2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Ford Bronco

The 2024 Ford Bronco embraced a retro design that harkened back to the 1960s, particularly in its two-door variant. This nostalgic styling was more successful in the two-door model compared to the four-door, which seemed incomplete without the Sasquatch Package. This package, though costly, added a suspension lift and 35-inch mud-terrain tires, enhancing the Bronco's rugged and adventurous appearance. The SUV's interior featured an 8-inch digital display and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a dashboard design reminiscent of the original Bronco. Despite its off-road prowess, the Bronco's interior was more refined than its main competitor, the Jeep Wrangler, offering better visibility and a more comfortable driving experience.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, presented a more contemporary design with a focus on luxury. Despite its hefty price tag, the RX's exterior was somewhat unremarkable, save for its large grille and distinctive orange brake calipers. Inside, the RX offered a modern and comfortable environment, with quality materials and ambient lighting. The RX 500h model featured a sport-tuned adaptive suspension and a sophisticated AWD system, enhancing its performance capabilities. However, the RX's interior controls were a mix of intuitive and perplexing, with some ergonomic challenges that detracted from the overall experience.

The 2024 Ford Bronco offered a range of engine options, starting with a standard 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with either a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing a maximum towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms. For those seeking more power, a 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 engine delivered 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the Raptor model boasted a 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft, capable of towing up to 2,040 kilograms. The Bronco's off-road capabilities were enhanced by various technologies, including Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist, making it a formidable off-roader. However, its fuel efficiency was less impressive, with the Big Bend Sasquatch averaging 13.9 L/100 km during testing.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid lineup included three models, each with distinct powertrains. The RX 350h was the most efficient, with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. The RX 450h+ PHEV offered 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds, while the RX 500h featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine with 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds. Despite its power, the RX 500h's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 13.5 L/100 km during testing. The RX 500h's drivetrain provided quick acceleration and a pleasant sound, but its dynamic capabilities were hindered by a lack of communication between the road and the driver.

The 2024 Ford Bronco offered a spacious interior, particularly in the four-door model, which felt larger than its Jeep Wrangler counterpart. The Bronco's marine-grade vinyl upholstery was durable but lacked breathability, making it less comfortable in certain conditions. The two-door Bronco provided 634 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,509 litres with the rear seats folded. The four-door model offered even more room, with up to 2,350 litres of cargo volume. The Bronco's removable roof panels and doors allowed for a customizable open-air experience, enhancing its versatility.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats were snug due to enhanced bolstering, but the rear seats offered ample room and comfort. The RX provided 838 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,308 litres with the rear seats folded. Interior storage was practical, though some compartments lacked lining, leading to potential noise issues. The RX's hands-free power liftgate and power-reclining rear seats added convenience, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2024 Ford Bronco featured a 12-inch touchscreen with the Sync 4 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a seven-speaker stereo. However, the system experienced connectivity issues, particularly with Apple CarPlay, and the voice recognition system was inconsistent. The Bronco Trail App provided access to trail maps and information, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with advanced technology, including digital key functionality, a camera-based digital rearview mirror, and a hands-free power liftgate. The RX 500h featured a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a cloud-based navigation system. Despite its advanced features, the RX's steering wheel controls were distracting and challenging to use while driving. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality, enhancing the overall driving experience.

The 2024 Ford Bronco came with standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a backup camera. The Mid Package added Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies, including lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Bronco received favourable crash test ratings from the IIHS, except for its headlight performance, which was rated as Marginal. The NHTSA awarded the Bronco a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 provided advanced driver assistance systems, including forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. The RX also featured Proactive Driving Assist, which monitored forward progress and used braking or steering input to maintain safe distances. The RX received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it Poor in the moderate overlap frontal-impact test.