2021 Lexus NX Hybrid vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was introduced as a smaller sibling to the anticipated Bronco, capturing the rugged essence of its predecessor while focusing on a more suburban lifestyle. It featured a modern retro design reminiscent of Land Rover, with short front and rear overhangs for improved off-road capability. The vehicle's exterior was marked by bold "BRONCO" lettering and minimal Ford branding, emphasizing its adventurous spirit. Wheel options varied across trims, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality, while the interior offered a rugged yet refined design with practical storage solutions and a step-up in materials from cloth to leather across different models.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid maintained a sharp, streamlined profile with familiar Lexus styling. Despite its sporty F Sport appearance, the NX Hybrid's design had become somewhat dated. The interior, while initially radical, felt familiar due to its lack of updates. The F Sport model featured unique elements like aluminum pedals and NuLuxe upholstery, but the overall material quality leaned more towards mainstream than luxury. The NX Hybrid's design choices, such as the high dashboard and door sides, aimed for a sporty feel but might not appeal to those seeking a traditional SUV experience.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options: a 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine with 181 horsepower for the Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims, and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine with 245 horsepower for the Badlands and First Edition models. All models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, with a terrain management system offering up to seven G.O.A.T. modes. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase and generous suspension travel, while maintaining good manners on pavement. The 2.0-liter engine was better suited to the vehicle's character, providing a more robust driving experience.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX Hybrid prioritized fuel efficiency over performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The hybrid system struggled with seamless power delivery, affecting acceleration. However, the sport-tuned suspension in the Black Line package improved handling without sacrificing ride comfort. The NX Hybrid's steering lacked feedback, and its drive modes offered minimal impact on performance, emphasizing its focus on efficiency rather than excitement.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport catered to active lifestyles with features like cargo space designed to fit two mountain bikes and a catalog of over 100 accessories for outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 150 pounds, and towing capacity varied between 2,000 and 2,200 pounds depending on the engine. The interior offered practical storage solutions, though visibility issues were noted for taller drivers. The Bronco Sport's design prioritized functionality for both on-road and off-road adventures.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid struggled with interior space, offering the least front headroom and rear legroom in its segment. The front seats provided good support, especially in the Black Line model, but rear visibility was compromised by the sloping roofline and thick pillars. Cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet available with the rear seats up. The NX Hybrid's interior aimed for a sporty feel, with easy-to-reach controls, but might not satisfy those seeking a more traditional SUV layout.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport featured an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered a range of tech options, including a Bang & Olufsen sound system and a 360-degree camera. The terrain management system provided multiple drive modes, enhancing off-road capability. Intelligent access and push-button start were standard on most trims, with additional tech features available on higher trims.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, relying on a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. The standard 8-inch display offered connectivity options like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the system felt outdated. Higher trims featured a 14-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, but the base system lacked quality. Despite these shortcomings, analog controls for climate and audio were appreciated.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, including features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring. An optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and other advanced features. All models included AWD and a terrain management system, enhancing safety and traction. However, crash ratings from IIHS and NHTSA were not available.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid received a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver aids. The NX Hybrid's safety features made it a strong contender in its class, though it lacked a 360-degree camera system.