2024 Ford Bronco vs 2023 Lexus RX

The 2023 Lexus RX presented a refined and modern exterior, with a shorter height, broader width, and longer wheelbase compared to its predecessor, while maintaining the same overall length. Its design featured a reduced rear overhang, softer lines, and a floating roof effect, which contributed to a smaller appearance despite offering more cargo space than the 2022 model. The front showcased a spindle-style grille integrated into the design, with a modern mesh texture and elevated hood. The rear included a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper, ensuring the RX remained recognizable yet fresh compared to its predecessor. Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. High-quality materials were evident, with options for NuLuxe artificial leather, genuine leather, and simulated suede. The RX 350 was available in various trims, with pricing expected to remain close to the previous model's base price of just over $47,000.

The 2024 Ford Bronco embraced a retro design reminiscent of the 1960s, particularly successful in the two-door model. The Sasquatch Package enhanced its rugged appearance with a suspension lift and 35-inch mud-terrain tires, giving it a wide stance and purposeful look. The Bronco offered nine trim levels, with the Big Bend as the standard trim, and a choice between two-door and four-door body styles. Prices ranged from $41,525 to $71,580, with the Raptor model priced at $91,930. The test vehicle, a four-door Big Bend with the Sasquatch Package, had an MSRP of $55,415. Inside, the Bronco featured marine-grade upholstery, an 8-inch digital display, and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The interior was practical, with knobs and buttons for common controls, and offered a more refined feel compared to its rival, the Jeep Wrangler. The Bronco's design allowed for open-air driving experiences, with removable roof panels and doors.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered better performance at higher altitudes and improved fuel economy compared to the previous V6, though it lacked the same smoothness. The RX 350 Luxury trim displayed occasional torque steer and body motion over uneven surfaces, while the F Sport Handling trim felt more secure with its adaptive suspension. Both models had 21-inch wheels and 235/50 all-season tires, with the F Sport Handling offering upgraded brakes. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, with fuel economy expected at 24 mpg combined, though real-world results were slightly lower.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend came with a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine delivering 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, with a choice of a seven-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 offered 330 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, while the Raptor's 3.0-liter V6 produced 418 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco's part-time 4WD system and various off-roading technologies, such as Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist, enhanced its off-road capabilities. The test vehicle's powertrain provided good acceleration and clean shifts, though fuel efficiency was a concern, with an average of 16.9 mpg during testing. The Bronco excelled in off-road conditions, but its mud-terrain tires and wind noise made it less suited for highway driving.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered a comfortable interior with premium materials and features. The Luxury trim included semi-aniline leather upholstery, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The F Sport Handling trim featured NuLuxe simulated leather seats and sportier design elements. Both models provided ample rear seat comfort, though taller passengers might find headroom limited. The RX offered improved cargo space, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 46.2 cubic feet with them folded down, though still not class-leading.

The 2024 Ford Bronco provided a spacious and versatile interior, accommodating four adults comfortably in both two-door and four-door models. The four-door version offered more room and lacked a rollbar obstructing rear passengers. The marine-grade vinyl upholstery was practical but less breathable, with cloth seats available in the Heritage Edition. The Bronco's design allowed for open-air experiences, with removable roof panels and doors. Cargo space in the two-door model was 22.4 cubic feet, expanding to 53.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The four-door model offered 38.3 cubic feet with the soft top and 83 cubic feet with the seats down, slightly reduced with the optional hardtop.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface infotainment system with a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The Drive Connect plan offered Intelligent Assistant voice recognition, though it occasionally provided inaccurate results. User profiles allowed for personalized settings, and the Mark Levinson premium sound system delivered excellent audio quality. The RX also offered digital instrumentation, Digital Latch door handles, and optional features like a head-up display and digital key technology.

The 2024 Ford Bronco came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen Sync 4 infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and FordPass Connect services. Higher trims included a connected navigation system and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. The test vehicle experienced issues with Apple CarPlay connectivity and voice recognition, though the Bronco Trail App provided useful off-road information. The 8-inch digital instrumentation panel required a learning curve, and the steering wheel controls could be distracting.

The 2023 Lexus RX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist provided semi-autonomous capabilities, though the latter required driver attention. Advanced Park Assist was available but slow in busy areas. The system performed well overall, though some features were less intuitive with polarized sunglasses.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend included standard safety features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and a backup camera. The Mid Package added Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies, including lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system were optional. The Bronco received favorable crash test ratings from the IIHS, except for its headlight performance, while NHTSA ratings were incomplete.