2023 Ford Bronco vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and an overall height of 74.2 inches, certainly had a commanding visual presence. The front end appeared ready to dominate the road, framed by large headlights that accentuated its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, returned for 2023 with three paint options: Obsidian, Eminent White Pearl, and the exclusive Nori Green Pearl.

Despite its luxury badge, the GX's side profile revealed a more compact dimension with a 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs, suggesting it was built for off-road adventures. The flared fenders added to its robust look, but the overall design leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blockier models. From the driver's seat, the hood dropped away quickly, making it easier to navigate technical terrains. However, the interior's plastic materials were a letdown, though it did feature luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery.

The 2023 Ford Bronco, offered in nine distinct trims, combined retro-cool styling with modern engineering, making it stand out. Its blocky shape, wide horizontal grille, and large round headlights were unmistakable. The Base trim had a primitive charm with steel wheels, while the Raptor trim showcased its top-tier status with a wide stance, elevated height, and massive fender flares. The new Heritage trim added nostalgic elements like a white grille, roof, and wheels, along with unique plaid seat upholstery.

The Bronco's design wasn't just for looks; it had functional elements like cleats above the headlights for securing cargo and tree limb-lifter cables. The interior continued the rugged theme with a broad dash, sealed switches, and waterproof marine-grade vinyl upholstery. Sturdy handholds and a grid-like mesh on the seat backs for attaching accessories added to its practicality. While the materials prioritized durability over luxury, the Bronco was quieter than a comparable Jeep Wrangler.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, which delivered a linear rise in noise and power as the accelerator was pressed. The 4.6-liter V8 produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 offered a satisfying sound and performance. However, its 6,500-pound towing capacity and fuel economy of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined were less impressive compared to modern SUVs.

The GX's weight made it roll through corners, but the roll was predictable and controllable. The steering was vague off-center, but the brakes were strong and reliable. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard 4WD system with a 40:60 front:rear split made it user-friendly in various conditions. Despite its age, Lexus continued to improve the GX's driving dynamics, making it a manageable vehicle on and off the road.

The 2023 Ford Bronco offered three engine choices. The base 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine produced 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, available with a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 increased power to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, available only with the automatic. The top-tier Bronco Raptor featured a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. All Broncos came with 4WD and a two-speed transfer case.

The base four-cylinder engine was adequate for most on- and off-road adventures, while the 2.7-liter V6 was better suited for the heavier four-door model. The Raptor's EcoBoost engine offered excessive power, making it a thrilling choice. The Bronco's ride quality was bouncier than a typical family SUV but more stable than a Jeep Wrangler. It tracked straight on highways and had a quieter interior. The high-riding dimensions and big tires required careful handling on curving roads, but the Bronco felt confident and maneuverable, especially with its camera systems.

The 2023 Lexus GX had ample cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin, a phone space ahead of the shifter, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked USB-C ports, offering only USB-A. The hard buttons for controls were a blessing for those who preferred them over touchscreens, though it took time to get used to the numerous buttons. The center console lid's sliding mechanism allowed for adjustable armrests, and the second row was comfortable with captain’s chairs or a three-across bench seat.

The third row was too tight for regular use, even for children, making the GX more of a two-row SUV with emergency seats. The side-hinged trunk door required muscle to open and offered only 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. Folding the third row increased space to 46.7 cubic feet, and with both rows folded, it offered 64.7 cubic feet, less than a Toyota RAV4.

The 2023 Ford Bronco's boxy shape provided ample interior space. The four-door model was better for shuttling passengers, as accessing the rear seats in the two-door required crawling. The front had plenty of storage options, including netted door pockets, a rubberized tray, and accessory rails atop the dash. The two-door Bronco offered up to 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 52.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The four-door model provided 35.6 cubic feet and 77.6 cubic feet, respectively.

The rear seats didn't fold flat, creating a step-up that hindered sliding longer cargo and sleeping comfortably. However, the Bronco's fenders and doors were easily removable, with the fenders requiring no tools and the doors detachable with a single bolt. The Raptor's oversized fenders were not intended for removal.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, revamped in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary due to the touchscreen. Three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo were included, but the CD player felt outdated.

The GX's off-road capabilities were more impressive, with a real 4WD system, two-speed transfer case, low range, and locking center differential. It also featured downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, and stability control. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) leveled the vehicle in various conditions, and the Off-Road Package added a multi-terrain monitor, transmission cooler, fuel-tank protection, crawl control, and a multi-terrain select system.

The 2023 Ford Bronco used technology to enhance its off-road abilities. The G.O.A.T. drive modes optimized engine and suspension settings for various terrains, making it easier for novices to navigate. Seasoned off-roaders could manually select features through buttons. The numerous camera views and Trail Turn Assist feature, which braked the inside rear wheel for sharp turns, were invaluable.

The Bronco's infotainment system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Ford’s SYNC 4, and an optional wireless charging pad. Most Broncos had an eight-inch touchscreen, but a 12-inch display was available for easier use.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was originally engineered for the 2010 model year, lacking modern structural safety improvements. However, it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams.

The 2023 Ford Bronco received partial crash test results from the NHTSA, with the four-door model earning four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection. The IIHS awarded it a "Good" rating in most tests, except for head restraints and seats, which received an "Acceptable" rating.

All Bronco models came with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, trailer-sway assist, and Trail Turn Assist. The Mid package added features like a blind-spot monitor, lane-keep assist, rear parking sensors, and automatic high beams. The High package included front parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system, while the Luxe package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist.