2022 Lexus GX vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, capturing some of the rugged styling cues of its larger counterpart. It was designed as a unibody crossover, focusing more on everyday driving with the capability for weekend adventures. The Bronco Sport featured a modern retro aesthetic, reminiscent of a Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs for better off-road performance. Its design included tall fender wells and a tucked-in body to minimize snagging on trails. The vehicle's name was boldly displayed on the grille and tailgate, with minimal Ford branding, emphasizing its unique identity. The interior was rugged yet tasteful, with a cohesive design and practical storage solutions, including an 8-inch infotainment screen and a rotary gear selector. The trim levels offered a progression from cloth to leather-trimmed seats, with practical flooring options for various uses.

In contrast, the 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a striking vehicle, especially in its Black Onyx color, which eliminated most chrome for a sleek, dark appearance. Despite its modern touches, the GX retained an older design, reminiscent of its first-generation model from 2002. The interior, however, was crafted with the quality and refinement expected from Lexus, offering a quiet cabin with a smooth V8 engine. The GX was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with the Black Line Special Edition based on the Premium trim. Despite its dated design, the GX provided a comfortable and luxurious driving experience, with a focus on quality materials and craftsmanship.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims featured a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands and First Edition models were equipped with a more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance. It also featured a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Despite its rugged nature, the Bronco Sport was well-suited for daily driving, with the 2.0-liter engine providing a more refined experience.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with its 4.6-liter V8 engine, produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. Despite its substantial curb weight of 5,126 pounds, the GX offered a satisfying engine note and a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. Its performance was characterized by a leisurely 7.8-second sprint to 60 mph, with a focus on torque delivery. The GX's Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System improved wheel articulation off-road while maintaining stability on pavement. However, its fuel economy was a drawback, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg combined. The GX's ride and handling were refined, though the steering and brake pedal required some adjustment for smooth driving.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was designed with active buyers in mind, offering clever features like a cargo space capable of holding two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford provided a catalog of over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 150 pounds, and the vehicle could tow up to 2,200 pounds with the 2.0-liter engine. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin offered ample storage, though visibility could be challenging for taller drivers.

The 2022 Lexus GX provided an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat and clear visibility. Its design, suitable for global markets, made it easy to maneuver in various environments. The interior featured comfortable seating and physical controls, though some switchgear was outdated. The Black Line Special Edition included NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, and triple-zone climate control. The rear seat access was narrow, and the third-row seat was cramped, reducing cargo space. The GX's side-swinging tailgate was cumbersome, limiting loading convenience. Despite these challenges, the GX offered 46.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the third row folded.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was equipped with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen featuring SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Ford+Alexa. A 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard, with an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system and a 360-degree camera available on higher trims. The terrain management system offered multiple drive modes, and trail control technology assisted in off-roading. Intelligent access with push-button start was standard on all but the Base model, with additional features like heated steering wheels and a digital instrument panel on higher trims.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the outdated Remote Touch Interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation, with a CD player for nostalgia. The system offered a dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition. The GX also included Intuitive Parking Assist and optional surround-view cameras. However, the placement of stereo controls was awkward, and some technology was lacking compared to competitors.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a reversing camera. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and navigation. All models featured AWD and a terrain management system with built-in traction control and stability features. However, crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available.

The 2022 Lexus GX, despite its age, included the Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. It also had blind-spot monitoring and Safety Connect services. However, it lacked some advanced safety technologies found in competitors. The absence of these features might appeal to those who prefer fewer driving aids, but it could be a drawback for others.