Ford Bronco vs Toyota bZ

The 2025 Ford Bronco successfully captured the essence of its 1960s predecessor while incorporating modern design elements. Its boxy shape was softened with rounded corners, and the wide, horizontal design was particularly striking from the front, where a full-width rectangular grille and round headlamps dominated. Ford offered multiple top options, including soft, hard, or both, and the doors could be removed for an open-air experience. The Sasquatch package added 17-inch aluminum wheels with 35-inch all-terrain tires, a HOSS 2.0 suspension, and electronic-locking axles, enhancing both off-road capability and the Bronco's aggressive appearance.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, available in XLE and Limited trims, offered a more refined look compared to its predecessor, the bZ4X. The restyled body-color trim improved its aesthetic appeal, especially in colors like Blueprint or Supersonic Red. Inside, the dashboard and center console were redesigned for a cleaner appearance, with a focus on quality and organization. The XLE's fabric seats featured an upscale pattern, and the 14-inch center touchscreen integrated climate control, offering a user-friendly interface despite the lack of a traditional glove compartment.

The 2025 Ford Bronco came with two engine options, with the Bronco Raptor featuring a unique, more powerful engine. The base 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivered 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, except for the Raptor, which 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 available on certain trims.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a choice between a single electric motor with a 57.7-kWh battery or a dual-motor setup with a 74.7-kWh battery. The XLE FWD with the smaller battery provided 165 horsepower and 198 pound-feet of torque, with an EPA-estimated range of 236 miles. The larger battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles. Dual-motor models produced 338 hp and offered a range of up to 288 miles. The bZ's charging capabilities included compatibility with Tesla Superchargers and a 240-volt Level 2 home charger, with recharging times varying based on battery size.

The 2025 Ford Bronco's two-door model offered ample space for two passengers, though rear seat access was challenging. The four-door version provided more rear space and easier access. Models with the Sasquatch package sat high off the ground, necessitating a step up into the cabin. Cargo space varied, with the two-door offering up to 53.3 cubic feet and the four-door up to 83 cubic feet with seats folded. The Bronco featured numerous storage options, including door pockets, a smartphone tray, and MOLLE mounting points.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on a skateboard-style EV platform, offered easy entry and exit with 8.1 inches of ground clearance. Both front seats featured standard height adjustment, with eight-way power adjustment available in XLE and Limited trims. The bZ lacked a traditional glove compartment but compensated with a large bin under the center armrest and a sizable tray beneath the console. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample legroom, though foot space was limited. Cargo space behind the power rear liftgate was 27.7 cubic feet, expandable to 56.9 cubic feet with seats folded.

The 2025 Ford Bronco featured a 12-inch touchscreen with Sync 4 infotainment software, supporting 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 offered five G.O.A.T. modes, with additional modes available on specific trims.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system was generally user-friendly, though it lacked a home screen for simultaneous data display. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with several connected service plans available. The Drive Connect system powered native navigation and the Intelligent Assistant voice assistant, which performed well in testing.

The 2025 Ford Bronco did not come standard with the Co-Pilot360 safety suite, but it was available on higher trims. Standard features included post-collision braking, hill-start assist, and hill-descent control. The IIHS awarded the Bronco top "Good" ratings in several crash tests, though its headlights received a "Marginal" rating. The NHTSA gave it four stars for frontal crash safety and three stars for rollover testing.

The 2026 Toyota bZ featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 as standard, including high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist provided subtle braking and steering inputs. The Limited trim added Traffic Jam Assist and other advanced features. The IIHS rated the bZ's front-crash avoidance tech as "Good," but its headlights received a "Poor" rating, and frontal-impact crash tests earned "Acceptable" ratings.