2021 Ford Bronco vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2021 Ford Bronco was a nostalgic nod to its roots, drawing inspiration from the original 1966 model. It embraced a "Retrofuturism" design, blending classic elements with modern technology. The Bronco featured a bold front 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 variety of wheel and tire options, including the off-road-ready Sasquatch package. Inside, the Bronco combined retro styling with modern tech, featuring a color touchscreen and a digitized cluster, while maintaining a rugged, durable feel.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the UX and RX models, showcased a sharp, streamlined design with a distinctive grille and sporty F Sport elements. Despite its aggressive exterior, the NX Hybrid retained a familiar look due to minimal changes over the years. Inside, the NX offered a sporty feel with a high dashboard and door sides, providing easy access to controls. The front seats were comfortable, with power adjustments and available heating and ventilation. However, rear seating was cramped, and cargo space was limited compared to competitors.

The 2021 Ford Bronco offered two engine options: a 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four with 270 horsepower and a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged engine producing 310 horsepower. Both engines came with four-wheel drive, and the Bronco excelled in off-road conditions. During testing, the Bronco demonstrated impressive traction and balance on challenging terrains, making it a capable off-roader. The 2.7-liter engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth power delivery on-road, while the Sasquatch package enhanced off-road performance with 35-inch tires.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, delivering a total of 194 horsepower. While the F Sport styling suggested sportiness, the NX Hybrid prioritized fuel efficiency over performance, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, but the steering lacked responsiveness. Drive modes offered minimal impact on performance, and the hybrid system struggled with seamless power transitions, making acceleration less smooth.

The 2021 Ford Bronco emphasized modularity, with removable doors and fenders for easy customization and repair. The interior featured practical design elements, such as accessible controls for off-road settings and auxiliary equipment. The Bronco's cargo area accommodated door storage, and the trail sights on the hood served dual purposes for cargo management. Overall, the Bronco's design catered to off-road enthusiasts with thoughtful features and durable materials.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid offered limited interior space, with the least front and rear headroom in its segment. While front seats provided good support, rear legroom was cramped. The sloping roofline and thick pillars hindered visibility, though large mirrors helped. Cargo space was also limited, with 16.8 cubic feet available with seats up and 53.7 cubic feet with seats folded. The NX Hybrid included a power-folding second row and power liftgate, but these features were not standard.

The 2021 Ford Bronco featured the SYNC 4 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, upgradeable to 12 inches. The G.O.A.T. system offered multiple drive modes for various terrains. The Bronco included options for a B&O sound system, navigation, and wireless charging. Safety features expanded with higher trims, offering advanced driver aids and a 360-degree camera.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and an optional 10.3-inch screen. The Remote Touch Interface touchpad was difficult to use while driving. The system supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, but felt outdated. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system 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 included Ford Co-Pilot 360 with pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The High Package added a 360-degree camera and forward-sensing system. The Bronco's side curtain airbags were designed for off-road scenarios, but crash-test ratings were not available.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid received a "Top Safety Pick+" from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 with forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, but a 360-degree camera was not offered.