Ford Bronco vs Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was priced at just over $50,000 for the base Hybrid LE, with the Limited trim and Platinum package reaching $61,800 in Canada. The design changes for 2023 were minimal, with a new Cypress Green paint colour being the most notable update. The Highlander Hybrid's exterior was described as over-styled, with exaggerated forms and scowling headlights. Inside, the cabin was characterized by oversized elements, such as a 12.3-inch touchscreen and large climate control knobs, which contributed to a visually overwhelming experience. The interior quality was questioned, with controls and materials feeling inexpensive, and storage areas unlined, leading to potential noise issues.

In contrast, the 2024 Ford Bronco embraced a retro design reminiscent of the 1960s, particularly successful in the two-door model. The Sasquatch Package, a popular upgrade, added a suspension lift and 35-inch mud-terrain tires, enhancing the Bronco's rugged appearance. The Bronco offered nine trim levels, with the Big Bend being the standard. Our test vehicle, a four-door Big Bend with the Sasquatch Package, was priced at $69,780 in Canada. The interior featured marine-grade upholstery, which was not ideal for hot days, and a flat dashboard with a BRONCO-stamped panel. The Bronco's interior was more refined than its primary rival, the Jeep Wrangler, offering a unique and enjoyable driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. It offered standard AWD and could tow up to 1,588 kilograms, though high-speed passing power was limited. The Highlander Hybrid featured Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with a Trail mode for light off-road use. Its primary focus was fuel economy, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system aiming to optimize efficiency. However, it returned 8.2 L/100 km on the evaluation loop, higher than the expected 6.7 L/100 km. The driving experience was described as uninspiring, with soft suspension and a CVT contributing to a lack of engagement.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend came with a standard turbocharged 2.3-litre EcoBoost 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. The Bronco featured a part-time 4WD system, with advanced off-roading technologies like Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist. The Big Bend Sasquatch averaged 13.9 L/100 km on the evaluation drive, with the suspension lift and tires affecting fuel efficiency. The Bronco excelled in off-road conditions, offering a fun and unique driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, with most models featuring second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat was best for occasional use, and the SUV offered three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats. The interior had a useful dashboard shelf and rubber-lined cupholders, but storage areas were unlined. Cargo space was 453 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,387 litres with the second-row seats folded.

The 2024 Ford Bronco, available in two-door and four-door body styles, provided comfortable seating for four adults in the two-door model. The four-door version was roomier, with no rollbar obstructing rear-seat passengers. The Bronco featured marine-grade vinyl upholstery, which trapped moisture, and offered various roof and door configurations for an open-air experience. Interior storage was good, with MOLLE panels for customization. The two-door Bronco offered 634 litres of cargo space, expanding to 1,509 litres with the seats folded. The four-door version provided 1,084 litres with the seats up and 2,350 litres with them down.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new technology, including a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems. The Limited trim featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen with over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Drive Connect service plan offered an Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system.

The 2024 Ford Bronco came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen Sync 4 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect services, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. Higher trims included a connected navigation system and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Bronco Trail App provided access to trail maps and information. However, the Sync 4 system experienced connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay and inconsistent voice recognition performance.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with parking sensors and a surround-view camera available on higher trims. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a backup camera. The Mid Package added Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies, such as lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear parking sensors. The Bronco received favourable crash-test ratings from the IIHS, except for its headlight performance. NHTSA ratings were incomplete, but the Bronco earned a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.