2024 Lexus GX vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Ford Bronco was a striking blend of retro-cool styling and modern engineering, offered in nine distinct trim levels. Its blocky, upright shape, wide horizontal grille, and big round headlights made it unmistakable from afar. The Base trim had a primitive, bare-bones look with steel wheels, while the Raptor trim stood out with a wide stance, elevated height, and massive fender flares. The Heritage Edition trim evoked nostalgia with a throwback white grille, roof, and wheels, complemented by unique plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's design was not just for aesthetics; functional elements like cleats above the headlights and raised "fins" helped drivers navigate obstacles. Inside, the rugged theme continued with a broad dash, sealed switches, and waterproof materials, making it easy to clean after off-road adventures. The interior was more about durability than luxury, with sturdy handholds and customizable features, though some creaking was noted over bumps.

The 2024 Lexus GX 550 marked a significant departure from its predecessor with its geometric styling and less pronounced spindle grille. The new design featured standard triple-beam LED headlights and a more aggressive front fascia. The GX's side profile appeared as if carved from a solid block, with minimal character lines and a low window beltline for better visibility. The GX was offered in a single trim level with five packages, including the luxury-focused Luxury and the off-road-oriented Overtrail+. The interior blended luxury with utilitarian materials, featuring a large 14-inch touchscreen and physical controls for off-road functions. While less luxurious than some competitors, the GX was designed for durability and long-term use.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices, starting with a 2.3-litre four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, available with a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-litre V6 engine delivered 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the top-tier Raptor's 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 cranked out 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos featured a 4WD drivetrain and a two-speed transfer case. The base engine was adequate for most driving scenarios, while the Raptor's power was exhilarating. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than typical SUVs but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. Despite its off-road focus, the Bronco maintained good on-road manners, though its high-riding dimensions required careful handling on curvy roads.

The 2024 Lexus GX transitioned from a V8 to a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The GX's powertrain offered impressive torque low in the rev range, enhancing off-road capability. Built on the GA-F truck platform, the GX featured a stiffer chassis for improved stability. The 10-speed automatic transmission operated smoothly, and standard full-time 4WD with a locking Torsen limited-slip centre differential was included. The Overtrail packages added a locking rear differential and the E-KDSS suspension system for enhanced off-road performance. The GX accelerated well and maintained composure on-road, with effective brakes and minimal body roll.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space, with the four-door model offering easier access to rear seats. Up front, there were numerous storage options, including netted door pockets and a rubberized tray. The two-door Bronco offered up to 634 litres of cargo space, while the four-door model provided up to 1,008 litres. However, the rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo. The Bronco's fenders and doors were easily removable for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2024 Lexus GX's interior was more minimalist and sophisticated, with fewer physical buttons. It offered comfortable seating for six-foot-tall adults in the first and second rows, with 1,047 mm of legroom in the front and 933 mm in the second row. The third row was tight, suitable only for children. The GX excelled in cargo space, with 292 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,138 litres with it folded. Overtrail models offered even more space, with 1,291 litres of total cargo capacity.

The 2023 Ford Bronco featured G.O.A.T. drive modes for various terrains, making off-roading accessible to novices. Numerous camera views and the Trail Turn Assist feature enhanced off-road navigation. The Bronco included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Ford’s SYNC 4 and FordPass Connect as standard. A wireless charging pad and a 12-inch infotainment display were available options.

The 2024 Lexus GX boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Drive Connect subscription service included an intelligent voice assistant, while Remote Connect provided remote locking and diagnostics. The GX came with a 10-speaker audio system, with higher packages offering a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo. However, some features required paid subscriptions after an initial trial period.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received mixed safety ratings, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS awarded it a "Good" rating in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and hill-descent control. Optional packages added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

The 2024 Lexus GX saw significant improvements in safety, with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 as standard. It included pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. While not yet crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, the GX's modern architecture and advanced driver assistance systems inspired confidence in its safety.