2024 Ford Bronco vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX presented a commanding visual presence with its massive spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance, standing tall at 74.2 inches. Its 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 with exclusive paint options, including the new Eminent White Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design seemed more engineered for off-road adventures, with a short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and practicality, featuring heated and cooled seats and impressive leather upholstery, though it was marred by an abundance of plastic materials.

In contrast, the 2024 Ford Bronco embraced a retro design reminiscent of the 1960s, particularly successful in the two-door variant. The Sasquatch Package, a popular upgrade, enhanced its rugged appearance with a suspension lift and 35-inch mud-terrain tires. The Bronco offered nine trim levels, with the Big Bend as the standard, and a choice between two-door and four-door body styles. The interior was spacious, especially in the four-door model, and featured marine-grade upholstery, though it lacked breathability. The Bronco's design allowed for an open-air experience with removable roof panels and doors, providing versatility for adventurous drivers.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. While not the most powerful on paper, the V8 delivered a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive sound. The GX's towing capacity of 6,500 pounds was respectable, though it lagged behind some competitors. Fuel economy was a downside, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight contributed to its predictable but noticeable body roll in corners, yet its driving dynamics were improved with a Torsen limited-slip differential and a standard 4WD system.

The 2024 Ford Bronco offered a range of engine options, starting with a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. The optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 delivered 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, while the Raptor model boasted a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 with 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco's towing capacity varied, with a maximum of 4,500 pounds for the Raptor. Fuel efficiency was a concern, with the Big Bend Sasquatch achieving 18 mpg city, 17 highway, and 18 combined. The Bronco excelled off-road, equipped with G.O.A.T. driving modes and advanced off-roading technologies like Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered practical interior storage with a deep center console bin and conveniently placed cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, featuring only USB-A. The GX retained physical controls, favoring hard buttons over touch interfaces. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs or a bench seat option, but the third row was cramped and best suited for emergencies. Cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2024 Ford Bronco provided a spacious interior, especially in the four-door model, with ample room for passengers. The marine-grade vinyl upholstery was durable but lacked breathability. The Bronco's design allowed for an open-air experience with removable roof panels and doors. Interior storage was enhanced with MOLLE panels for customizable solutions. Cargo space varied, with the two-door offering 22.4 cubic feet, expanding to 53.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The four-door model provided more space, with up to 83 cubic feet available.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. However, the system felt dated compared to newer Lexus models, with lagging graphics. The GX included a 17-speaker Mark Levinson stereo and a CD player. Off-road capabilities were supported by a real 4WD system, KDSS, and an Off-Road Package with features like crawl control and a multi-terrain monitor.

The 2024 Ford Bronco came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen Sync 4 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay and voice recognition were noted. The Bronco Trail App provided access to trail maps, enhancing its off-road appeal. The technology package was basic but functional, with a short learning curve for the digital instrumentation panel.

The 2023 Lexus GX lacked crash test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS, but it included essential ADAS features like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Despite its older design, the GX's safety technology was up-to-date.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend included standard safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Mid Package added Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies, enhancing safety with lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Bronco received favorable IIHS ratings, except for its headlight performance, and a four-star frontal-impact rating from NHTSA.