2021 Ford Bronco vs 2022 Lexus NX

The anticipation for the 2021 Ford Bronco had been brewing since 2004 when Ford teased the public with the Bronco Concept vehicle. The excitement only heightened with the release of the 2021 Ford Bronco Sport, a compact crossover SUV built on the Ford Escape platform but enhanced with standard all-wheel drive and rugged, adventure-friendly styling. The original Ford Bronco, which made its debut in 1966 and was produced through five generations until 1996, had built a solid reputation for off-road prowess and became a popular choice for customization enthusiasts.

The new Ford Bronco drew heavy inspiration from its classic predecessor, employing a design philosophy known as “Retrofuturism.” This approach involved updating a vintage design for modern tastes, incorporating the latest technology, powertrains, and materials. The result was a vehicle that retained the iconic look of the original Bronco but with contemporary enhancements.

From the front, the Bronco featured a single-piece grille flanked by round headlights, connected by bold B-R-O-N-C-O lettering. The hood sported modest bulges and included removable off-road sights at the corners. The Bronco’s body sides were relatively flat and simple, accented by applied fender flares. Standard tires were 32-inch, with an option for 35-inch tires as part of the Sasquatch package. Wheel options ranged from 16-inch steel to 18-inch aluminum, with beadlock-capable wheels available.

The rear of the Bronco showcased a full-size spare tire and wheel mounted on a rack that swung away for access to the side-hinged half tailgate and flip-up back glass—a feature that added to the old-school charm of the vehicle. The Bronco offered both two-door and four-door configurations, with the former featuring a 100.4-inch wheelbase and the latter stretching to 116.1 inches. Overall length varied depending on the trim level, with two-door models measuring 173.7 – 174.8 inches and four-door models ranging from 189.4 to 190.5 inches. Height and width also varied according to the trim level.

The Bronco came with either a black soft-top or a modular removable hardtop, and buyers could choose from eleven paint colors, including striking options like Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Antimatter Blue, and a greenish-gray shade called “Area 51.”

Inside, the Bronco maintained a retro feel with modern updates. Designers digitally scanned the original dashboard and incorporated their findings into the new model. The dashboard housed a color touchscreen (8-inch standard, 12-inch optional), and a digital cluster replaced traditional analog gauges. The interior made extensive use of plastic while managing to maintain a rugged and tough appearance. Features like integrated grab handles and mesh door pockets added to the Bronco’s practical and adventurous spirit.

In contrast, the redesigned 2022 Lexus NX, available in four model series (NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+), sported unmistakable Lexus design elements, notably the jutting spindle grille. The NX’s styling reflected a simplified and refined attention to detail, with new block lettering spelling out the brand name on the tailgate.

Longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor, the 2022 NX offered more passenger and cargo space. The interior materials varied by model, with most featuring NuLuxe simulated leather, while the NX Luxury trim offered real leather and open-pore wood trim. A panoramic sunroof was available for the first time on the NX.

The NX 350 F Sport model added distinctive design elements like a mesh-pattern grille, body-color fender trim, 20-inch gloss black wheels, and black mirrors, along with sport-bolstered seats, a black headliner, a new F Sport steering wheel, and unique instrumentation.

The NX’s simplicity extended to its interior, which adopted a minimalist approach compared to the button-laden dashboard of its predecessor. While the 2022 model’s decluttered design aimed for user-friendliness, integrating many functions into the 14-inch touchscreen could sometimes make usage cumbersome.

Overall, while both vehicles reflected their brand's design ethos and targeted different segments, the Bronco exuded a rugged, retro charm with modern enhancements, while the NX leaned towards a sleek, refined luxury with advanced design coherence.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered two engine choices at launch. The standard powertrain was a turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four-cylinder gasoline engine that produced 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. An optional twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine was also available, delivering 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The 2.3-liter engine was paired with a seven-speed manual transmission, while the 2.7-liter option came with a 10-speed automatic transmission, which was also available for the smaller engine. All Bronco models featured standard four-wheel drive.

During the test drive in Holly, Michigan, under challenging weather conditions, the Bronco demonstrated its dual on-road and off-road capabilities. On pavement, the Bronco handled like a typical off-road truck, especially when equipped with the Sasquatch package's 35-inch tires, which provided a noisy and wiggly ride. For everyday driving, the standard 32-inch tires would offer a quieter experience.

The 2.7-liter engine in the four-door First Edition model provided adequate power, and the 10-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth power delivery. The off-road test in a short-wheelbase, two-door base model with the 2.7-liter engine and 10-speed automatic transmission reinforced the Bronco’s off-road prowess. With aired-down 35-inch tires and advanced off-road technologies, the Bronco confidently navigated various terrain conditions, offering a balanced and enjoyable driving experience.

Conversely, the 2022 Lexus NX emphasized electrification, with the NX 350h hybrid providing a combined output of 239 horsepower and an EPA-estimated 39 mpg in combined driving. The NX 450h+, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, delivered 302 horsepower and an estimated 36 miles of pure electric range.

A turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine powered the NX 350, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, offered a smooth and responsive driving experience, as demonstrated on the winding roads outside Carefree, Arizona. The NX 250 base model had a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine generating 203 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive was optional.

The NX 350 F Sport trim featured additional driving modes (Sport S, Sport+, and Custom modes) and an adaptive variable sports suspension with performance dampers. During the test, the F Sport felt more agile and responsive compared to the softer and more relaxed driving character of the NX 350 Luxury. However, despite being a dynamic improvement over the previous model, the NX 350’s turbocharged engine didn't sound as refined as those in its German rivals.

The designers and engineers of the 2021 Ford Bronco extensively researched the market, including competitors, the aftermarket industry, and classic Bronco owner modifications. This research led to a highly functional and modular design. One standout feature was the removable doors with integrated grip handles and protective storage bags, which could be easily stowed in the cargo area. Simple electrical connections and labeled storage bags with QR codes for instructional videos illustrated the Bronco’s thoughtful design.

The Bronco also featured standard underbody protection and optional enhanced skid plates, with removable fenders, bumper covers, and a one-piece front grille for easy replacement. The hood trail sights added functional versatility, serving as tie-down points for roof-mounted cargo.

Inside, the Bronco's practical design extended to control switches. The center stack buttons for differential and suspension settings were easily accessible during off-road maneuvers, and the overhead console switches were pre-wired for auxiliary equipment.

In comparison, the 2022 Lexus NX might have offered more interior space on paper, but from the driver’s seat, it created a more intimate and cozy feeling compared to its predecessor. The NX excelled in comfort, with available heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. F Sport trim offered better bolstering for spirited driving, and the thoughtfully padded driver’s door panel and center console side enhanced leg bracing comfort.

Rear-seat passengers benefitted from roomy accommodations, rear air conditioning vents, USB ports, and the panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat. The NX’s luxury trim included a nature-inspired Thematic Ambient Illumination system, though it was not tested during the evaluation.

Lexus claimed a 14% increase in cargo space behind the back seat, bringing the total to 22.7 cubic feet. When the rear seats were folded down, this figure expanded to 46.9 cubic feet. In comparison, the Bronco's design emphasized modularity and ease of repair rather than pure cargo space, though both vehicles offered practical storage solutions tailored to their specific market segments.

The 2021 Ford Bronco was equipped with the latest SYNC 4 infotainment interface, featuring enhanced voice recognition and an 8-inch touchscreen (upgradeable to a 12-inch touchscreen). The G.O.A.T. system (Go Over Any Terrain) provided up to seven drive modes for various off-road conditions. The Lux Package included a 10-speaker B&O sound system, voice-activated navigation, and a wireless charging pad.

The Bronco’s Mid Package added proximity key entry, a rear-view camera with backup assist lines, and auto high-beam headlamps. The off-road capabilities were further enhanced by the Sasquatch Package, which included Bilstein shock absorbers for increased travel and performance.

The 2022 Lexus NX took a significant step forward in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. The system included large touchscreen displays, natural voice recognition, and cloud-based features, replacing the previous Remote Touch Interface. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch version available.

Both versions of Lexus Interface supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Voice Assistant technology. The system was ready for five connected service subscription plans, granting access to WiFi, Apple Music and Amazon Music streaming, and Intelligent Assistant. Over-the-air (OTA) updates kept the system current.

A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround system as an option. The new Voice Assistant and Intelligent Assistant systems responded to natural speech commands. The NX also came with a three-year trial subscription to Drive Connect, including cloud-based navigation and destination assist.

Additional technologies included User Profiles for storing driver preferences, digital key capability for smartphone access, a digital mirror, and a comprehensive head-up display. Despite these advancements, some usability issues, such as fingerprint collection on the touchscreen and the absence of a tuning knob, were noted.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered a range of safety features depending on the trim level. The Base model included airbags, while higher trims like Big Bend and Black Diamond could add the Mid Package, which featured a reverse sensing system, Ford Co-Pilot 360 with pre-collision assist, blind-spot information system, lane-keeping system, auto high-beam headlamps, and a rear-view camera. The High Package added a 360-degree camera, forward-sensing system, and LED approach lamps on the side-view mirrors. The Bronco’s safety design also included side curtain airbags that could deploy based on off-roading conditions.

The 2022 Lexus NX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 (LSS+ 3.0), which included a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). Notable features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, Oncoming Pedestrian Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The Emergency Driving Stop System brought the NX to a stop if the driver became unresponsive, enhancing safety in potential medical emergencies.

Additional standard features included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, and Safe Exit Assist. Premium trim added rear pedestrian detection, adaptive front lighting, rain-sensing wipers, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rear cross-traffic braking. A Vision Package further enhanced safety with panoramic view monitoring, front cross-traffic alert, and lane-change assistance.