2024 Lexus TX vs 2023 Ford Bronco

The 2023 Ford Bronco was a standout with its 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 charm with steel wheels, while the Raptor trim boasted a wide stance and massive tires. The Heritage Edition trim added nostalgic elements like a white grille and plaid seat upholstery. The Bronco's rugged interior featured a broad dash, sealed switches, and waterproof upholstery, designed for durability rather than luxury. Despite some creaking over bumps, it was quieter than a Jeep Wrangler.

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, convincingly served as a luxury SUV with its upscale appearance. It featured 22-inch wheels in the TX 350 Executive packages, enhancing its presence. The TX's styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those turned off by previous designs. The TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models offered a range of prices, with the TX 350 likely being the volume seller. The interior, though dark, felt luxurious with premium leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof, meeting expectations for a Lexus badge.

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. It was available with a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-litre V6 engine increased power to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the top-tier Raptor's 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 delivered 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos featured a 4WD drivetrain and a two-speed transfer case. The Bronco excelled in off-road capabilities without sacrificing on-road manners, offering a quieter ride than the Jeep Wrangler.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 100 km/h in roughly eight seconds, feeling quicker due to its torque. The TX 350's fuel economy was rated at 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though testing showed an average of 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm suspension providing comfort and accurate steering. The brake pedal felt soft but was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape 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, expandable to 1,481 litres with seats folded, while the four-door offered 1,008 litres and 2,197 litres, respectively. The rear seats didn't fold flat, but the roof's mounting points allowed for an overlanding platform and tent. The Bronco's fenders and doors were easily removable for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a comfortable third-row seat, accommodating adults better than the RX L and GX models. The TX 350 featured premium leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated seats available. The second-row seat was less welcoming, but the third-row provided leg support and a good view. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with seats folded, and 2,746 litres with all seats down, offering ample storage for road trips.

The 2023 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance its off-road capabilities with G.O.A.T. drive modes, optimizing engine and suspension settings for various terrains. Camera views provided visibility in tight spots, and the Trail Turn Assist feature allowed sharp turns. The Bronco's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with an optional 12-inch display for ease of use.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen display. The Lexus Interface infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX included a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system, providing impressive sound quality. However, the head-up display's unmarked steering wheel controls were frustrating, especially for those wearing polarized sunglasses.

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 NHTSA. IIHS awarded it a "Good" rating in most crashworthiness tests. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and hill-start assist. Optional packages added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

The 2024 Lexus TX came equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Proactive Drive Assist provided braking and steering assistance, though it wasn't always smooth. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The system worked well overall, but the TX slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in, causing frustration for following drivers.