hard top offering up to 634 litres behind the rear seats and 1,481 litres with the seats folded. The four-door hard top increased capacity to 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including netted door pockets and accessory rails. External hard mounting points and removable fender flares added to its utility.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant advancements in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. It featured large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based features. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen available as an upgrade. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and Voice Assistant technology. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system available. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural commands, and the NX offered a complimentary three-year trial of Drive Connect services. Additional technologies included a digital mirror, head-up display, and digital key capability. However, the touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob.

The 2022 Ford Bronco used technology to enhance its off-road capabilities while keeping the driver engaged. The G.O.A.T. modes provided off-road confidence, and the forward-looking trail camera helped navigate difficult terrain. The Bronco's Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The system included helpful off-road apps and paired well with the available wireless charging pad.

The 2022 Lexus NX included a comprehensive suite of safety features in the standard Lexus Safety System+ 3.0. It offered lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams, along with new features like Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist and Oncoming Vehicle Detection. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a safe stop if the driver was unresponsive. The NX also had a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist technology. Additional safety features were available in packages, including rear pedestrian detection and a panoramic view monitoring system.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered standard safety features like hill-start assist and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features like frontal collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Bronco received four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it "Good" ratings for frontal, side, and roof strength tests. Standard airbags included dual-stage front and side airbags, side-curtain airbags, and a rollover sensor.