2024 Ford Bronco vs 2024 BMW X5

The 2024 BMW X5, last redesigned in 2019, maintained a timeless appeal, although the M Sport treatment was not universally appreciated, giving it a station wagon-like appearance. The test vehicle featured optional 21-inch "741M" wheels with staggered-width summer tires, which were considered a worthwhile upgrade despite the potential cost of tire replacement. The X5 offered a range of powertrains, including a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine, a turbo-six PHEV powertrain, and a turbocharged V8 engine, with the high-performance X5 M Competition variant. The xDrive50e M Sport model, tested with Brooklyn Grey paint and all available equipment packages, had an MSRP of $88,075. The 2024 model received a light styling refresh, aligning it with other BMW models, and introduced the BMW Curved Display instrumentation and infotainment screen, modernizing the interior while retaining high-quality materials and construction.

The 2024 Ford Bronco embraced retro design trends, drawing inspiration from the 1960s, with the two-door model achieving a more successful retro look than the four-door. The Sasquatch Package, a costly upgrade, added a suspension lift, 35-inch mud-terrain tires, and other off-roading enhancements, giving the Bronco a rugged and purposeful appearance. The Bronco offered nine trim levels, including the Raptor performance model, with prices ranging from $41,525 to $71,580, and the Raptor at $91,930. The test vehicle, a four-door Big Bend trim with Hot Pepper Red paint and the Sasquatch Package, had an MSRP of $55,415. The Bronco's interior featured marine-grade mildew- and water-resistant upholstery, which could be uncomfortable in hot weather. The dashboard included an 8-inch digital instrumentation display and a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with grab handles for easy entry due to the Sasquatch's suspension lift. The Bronco's interior was considered nicer than its primary rival, the Jeep Wrangler, with effective square side mirrors and a nearly vertical windshield.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e PHEV featured new mild-hybrid six-cylinder and V8 engines, with a significant upgrade to its electric range and power output. The PHEV's electric motor, integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission, and a more energy-dense lithium-ion battery pack with a 19.2 kWh capacity, allowed for 38 miles of electric-only driving. The xDrive50e produced 483 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque, accelerating to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The PHEV model was favored for its balance of performance and efficiency, achieving 33.7 mpg on a test drive. The adaptive damping air suspension and 21-inch wheels provided a comfortable ride, while the quick steering and excellent visibility made it enjoyable to drive. The X5 excelled on Southern California's Mulholland Highway, delivering impressive acceleration, grip, and handling, with brakes that withstood repeated hard use. The PHEV also gained six miles of battery charge during a spirited drive, achieving an average fuel economy of 38.8 mpg.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend came with a standard turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine delivered 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, while the Raptor's 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 offered 418 hp and 440 lb-ft. The Bronco's part-time 4WD system, with hill start assist and hill descent control, provided off-road capability, complemented by G.O.A.T. driving modes. The test vehicle's base engine and automatic transmission offered good acceleration and clean shifts, but the Bronco's fuel efficiency was lacking, with an EPA rating of 18 mpg in combined driving. The Sasquatch Package added drag, reducing highway fuel economy. During an evaluation drive, the Bronco averaged 16.9 mpg, handling off-road challenges with ease. On winding roads, the Bronco's tires felt squishy, and wind noise was noticeable on the freeway. Despite these drawbacks, the Bronco was enjoyable to drive on-road, with easy parking and a durable interior.

The 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e offered a spacious and luxurious interior, accommodating five passengers in two rows of seats. The cargo area provided 33.1 cubic feet of space, expanding to 71.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The split liftgate design offered a convenient seating area but required stretching to access items deep in the cargo hold. The test vehicle featured BMW's Sensafin artificial leather upholstery, which was indistinguishable from genuine leather. The Climate Comfort Package added 20-way power-adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, four-zone automatic climate control, and a panoramic sunroof. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed comfort and a great view, with side window sunshades for added convenience. The X5 no longer offered an optional third-row seat, requiring a step up to the BMW X7 for that feature.

The 2024 Ford Bronco, particularly the lifted Big Bend Sasquatch, required effort to enter and exit without optional running boards or steps. The Bronco's interior was comfortable in both two-door and four-door body styles, accommodating four adults in the two-door model. The four-door version offered more space and lacked a rollbar in front of rear-seat passengers, unlike the Jeep Wrangler. The marine-grade vinyl upholstery trapped moisture, making cloth seats in the Heritage Edition a preferable option. The Bronco's roof and doors were removable, allowing for various open-air configurations. Interior storage was ample, with MOLLE panels on the front seat backs for customizable storage solutions. The two-door Bronco provided 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 53.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The four-door model offered 38.3 cubic feet and 83 cubic feet with the rear seats up and down, respectively, with the optional hardtop reducing cargo volumes slightly.

The 2024 BMW X5 featured the BMW Curved Display, combining a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel with a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system under a single curved glass. The system ran BMW Operating System 8.5, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, connected services, and over-the-air software updates. The cloud-based navigation system and Intelligent Personal Assistant were highlights, though the latter struggled with voice recognition accuracy. The test vehicle included a Harman Kardon sound system, delivering excellent audio quality. The head-up display effectively conveyed data, and the augmented video function for navigation was useful, though reliant on accurate directions from the Intelligent Personal Assistant.

The 2024 Ford Bronco came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect services, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a seven-speaker stereo system. Higher trims offered a connected navigation system and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. The Bronco's Sync 4 technology experienced connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay and inconsistent voice recognition performance. The test vehicle's technology was limited, with an 8-inch digital instrumentation panel requiring a short learning curve. The Bronco Trail App provided access to trail maps and information, accessible through the Sync 4 touchscreen when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The 2024 BMW X5 introduced the Highway Assistant hands-free driving assistance system, requiring deliberate activation through the infotainment screen and steering wheel controls. The system performed well in dense or light traffic but could behave unexpectedly in moderate traffic. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance worked effectively, though the X5 occasionally engaged hard braking without cause. The driver aids operated subtly, encouraging their use. The X5 received high crash-test ratings from the IIHS, though lower headlight ratings prevented an IIHS safety award. The NHTSA gave the X5 a four-star overall crash-test rating.

The 2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend included standard safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, and a backup camera. The Mid Package added Ford Co-Pilot360 technologies, including lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, and a surround-view camera system were available options. The Bronco's safety systems operated as expected, though lane-keep assist was less preferred. The IIHS rated the Bronco four-door favorably, except for its headlight performance. The NHTSA's crash-test results were incomplete, with a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.