2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2024 Ford Bronco

The 2024 Ford Bronco embraced a retro design reminiscent of the 1960s, particularly successful in its two-door variant. The Sasquatch Package enhanced its rugged appearance with a suspension lift and 35-inch mud-terrain tires, giving it a wide, purposeful stance. Without this package, the Bronco appeared somewhat awkward due to its factory tires not filling the fender flares. The interior featured an 8-inch digital display and a 12-inch touchscreen, with a design nodding to the original Bronco's metal dash. Despite its rugged charm, the marine-grade upholstery was less breathable, potentially uncomfortable in hot conditions.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, presented a more contemporary look with its Incognito paint and orange brake calipers. While not striking, it offered a palatable design depending on the trim and color choices. Inside, the RX Hybrid boasted a modern interior with quality materials and ambient lighting. The seats, though snug, provided comfort, and the rear seats offered ample space. The RX focused on occupant comfort and practical cargo space, with features like a panoramic sunroof and power-reclining rear seats enhancing the experience.

The 2024 Ford Bronco offered a standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission. The optional 2.7-liter V6 delivered 330 hp, while the Raptor variant boasted 418 hp. The Bronco excelled off-road with features like Trail Control and Trail Turn Assist, though its fuel efficiency was lacking, averaging 16.9 mpg during testing. Despite its off-road prowess, the Bronco's on-road experience was loud and unrefined, yet enjoyable for those seeking a true off-roader.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered three models: the RX 350h with 246 hp, the RX 450h+ PHEV with 304 hp, and the RX 500h with 366 hp. The RX 500h featured a turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, providing quick acceleration but lower fuel efficiency at 20.9 mpg. The RX Hybrid excelled in straight-line performance, though its dynamic capability was less rewarding due to filtered communication between the road and driver. The RX 500h's drivetrain occasionally hesitated, detracting from the typical Lexus experience.

The 2024 Ford Bronco, especially in the four-door variant, offered ample interior space, accommodating four adults comfortably. The marine-grade vinyl upholstery, however, trapped moisture, making cloth seats a preferable option. The Bronco's modular design allowed for removable roof panels and doors, enhancing its versatility. Cargo space varied with the two-door offering 22.4 cubic feet and the four-door up to 83 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on comfort and practicality, with heated and ventilated front seats and a spacious rear. Interior storage was well-placed, though some compartments lacked lining. The RX Hybrid provided 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats down. The hands-free power liftgate and thoughtful storage solutions added to its practicality.

The 2024 Ford Bronco featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Sync 4, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, connectivity issues with Apple CarPlay and voice recognition were noted. The Bronco Trail App provided trail maps and information, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid boasted a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system included a digital voice assistant and cloud-based navigation. Despite some glitches with satellite radio, the Mark Levinson audio system delivered excellent sound quality. The steering wheel controls, however, were distracting and challenging to use.

The 2024 Ford Bronco came with standard safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Mid Package added lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring. The Bronco received favorable IIHS ratings, except for its headlight performance, and a four-star frontal-impact rating from NHTSA.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect and Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering comprehensive ADAS features. Predictive Driving Assist and Traffic Jam Assist enhanced safety, though some features were unsettling. The RX earned a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, but a Poor rating from IIHS for frontal-impact protection.