2020 Lexus GX vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite its age, maintained a rugged charm that appealed to those who valued capability over modern aesthetics. Introduced in 2002 and redesigned in 2010, the GX carried forward with minor design tweaks, including the bold hourglass grille that became a signature of the Lexus lineup. While this grille was polarizing on some models, it suited the GX well, giving it a distinctive presence. The vehicle's interior, however, showed its age with a decade-old design featuring a large, chunky center console and big buttons, reminiscent of early 2010s styling. Despite this, the GX's straightforward and functional interior was appreciated by those who preferred simplicity, especially in a rugged SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered a modern retro aesthetic that resonated with adventure enthusiasts. Its design echoed the larger Bronco, with a short front overhang and tall fender wells, making it trail-ready. The Bronco Sport's exterior featured bold "BRONCO" lettering, with a modest Ford badge on the tailgate, adding to its rugged appeal. Inside, the Bronco Sport boasted a tastefully rugged interior with an uncluttered design, featuring an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector. The vehicle's interior trim varied across models, offering options from cloth to leather-trimmed seats, catering to different preferences.

The 2020 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a 6-speed automatic transmission to a standard 4-wheel drive system. While these figures might not have been groundbreaking, the V8 provided a satisfying swell of power, making it a capable performer both on and off the road. The GX's steering, though initially light, proved to be direct and responsive, offering a composed ride. Its self-leveling air suspension contributed to a smooth driving experience, and the GX excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its robust 4WD system and various chassis controls. With a towing capacity of up to 6,500 pounds and a tight turning radius, the GX was versatile for both city and rugged use. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 16.3 mpg.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options: a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque for the Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims, and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque for the Badlands and First Edition models. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, along with a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, with its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance providing a drama-free experience. On-road, the 2.0-liter engine was better suited to the vehicle's character, while the 1.5-liter engine could feel strained under pressure.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard on the Luxury trim. While the captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, getting adults into the third row was challenging. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 64.7 cubic feet available with all rear seats folded. Its side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window was a convenient feature.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active buyers with clever features, such as cargo space designed to accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford offered over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear, and the roof could support up to 150 pounds. The Bronco Sport's cargo area included a flip-up rear glass, a slide-out work table, and a 400-watt inverter. The front cabin featured ample storage compartments, though taller drivers might have found visibility challenging due to the roof overhang and hood bulges.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, with a true touchscreen interface flanked by large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the simplicity of the system was appreciated by those who preferred straightforward controls.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured the latest infotainment technology, with an 8-inch touchscreen running SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered Ford+Alexa, SiriusXM, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Higher trims included a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a 360-degree camera. The Bronco Sport's terrain management system provided various drive modes, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and an available surround-view camera, with excellent visibility thanks to large windows and mirrors.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, such as pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. All models had AWD and a terrain management system, enhancing safety in various conditions. However, crash-worthiness ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available.