2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Ford Bronco

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h F Sport Black Line, was a $90,000 SUV that aimed to impress with its features rather than its aesthetics. Despite its exclusive Incognito paint job and striking orange brake calipers, the RX Hybrid's design was largely unremarkable, with a massive front grille and a dramatic rear haunch swell. The RX lineup included three models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering varying levels of power and efficiency. The RX 350h was the base model, providing 246 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency, while the RX 500h delivered a more spirited 366 hp. The RX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid with an estimated 60 km of electric-only range. All models came with standard AWD in Canada, and the RX offered a range of packages to suit different preferences. Inside, the RX Hybrid boasted a contemporary interior with quality materials, though some controls were less intuitive.

The 2025 Ford Bronco successfully captured the essence of its 1960s predecessor while incorporating modern design elements. Its boxy shape was softened with rounded corners, and the full-width rectangular grille with round headlamps was a standout feature. The Bronco offered multiple top options, allowing for a true open-air experience. The Sasquatch package enhanced its off-road capabilities with 35-inch all-terrain tires, upgraded suspension, and electronic-locking axles. The Bronco lineup included seven versions, from the base model to the high-performance Bronco Raptor. The Big Bend model, equipped with the Sasquatch package, was a popular choice, offering a balance of style and capability. The Bronco's interior was designed for practicality, with ample storage and thoughtful features like MOLLE mounting points. The four-door Bronco provided more rear-seat space and cargo capacity, making it a versatile choice for adventure seekers.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of powertrains to suit different driving preferences. The RX 350h, with its 246 hp hybrid powertrain, prioritized fuel efficiency, achieving 6.5 L/100 km in combined driving. The RX 450h+ PHEV delivered 304 hp and a 0-100 km/h time of 6.5 seconds, thanks to its larger battery and electric motor. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-litre engine, produced 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, offering a 0-100 km/h time of 6.2 seconds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 13.5 L/100 km in testing. The RX 500h featured a sport-tuned adaptive damping suspension, Direct4 AWD system, and performance brakes, but its dynamic capabilities were hindered by a lack of communication between the road and the driver.

The 2025 Ford Bronco offered two main engine options, with the Bronco Raptor featuring a unique, more powerful engine. The base 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for city and highway driving. The optional 2.7-litre EcoBoost V6 increased output to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco's maximum tow rating was 1,587 kg, with the Raptor capable of towing up to 2,040 kg. The standard seven-speed manual transmission included a low gear for off-road crawling, while a 10-speed automatic was available. The Sasquatch package enhanced off-road performance with locking differentials and large tires. The Bronco's 4WD system, with a two-speed transfer case, offered versatility for various terrains, and the advanced 4WD system on higher trims included an Automatic mode for challenging conditions.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space. The RX 500h's front seats, while heated and ventilated, felt snug due to enhanced bolstering, and the bottom cushions lacked long-term comfort. The rear seats, with optional power-reclining, heating, and ventilation, provided ample room for adults. The RX Hybrid offered 838 litres of cargo space, expandable to 1,308 litres with the rear seats folded. However, the cargo cover could be cumbersome when loading larger items. Interior storage was plentiful, though some compartments lacked lining, leading to potential noise issues.

The 2025 Ford Bronco offered spacious interiors, with the two-door model providing ample room for two passengers, while the four-door version offered more rear-seat space and easier access. The Sasquatch package's big tires and suspension raised the Bronco's ground clearance, necessitating a step up into the cabin. Cargo space in the two-door Bronco was 634 litres, expandable to 1,509 litres with the rear seats folded. The four-door model offered 1,084 litres of cargo space with the seats up, increasing to 2,350 litres with the seats folded. The Bronco featured numerous storage cubbies, MOLLE mounting points, and sturdy handles for easy entry. The four-door model also included dedicated rear air conditioning vents and improved insulation for reduced road noise.

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 display with the Lexus Interface infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and cloud-based navigation. The system included a conversational digital voice assistant and generous connected service subscriptions. However, the steering wheel controls were distracting and difficult to use while driving. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality, though the infotainment system occasionally experienced glitches.

The 2025 Ford Bronco came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen running Sync 4 infotainment software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A seven-speaker audio system was standard, with an upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system available on higher trims. A second 12-inch screen served as a digital gauge cluster, customizable with various modes for off-road features and safety settings. The Bronco's G.O.A.T. modes catered to different terrains, with additional modes available on higher trims. The Bronco Raptor included a Baja mode for high-speed desert runs.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, and roadside assistance for up to ten years. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist monitored forward progress and used braking or steering input to maintain safe distances. The RX Hybrid earned a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA but received a Poor rating from the IIHS for occupant protection in frontal-impact tests.

The 2025 Ford Bronco, starting with the Big Bend trim, included the Co-Pilot360 safety suite, featuring blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Post-collision braking, hill start assist, and hill descent control were standard across all models. The Outer Banks and Badlands trims offered an optional Lux package with a 360-degree camera system and evasive steering assist. The Bronco received top "Good" ratings from the IIHS for crash tests but had a "Marginal" rating for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the Bronco four stars for frontal crash safety and three stars for rollover testing.