2021 Lexus NX Hybrid vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid presented a blend of sharp edges and a streamlined profile, fitting snugly between the Lexus UX and RX models. Its design, both different and familiar, maintained a scowling face that deviated from traditional SUV aesthetics. Despite its luxury branding, the NX shared its platform with the older Toyota RAV4, making it feel a step behind in engineering. The F Sport Black Line variant added a larger mesh grille, dark-finish 18-inch wheels, and a striking Grecian Water blue paint, which contrasted nicely with the darker trim elements. Inside, the NX's radical design had become familiar, with a stepped center console and a lack of traditional wood trim. The F Sport package included a heated steering wheel, aluminum pedals, and NuLuxe upholstery, but the material quality leaned more towards mainstream than luxury.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco boasted retro styling and a go-anywhere attitude, making it highly sought after. The Bronco lineup expanded with the Everglades model, designed for swamp trekking with features like an intake snorkel and 35-inch mud-terrain tires. Despite being sold out, the Bronco offered a choice between two-door and four-door styles, with either a four-cylinder or six-cylinder engine. Its design prioritized off-road capabilities, with short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a tall ride height. The Bronco's utilitarian appearance included large recovery hooks and modular construction for easy customization. Inside, it featured marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs for easy cleaning, along with advanced technology like the G.O.A.T. mode dial for various terrains.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. It came standard with all-wheel drive, but its performance was more focused on fuel efficiency than excitement. The NX Hybrid accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 9.1 seconds, with a top speed of 112 mph. The sport-tuned suspension in the Black Line package improved handling, but the steering felt numb, and the drivetrain struggled with quick acceleration. Drive modes like Normal, Eco, and Sport offered minimal differences in performance.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.7-liter V6 with 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed manual transmission was available for the four-cylinder, while a 10-speed automatic was standard for the V6. All Broncos featured four-wheel drive and an electronic two-speed transfer case. The Bronco excelled in off-road conditions, with the Everglades model handling challenging terrains effortlessly. On pavement, the Bronco provided a smoother ride than its rival, the Jeep Wrangler, with precise steering and reduced driver fatigue.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats. Front-seat legroom was generous, but rear legroom was lacking. The sloping roofline and thick rear pillars hindered rear visibility. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. The NX offered features like power-folding rear seats and a power liftgate, but they were not standard.

The 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy design provided ample interior space, with generous headroom and legroom. Cargo capacity varied by model, with the two-door hard top offering up to 52.3 cubic feet and the four-door hard top up to 77.6 cubic feet. The Bronco featured clever storage solutions, including netted door pockets and accessory rails. Its utility was enhanced by external mounting points and removable fender flares.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and an awkward Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, the system felt dated, with text-heavy menus and poor graphics. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, but higher trims offered a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system.

The 2022 Ford Bronco integrated technology to enhance off-road capabilities, with G.O.A.T. modes and a forward-looking trail camera. The Sync 4 infotainment system offered quick responses and sharp graphics, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Bronco also featured a Trail Turn Assist for sharper turns in tight spaces.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid received a “Top Safety Pick+” award from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. However, it lacked a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Ford Bronco included standard safety features like hill-start assist and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features like frontal collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA gave the four-door Bronco four stars for frontal crash protection, while the IIHS awarded it “Good” scores in most tests.