2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Ford Bronco was available in nine distinct trims, each showcasing a blend of retro styling and modern engineering. Its blocky shape, wide grille, and round headlights made it easily recognizable. The Base trim had a primitive look with steel wheels, while the Raptor stood out with its wide stance and massive tires. The Heritage Edition added nostalgic elements like a white grille and plaid upholstery. The interior was rugged, featuring a broad dash, sealed switches, and waterproof upholstery, designed for durability rather than luxury.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a more refined appearance. The RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models shared a similar look to the standard RX 350, with subtle differences like a blacked-out grille on the F Sport. The RX's design was not considered gorgeous, with a blunt nose and a visually shortened rear end. Inside, the RX adopted a minimalistic approach with contemporary textures and ambient lighting. The RX 350h featured luxurious leather and wood trim, while the RX 500h had a sportier interior with artificial suede and aluminum accents.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices. The base 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine produced 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, available with a manual or automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-litre V6 delivered 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the Raptor's 3.0-litre V6 offered 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All models featured a 4WD drivetrain. The Bronco excelled off-road with its G.O.A.T. modes and provided a quieter ride than the Jeep Wrangler, though its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curvy roads.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid featured a new powertrain for the RX 350h, with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. It achieved 6.5 L/100 km in combined driving. The RX 500h F Sport Performance used a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, generating 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated 8.6 L/100 km. The RX 500h offered a dynamic driving experience with adaptive suspension and rear-wheel steering, though its fuel economy fell short of expectations during testing.

The Ford Bronco's boxy design provided ample interior space, with the four-door model offering easier access to rear seats. The two-door Bronco had 634 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,481 litres with seats folded, while the four-door offered up to 2,197 litres. The rear seats didn't fold flat, but the Bronco's removable fenders and doors added versatility for off-road enthusiasts.

The Lexus RX Hybrid prioritized comfort with power-adjustable seats, premium leather, and effective climate control. The RX 350h offered more luxurious materials, while the RX 500h had sportier features. The battery placement under the rear seat slightly reduced headroom, but cargo space improved to 838 litres, expanding to 1,308 litres with seats folded, matching the standard RX 350.

The Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance off-road capabilities with G.O.A.T. drive modes and multiple camera views. It featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional 12-inch infotainment display. The Trail Turn Assist was a standout feature for tight maneuvers.

The Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cloud-based navigation, and an Intelligent Assistant. However, the system had limitations, such as single-screen menus and reflection issues. The available head-up display added convenience but had visibility challenges with polarized sunglasses.

The Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with four stars for frontal crash protection and three for rollover protection from NHTSA. It came standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and other driver assistance features, though some were optional on lower trims.

The Lexus RX Hybrid included Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and more. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist added convenience, though some features had limitations, such as the curve-speed reduction tech and driver monitoring system.