2024 Ford Bronco vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX, based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, convincingly served as a luxury SUV with its upscale appearance. The test model featured striking 22-inch silver wheels, enhancing its presence, especially in the TX 350 Executive package. The TX's styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, which might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's design. The TX lineup included the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, though the TX 550h+ was not yet available. The TX 350, likely the volume seller, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard AWD. The Ultra Luxury package added premium interior features, but the dark cabin felt too sombre despite the panoramic sunroof. Overall, the TX 350's interior was luxurious enough to bear the Lexus badge.

The 2024 Ford Bronco embraced retro design, reminiscent of the 1960s, with the two-door model capturing the essence more effectively than the four-door. The Sasquatch Package, a costly upgrade, added a suspension lift and 35-inch mud-terrain tires, giving the Bronco a rugged, ready-for-anything look. Without it, the Bronco appeared awkward. The Sasquatch equipment was standard or optional on most Broncos, with nine versions available, including the Raptor performance model. Prices ranged from $52,060 to $93,220, with the Raptor at $116,570. The test vehicle, a four-door Big Bend trim with the Sasquatch Package, had a Canadian MSRP of $69,780. The marine-grade upholstery was practical but uncomfortable in hot weather. The Bronco's interior featured an 8-inch digital display and a 12-inch touchscreen, with grab handles for easy entry due to the suspension lift. Compared to the Jeep Wrangler, the Bronco's interior was more refined, offering a broad view over the hood and effective side mirrors, though the spare tire obstructed rear visibility.

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. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in about eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque. The performance was adequate, with a fuel economy rating of 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, according to Natural Resources Canada. During testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The suspension provided a balance between road feel and comfort, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. The interior remained quiet on the highway, though the brake pedal felt too soft.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend featured a standard turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. It offered a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission, with a towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms. The optional 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 engine provided 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the Raptor's 3.0-litre V6 offered 418 hp and 440 lb-ft. The Bronco's part-time 4WD system was standard, with an advanced system available. Off-roading technologies like Trail Control, Trail One-Pedal Drive, and Trail Turn Assist enhanced its capability. The test vehicle's powertrain offered good acceleration and clean shifts, though it was not fuel-efficient. The Big Bend Sasquatch averaged 13.9 L/100 km during testing, with a higher highway than city fuel economy rating. The Bronco excelled off-road, handling trails with ease, though its tires were noisy and lacked grip on winding roads. On-road, it was easy to park and handle, with a durable interior ready for open-air driving.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 test unit featured premium leather and suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The second-row bench seat was standard, with captain’s chairs optional. The front seats lacked a massage function but were comfortable, while the second-row seat was less welcoming. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering better leg support and visibility than previous models. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the seats folded, and 2,746 litres with the second row down. Storage options were plentiful but lacked lining, potentially causing noise.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend Sasquatch required effort to enter without optional steps, but it was comfortable inside. The two-door model accommodated four adults, while the four-door was roomier, lacking a rollbar in the rear. The marine-grade vinyl upholstery trapped moisture, with cloth seats available in the Heritage Edition. The two-door had a standard hardtop with removable panels, while the four-door had a soft top, with a hardtop optional. The Bronco offered various open-air configurations, with good interior storage and MOLLE panels for customization. Cargo space was 634 litres in the two-door, expanding to 1,509 litres with seats down. The four-door offered 1,084 litres with seats up and 2,350 litres with seats down, reduced with the hardtop.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist in the Executive packages. The head-up display's unmarked controls were distracting, especially with polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system had a 14-inch touchscreen, with a Drive Connect subscription offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and a three-year Remote Connect subscription. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided impressive sound quality.

The 2024 Ford Bronco came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen Sync 4 infotainment system, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect, SiriusXM 360L, and a seven-speaker stereo. Higher trims offered connected navigation and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Sync 4 system had connectivity issues, with inconsistent Apple CarPlay and voice recognition performance. The 8-inch digital instrumentation panel was easy to learn but distracting. The Bronco Trail App provided trail maps and information, accessible through the touchscreen with smartphone integration.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist offered braking and steering assistance but was not transparent. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and safe exit assist, with options for parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist. The system was generally smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, high-beam headlights, and a backup camera. The Mid Package added Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies like lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera were optional. The safety systems operated as expected, though lane-keep assist was less preferred. The IIHS rated the Bronco four-door favourably, except for its headlights, while NHTSA ratings were incomplete, with a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.