2021 Ford Bronco vs 2021 Lexus GX

2021 Ford Bronco:

Ford had been tantalizing consumers with the promise of a new Bronco since 2004 when they unveiled the Bronco Concept vehicle. This anticipation reached a fever pitch with the release of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, a compact crossover SUV leveraging the Ford Escape platform but enhanced with standard all-wheel drive and adventure-oriented design cues. The original Ford Bronco, introduced in 1966, enjoyed a production run of 30 years over five generations, cementing its reputation as a robust off-road vehicle, often used as a base for customization.

The new 2021 Ford Bronco proudly drew inspiration from its classic predecessor, embracing a design philosophy Ford called “Retrofuturism.” This approach involved modernizing a beloved classic design with contemporary technology, advanced powertrains, modern materials, and aesthetic flourishes. Similar strategies had seen success with the Ford Mustang, Dodge Challenger, and Charger, and even to a lesser extent with vehicles like the Chrysler PT Cruiser and Chevrolet HHR.

For the Bronco, "Retrofuturism" was a resounding success. It melded vintage cool with modern functionality. The vehicle sported a single-piece grille framed by round headlights connected by bold “B-R-O-N-C-O” lettering. The hood featured modest bulges with removable off-road sights on the corners. With relatively flat, simple body sides accented by applied fender flares, standard 32-inch tires, or 35-inch variants with the Sasquatch package, the Bronco showcased a rugged, capable aura. Wheel options ranged from 16-inch steel to 18-inch aluminum, with beadlock-capable wheels available.

At the rear, the full-size spare tire and wheel were mounted on a rack that swung away to allow access to the side-hinged half tailgate and flip-up back glass, continuing the vehicle’s retro appeal. It came in both two-door (with a 100.4-inch wheelbase) and four-door (stretching to 116.1 inches) configurations. Dimensions varied slightly with trim levels, widths spanning 75.9 to 79.3 inches, and heights ranging from 71.9 to 75.3 inches. The modular design extended to the roofs, available in either a black soft-top or a modular removable hardtop.

Inside, while steeped in retro aesthetics, the Bronco offered modern technologies far beyond what was available in 1966. Ford designers had scanned the original dashboard for inspiration, blending classic proportions with contemporary elements like an 8-inch or an optional 12-inch color touchscreen, vividly integrated into the dash. The interior felt rugged, with heavy use points reinforced with metal and grippy rubber. The second-row seating (more comfortable in the four-door version) suggested thoughtful design, ensuring ample space for passengers and adding to the vehicle's overall accessibility and functionality.

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The 2021 Lexus GX 460’s styling reflected its long tenure on the market, retaining the same basic body from a decade ago, albeit with gradual updates. The GX adopted Lexus’ signature spindle grille in 2014, which was revised in 2020 with a new textured insert and new triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model did not see additional significant style changes but standard silver 18-inch wheels became a feature of the Premium trim, with 19-inch wheels also available.

Despite initially not being designed around the spindle grille (which originated with the sleeker Lexus LC coupe), the GX's styling managed to remain coherent and distinctive. Its assertive look had an appeal for SUV buyers. However, the interior did not uphold the modern luxury standards one might expect. Our Premium test model's wood trim resembled molded plastic, and the abundance of actual plastic further marred the luxurious feel. Still, it did come standard with leather upholstery, with semi-aniline leather available on the high-end Luxury trim.

The GX's dashboard and high center console resulted in limited legroom. The steering wheel was positioned awkwardly, and combined with the seating arrangement, often felt like driving a bus. Visibility was both a strength and a limitation; while the low side glass facilitated parking and driving off-road, the tall hood obstructed forward views. Storage solutions were inadequate, with a small center console bin and limited cupholders and in-door bottle holders.

Hosting standard three-row seating, the GX offered configurations for second-row bench seats or captain’s chairs. However, the third-row access was cumbersome, and the third-row space itself was quite limiting, best suited for children. Cargo space suffered as well; with all seats folded, the GX offered 64.7 cubic feet of cargo room, significantly less than competitors like the Land Rover Discovery which boasted 73.0 cubic feet. This highlighted the GX’s limitations in interior and cargo space usage.

2021 Ford Bronco:

The 2021 Ford Bronco came with two engine options at launch. The standard engine was a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four-cylinder with direct injection, producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The optional engine was a twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 with both port and direct injection, delivering 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The 2.3-liter engine was mated to a seven-speed manual transmission (six gears plus a crawler gear), while the 2.7-liter could be combined with a 10-speed automatic transmission which was also optional for the 2.3-liter. All Bronco models featured standard four-wheel drive (4WD).

During our test in Holly, Michigan, we experienced both on-road and off-road capabilities under extreme weather conditions. On pavement and dirt roads, the Bronco's off-road tires and suspension components rendered a noisy and somewhat wiggly ride, albeit perfect for off-road adventures. A First Edition test vehicle equipped with 35-inch tires from the Sasquatch package showcased how the 2.7-liter engine and 10-speed automatic managed power efficiently for everyday driving scenarios. The responsiveness and smooth gear transitions were particularly commendable.

Off-road, we tested a two-door base model with the 2.7-liter engine and Sasquatch package. Aired down to 27 psi for the trails, the vehicle showcased excellent traction, balance, and overall off-road dynamics. Whether driven by an amateur off-roader or a seasoned enthusiast, the Bronco proved sure-footed across varied terrain, offering exceptional performance.

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The Lexus GX kept things simple with a single powertrain option: a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 had sufficient power for initial acceleration (zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, according to Lexus), the GX’s hefty 5,130 pounds made acceleration at higher speeds feel strained, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking.

The GX's braking also demanded forethought, typical of older SUV designs. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride with low grip and notable body roll in corners. While the adaptive suspension available on higher trims might mitigate this somewhat, the overall ride quality remained below modern standards for SUVs that have since adopted unibody construction.

Off-road, however, the GX retained some noteworthy capabilities. The GX featured a Torsen center differential with a default 40/60 torque split and a low range for challenging terrains. The Off-Road Package added features like a transmission cooler, fuel-tank protector, multi-view camera system, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select with modes for various surfaces. Despite a competitive ground clearance of 8.1 inches and respectable approach and departure angles, newer off-road-focused models displayed better metrics. The GX’s towing capacity was up to 6,500 pounds, however, it's stability control feature included trailer-sway control.

2021 Ford Bronco:

The 2021 Ford Bronco excelled in terms of modularity and user-friendly design features. Engineers utilized market research insights, watching the competition and aftermarket trends, to craft a vehicle rich in practical features. A standout feature was the modularity of removable doors. Not only were these frameless doors easy to remove with a single tool, but they also came with protective bags and storage solutions in the cargo area. Each door bag was labeled, and a QR code provided video instructions for removal and reinstallation, viewable on the infotainment screen.

Protection and repair were also well thought out. The Bronco featured standard underbody protection and optional robust skid plates. Modular fenders and bumpers were easily replaceable, reducing repair costs for off-road mishaps. The hood sported trail sights doubling as tie-down points, adding further practicality.

Inside, the Bronco coupled modern technology with 1960s-inspired aesthetics. Switches for suspension settings and other controls were intuitively placed for easy access. Overhead toggle switches prepared for auxiliary installations ensured that owners wouldn't need to tamper with the interior to add aftermarket accessories. The practical interior made the Bronco ready for off-road adventures, highlighting smart and user-friendly design.

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The Lexus GX's interior reflected an older design ethos, exposing ergonomic limitations. The upright dashboard, high center console, and odd steering wheel positioning translated into limited legroom and an uncomfortable seating posture. However, the dashboard’s design facilitated great outward visibility, though the tall hood obstructed forward views.

Storage capacity was limited across the cabin. Small center-console bins and cupholders, and the intrusion of additional cupholders in the second row, were disappointing. The GX did retain analog controls for multiple functions, providing a break from the touchscreen-centric setups seen in many modern SUVs.

In terms of seating and cargo space, the third-row seats of the GX were best reserved for children due to the limited room. Additionally, accessing the third row was cumbersome, hampered by the second-row seats even when folded. The GX lagged behind competitors like the Land Rover Discovery in both passenger and cargo space, with only 64.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second and third rows folded, compared to the Discovery’s 73.0 cubic feet. This made the GX more suitable as a two-row SUV with occasional third-row use.

2021 Ford Bronco:

The Bronco housed a modern array of technology features. Its center console featured the G.O.A.T. (Go Over Any Terrain) system, which offered up to seven terrain modes depending on the trim. The SYNC 4 infotainment interface brought enhanced voice recognition and an 8-inch standard touchscreen, upgradeable to a 12-inch version. Available additions in various packages included a 10-speaker B&O sound system, voice-activated navigation, and a wireless charging pad.

Standard features also included push-button start, expandable to proximity key entry. The Mid Package offered a rear-view camera with backup assist lines, while the High Package added a 360-degree camera.

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In contrast, the GX was sparse on tech. Standard features included Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and two USB ports for the first two rows. It missed out on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The infotainment system graphics were outdated, accompanied by a rudimentary interface that lacked many modern functions.

Ironically, this might appeal to those who prefer physical controls, as Lexus provided analog buttons for nearly every function, a better alternative for users looking for a simple, more tactile interaction setup in their luxury SUV.

2021 Ford Bronco:

Ford offered safety features in packages that varied by trim level. The Base trim included fundamental safety elements like airbags. The Mid Package, available on Big Bend and Black Diamond trims, added a reverse sensing system, Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite (including pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot information, cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping), auto high-beam headlamps, and more. The High Package, available on trims like Outer Banks and Badlands, included a 360-degree camera and forward-sensing system.

Vehicles with removable doors suffered a safety setback, but the Bronco compensated with side curtain airbags and off-road sensors designed to deploy appropriately. As of yet, crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS had not been released.

The Lexus GX 460 came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, which encompassed features like forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Additional standard safety features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

However, the GX missed out on some advanced safety features available even in other Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.