2021 Ford Bronco vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Ford Bronco was a much-anticipated revival of a classic, drawing inspiration from its 1966 predecessor. Ford's designers embraced "Retrofuturism," blending nostalgic design elements with modern technology and materials. The Bronco's exterior featured a bold grille with B-R-O-N-C-O lettering, round headlights, and a rugged body with removable doors and fender flares. Available in two-door and four-door configurations, it offered a range of wheel and tire options, including the off-road-ready Sasquatch package. Inside, the Bronco combined retro styling with contemporary tech, such as a color touchscreen and digital instrument cluster, while maintaining a rugged, durable feel.

The 2021 Lexus NX, available in NX 300 and NX 300 F Sport trims, showcased Lexus's signature design language with sharp lines and a sculpted exterior. The F Sport variant added sporty touches like a honeycomb grille and 18-inch wheels. Inside, the NX offered a luxurious experience with quilted NuLuxe sport seats and high-quality materials. The interior was well-crafted, though the center stack design felt dated. The NX provided a comfortable ride with ample space for front passengers and decent legroom in the rear, though cargo space was limited compared to competitors.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a standard 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four with 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, and an optional 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The 2.3-liter engine came with a seven-speed manual transmission, while the 2.7-liter was paired with a 10-speed automatic. All models featured standard four-wheel drive, making the Bronco a capable off-roader. During testing, the Bronco excelled in challenging conditions, demonstrating impressive traction and balance on various terrains.

The 2021 Lexus NX 300 and 300 F Sport were powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission provided adequate performance, though it lacked the smoothness of more modern multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in about seven seconds, offering a relatively quiet ride. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available. The NX's fuel economy was decent, with the FWD model achieving 25 mpg combined and the AWD version 24 mpg. The adaptive suspension system enhanced ride comfort, though steering feedback was limited.

The 2021 Ford Bronco emphasized modularity, with removable doors and fenders for easy customization and repair. The doors featured protective storage bags and simple removal mechanisms, while the cargo area accommodated door storage. The Bronco's interior was thoughtfully designed, with accessible controls for off-road settings and auxiliary equipment. The SUV's rugged construction included standard underbody protection and optional skid plates, ensuring durability on tough trails.

The 2021 Lexus NX offered a comfortable and upscale interior, with spacious front seats and adequate rear legroom. Heated and ventilated seats were available, enhancing comfort. However, the NX's cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 54.6 cubic feet with them folded. The power liftgate and power-folding rear seats added convenience. Despite some engine noise, the cabin remained quiet, typical of a Lexus.

The 2021 Ford Bronco featured the SYNC 4 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 12-inch display. The system included enhanced voice recognition and optional navigation. The G.O.A.T. system offered multiple drive modes for various terrains. Additional tech options included a 10-speaker B&O sound system and wireless charging. Safety features expanded with higher trims, offering advanced driver-assistance systems.

The 2021 Lexus NX came with an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to a 10.3-inch display with the Navigation package. The infotainment system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform services. The system's interface was less user-friendly, but smartphone integration improved usability. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, and a WiFi hotspot. The Mark Levinson audio system was available on higher trims.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered a range of safety features, with more advanced options available on higher trims. The Mid Package added Ford Co-Pilot 360, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The High Package included a 360-degree camera and forward-sensing system. The Bronco's side curtain airbags were designed to deploy appropriately during off-road situations. Crash-test ratings were not available at the time of review.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, featuring lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Optional safety features included park assist and a surround-view camera. The NX received top "Good" scores from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Lexus Enform Safety Connect provided additional safety services, and the NX was backed by a comprehensive warranty.