Ford Bronco Sport vs Lexus TX

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport was a compact SUV that embraced rugged styling, setting itself apart from its sibling, the Ford Escape. It featured a rectangular grille with inset round headlights and "Bronco" lettering, reminiscent of the larger Bronco model. The Bronco Sport maintained a square silhouette with a long, flat hood and upright greenhouse, giving it a cute yet rugged appearance. For 2025, the styling remained largely unchanged, except for the introduction of off-road packages like the Black Diamond and Sasquatch, which added modular steel bumpers and underbody protection. The interior was functional, with centre-console grab handles and auxiliary switches for aftermarket accessories, though it lacked the distinctiveness of the exterior.

In contrast, the 2026 Lexus TX offered a more luxurious and refined look. It came with various packages, including the Luxury, Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport options, each enhancing the vehicle's appeal. The TX retained a large grille with a spindle shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting that spanned the vehicle's width. The interior featured three colour options, ambient lighting, and suede trim, though the material quality fell short of luxury standards. The redesigned door handles were a unique touch, but some might have preferred more attention to cabin detail. Overall, the TX exuded a sense of sophistication and comfort.

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options: a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with manual-shifting capability available on the 2.0-litre models. All-wheel drive was standard, featuring a dual-clutch rear-drive unit for torque vectoring, enhancing off-road capability. The Bronco Sport excelled in off-road conditions with features like Trail Control and multiple drive modes, including Rally and Rock Crawl. Despite its off-road prowess, it remained composed and comfortable on highways.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a different performance profile. The base TX 350 featured a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 hp. The gas model had an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid used a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 came with electronically controlled full-time all-wheel drive, while the TX 500h featured Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. Drive modes included Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The TX prioritized comfort and smoothness over aggressive performance, making it suitable for those seeking a refined driving experience.

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport prioritized practicality without compromising its off-road capabilities. It offered more headroom in both the first and second rows compared to competitors like the Jeep Compass Trailhawk and Subaru Forester Wilderness. Cargo space was competitive, with 920 litres available with the rear seats up and 1,846 litres with them folded. The Bronco Sport also featured ample storage solutions, including a dedicated device tray and multiple USB ports. Towing capacity ranged from 1,000 kilograms with the turbo-three engine to 1,225 kilograms with the turbo-four engine, making it a versatile choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

The 2026 Lexus TX excelled in interior space and comfort. It featured three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and a spacious third row with a recline function. The second row offered captain's chairs with a removable centre console, and the third row provided ample headroom and USB-C ports. Cargo space was impressive, with 572 litres available with all seats in place, expanding to 2,747 litres with the rear seats folded. The TX could tow up to 2,268 kilograms, making it a practical choice for families and those needing extra cargo capacity.

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport received a significant tech upgrade with the introduction of the Ford Sync 4 infotainment system. It featured a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system's graphics were high-quality, enhancing the overall user experience. An available 360-degree camera system provided valuable assistance during off-road adventures, with split-screen functionality for obstacle detection. The tech enhancements gave the Bronco Sport a more premium feel, aligning with its rugged yet modern character.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a mixed bag of technology features. While the 14-inch colour touchscreen was user-friendly, some functions lacked polish, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. The steering wheel controls were multi-functional but confusing, with digital mirrors displaying their current function. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose. The TX included advanced features like a back-up camera with a bird's-eye view and an available Advanced Park system. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, the TX ensured devices stayed powered during journeys.

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side crash tests. The IIHS awarded it a "Good" score in the small overlap front test and a "Marginal" score in the updated moderate overlap front test. Standard safety features included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features like reverse automatic emergency braking and traffic sign recognition enhanced safety further.

The 2026 Lexus TX came equipped with Lexus's Safety System+ 3.0, which included forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and traffic sign recognition. Proactive Driving Assist provided additional support, though it could be overly sensitive. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, and the TX received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA. The IIHS gave it an "Acceptable" score in the small overlap front crash test on the driver's side and a "Good" score for the passenger's side. Overall, the TX offered a comprehensive suite of safety features.