2025 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2025 Ford Bronco

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 500h Black Line Special Edition, was priced at $75,000 and featured a unique Incognito paint job with orange brake calipers. Despite these distinctive touches, the vehicle's overall appearance was considered unremarkable, with its large front grille and rising rear haunches being the most notable design elements. The RX lineup included three hybrid models: the RX 350h, RX 500h, and RX 450h+, each offering different power outputs and fuel efficiencies. The RX 350h was the base model with 246 horsepower and 36 mpg, while the RX 500h delivered 366 hp and 27 mpg. The RX 450h+ was a plug-in hybrid with an electric-only range of 37 miles and a combined 35 mpg. All models came with standard all-wheel drive and various trim levels, with prices ranging from $52,875 to $72,710. Inside, the RX Hybrid boasted a contemporary interior with quality materials and ambient lighting, though the controls were a mix of intuitive and confusing.

The 2025 Ford Bronco successfully evoked the classic 1960s Bronco while maintaining a modern aesthetic. Its boxy shape with rounded corners and wide, horizontal design elements, especially the full-width rectangular grille, gave it a distinctive look. The Bronco offered multiple top options, including removable soft and hard tops, for an open-air experience. The Sasquatch package, with its 17-inch wheels and 35-inch tires, enhanced the Bronco's off-road capabilities and aggressive appearance. The Bronco lineup included seven versions, from the base model to the high-performance Bronco Raptor, each with unique features and options. The Big Bend model, tested with the Sasquatch package, impressed with its Velocity Blue Metallic color and off-road prowess. The Bronco's design catered to a wide range of buyers, offering both two- and four-door body styles and various customization options.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid offered a range of performance options across its models. The RX 350h, with its 246 hp hybrid powertrain, prioritized fuel efficiency, achieving 36 mpg. However, its CVT was less than ideal, and acceleration was modest. The RX 450h+ PHEV, with 304 hp, provided a 6.2-second 0-60 mph time and a 37-mile electric range, but was the most expensive due to its Luxury trim. The RX 500h, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, resulting in quicker acceleration but lower fuel economy at 20.9 mpg. It featured a sport-tuned suspension, 21-inch wheels, and advanced all-wheel-drive, but its dynamic capabilities were hindered by excessive filtering of road feedback, making it less rewarding to drive.

The 2025 Ford Bronco offered two main engine options, with the Bronco Raptor featuring a unique, more powerful engine. The base 2.3-liter turbocharged engine produced 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, providing ample power for city and highway driving. The optional 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 increased output to 330 hp and 415 lb-ft, enhancing road performance but not towing capacity. The Bronco's standard seven-speed manual transmission included a low gear for off-road crawling, while a 10-speed automatic was available. The Sasquatch package, with its locking differentials and large tires, significantly improved off-road capabilities. All models came with 4WD, with advanced systems available on higher trims. The Bronco's independent front suspension offered better on-road comfort compared to competitors like the Jeep Wrangler.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid focused on occupant comfort and cargo space, with a midsize, two-row configuration. The RX 500h F Sport Performance model featured snug heated and ventilated front seats, though the bottom cushions were uncomfortable on long drives. The automatic climate system's fan was notably loud. A panoramic sunroof extended over the rear seats, which were power-reclining, heated, and ventilated, providing ample room for adults. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 46.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Interior storage was practical, though the rear armrest compartment lacked lining, causing potential noise issues.

The 2025 Ford Bronco provided ample space for passengers and cargo, with the four-door model offering more room and easier access than the two-door version. The Sasquatch package's big tires and suspension increased ground clearance, requiring a step up into the cabin. Two-door Broncos offered 22.4 cubic feet of cargo space, expandable to 53.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The four-door model provided 38.3 cubic feet with seats up and 83 cubic feet with seats folded. The Bronco featured numerous storage cubbies, including MOLLE mounting points and netted pockets. Rear-seat passengers in the four-door model benefited from dedicated air conditioning vents and improved insulation for reduced road noise.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen with the Lexus Interface infotainment system. While some expected features like digital key functionality and a hands-free power liftgate were optional, the system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and cloud-based navigation. The RX offered a three-year Drive Connect plan with a digital voice assistant. However, the unlabeled steering wheel controls were distracting and potentially dangerous. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality, though the infotainment system occasionally experienced glitches.

The 2025 Ford Bronco came standard with a 12-inch touchscreen running Sync 4 software, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A second 12-inch screen served as a digital gauge cluster, customizable with various modes for off-road and safety settings. The Bronco featured five G.O.A.T. modes, with additional modes available on higher trims. The Outer Banks trim offered an upgraded Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Bronco's technology package provided a comprehensive and user-friendly experience, enhancing both on-road and off-road driving.

The 2025 Lexus RX Hybrid included Safety Connect, offering automatic collision notification, SOS emergency assistance, and roadside assistance for up to ten years. Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 provided advanced driver assistance features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. The RX also featured blind-spot monitoring and Predictive Driving Assist. The optional Convenience Package added a surround-view camera. The RX received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA but a Poor rating from IIHS for frontal-impact protection.

The 2025 Ford Bronco offered the Co-Pilot360 safety suite as an option on the base trim and standard on higher trims. It included blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Post-collision braking, hill-start assist, and hill-descent control were standard. The Outer Banks and Badlands trims offered a Lux package with a 360-degree camera and evasive steering assist. The Bronco received Good ratings from IIHS for crash tests but a Marginal rating for headlights. NHTSA awarded it four stars for frontal crash safety and three stars for rollover testing.