Ford Bronco vs Lexus TX

The 2025 Ford Bronco successfully captured the essence of its 1960s predecessor while avoiding an overly retro design. Its boxy shape was modernized with rounded corners, and the wide, horizontal design elements, particularly the full-width rectangular grille flanked by round headlamps, gave it a distinctive look. The Bronco offered multiple top options, including soft, hard, or both, and removable doors for an open-air experience. The optional Sasquatch package enhanced its off-road capabilities with 17-inch aluminum wheels, 35-inch all-terrain tires, and a HOSS 2.0 suspension system, making the Bronco appear more aggressive.

The 2026 Lexus TX was available in various trims, with the TX 350 offering Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling specs, while the 500h hybrid came in F Sport Performance Premium and Luxury trims. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid was exclusive to the Luxury trim. The 550h+ featured a panoramic glass roof and Matador Red Mica paint, making it stand out. Most models had 20-inch wheels, but the 550h+ boasted 22-inch wheels. The large grille retained the spindle shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting. The interior offered two color options, with the PHEV adding a dark brown called Peppercorn. However, the material quality was not up to luxury standards, with basic plastic present.

The 2025 Ford Bronco offered two engine options, with the Bronco Raptor featuring a unique, more powerful engine. The base 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, providing ample power for city and highway driving. The optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine increased output to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Bronco's maximum tow rating was 3,500 pounds, while the Raptor could tow up to 4,500 pounds. The standard seven-speed manual transmission included a low gear for off-road crawling, while a 10-speed automatic was optional on most trims and standard on others. The Sasquatch package improved off-road capabilities with locking differentials and large tires.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid generated 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The onboard seven-kilowatt charger allowed for a full battery charge in under three hours. The TX offered multiple drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gasoline-only modes. Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes allowed for further customization. The 550h+ provided a smooth and quiet ride, with a suspension that absorbed bumps and potholes. The AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, and a Trail Mode helped maintain traction on slippery surfaces.

The 2025 Ford Bronco's two-door model offered ample space for two passengers, while the four-door model provided more room and easier access to the rear seats. The Sasquatch package's big tires and suspension raised the vehicle, requiring a step up into the cabin. 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 seats up and 83 cubic feet with seats folded. The Bronco featured numerous storage cubbies and MOLLE mounting points for added convenience.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ offered standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. A one-touch button facilitated entry to the third row, but folding the second row flat was more complicated. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX provided excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row flat and 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. All TX models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2025 Ford Bronco featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Sync 4 infotainment software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A seven-speaker audio system was standard, with an optional Bang & Olufsen system available on higher trims. A second 12-inch screen served as a digital gauge cluster, customizable with various modes. The Bronco included five G.O.A.T. modes, with additional modes available on specific trims.

The 2026 Lexus TX had a 14-inch touchscreen that was user-friendly but lacked some features. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were not labeled, requiring the driver to rely on the gauge cluster for guidance. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard but occasionally conflicted with the native audio system. The TX offered a back-up camera with a bird’s-eye view and an Advanced Park system for automated parking. Seven USB ports and wireless charging ensured devices stayed powered.

The 2025 Ford Bronco offered the Co-Pilot360 safety suite as an option on the base trim and standard on higher trims. Features included blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Post-collision braking, hill-start assist, and hill-descent control were standard. The IIHS awarded the Bronco top "Good" ratings in several crash tests, while the NHTSA gave it four out of five stars for frontal crash safety.

The 2026 Lexus TX came standard with Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, lane centering, and traffic sign recognition. Proactive Driving Assist applied brakes or steering if the vehicle got too close to another object. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up. The NHTSA awarded the TX 350 and TX 500h five stars, while the IIHS gave the TX an "Acceptable" rating for the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side.