2025 Ford Bronco Sport vs 2026 Lexus RX

$31,695 · Crossover

$49,725 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between two very different crossovers often boils down to budget versus luxury and power. The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport starts affordably at $31,695, making it immediately more accessible than the $49,725 2026 Lexus RX, a difference of over $18,000. While the Lexus pulls ahead significantly in performance with 275 hp versus the Bronco Sport’s 181 hp, the Ford offers better efficiency, achieving 27 combined MPG on regular unleaded fuel compared to the RX's 25 combined MPG (requiring premium fuel). In terms of space, the slightly longer Bronco Sport (172.7 inches) actually boasts a larger cargo area at 32.5 cubic feet, outpacing the 29.6 cubic feet offered by the longer RX (192.5 inches). This comparison pits rugged, budget-conscious utility against premium power and comfort.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Bronco Sport

The Bronco Sport wins for commuters due to its superior 27 combined MPG rating and lower running costs associated with regular unleaded fuel.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Bronco Sport

Despite the Lexus being longer, the Bronco Sport offers more usable utility space with 32.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Lexus RX

The 2026 Lexus RX clearly dominates the performance category with 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Bronco Sport

The $18,030 lower MSRP makes the Ford Bronco Sport the definitive choice for overall value.

Choose the Ford Bronco Sport if...

You need the lowest possible purchase price, as the Bronco Sport saves you over $18,000 compared to the Lexus.
Fuel economy is a priority, given its 27 combined MPG on cheaper regular unleaded fuel.
You prefer the added utility of its 32.5 cubic feet of maximum cargo space.

Choose the Lexus RX if...

You demand significant power, benefiting from the RX’s 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.
You prioritize the presumed luxury appointments associated with a Lexus versus a Ford Crossover.
You are comfortable paying extra for premium fuel to achieve the higher performance figures.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Bronco Sport	Lexus RX
Length	172.7"	192.5"
Width	74.3"	75.6"
Height	70.2"	67.3"
Wheelbase	105.1"	112.2"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Lexus
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Folding Headrests	✓	—
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Automatic Headlights	—	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	—	✓
Front Fog Lights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	1.5 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 3	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	181 hp @ 6000 rpm	275 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	190 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm	317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm
Number of Valves	12	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Ford	Lexus
Transmission Type	8-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	all wheel drive	front wheel drive

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Lexus
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	25/30 MPG	22/29 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	27 MPG	25 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	400.0/480.0 mi.	391.6/516.2 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.0 gal.	17.8 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Lexus
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Lexus
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	9.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	12
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Subwoofer Count	—	1

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	1	4
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Lexus
Front Head Room	41.5 in.	39.5 in.
Front Leg Room	42.4 in.	41.1 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.3 in.	58.1 in.
Front Hip Room	55.2 in.	56.7 in.
Seat Material: Premium Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	—	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Lexus
Rear Head Room	41.7 in.	38.6 in.
Rear Leg Room	36.9 in.	37.4 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.6 in.	56.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	53.4 in.	55.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Lexus
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	225/65R H	✓
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Painted Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Polished Alloy Wheels	—	✓
Wheel Size	—	19 x 8.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Lexus
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Lexus
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	6 yr./ 70000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	6 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and 2026 Lexus RX.

Is the 2026 Lexus RX significantly bigger than the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport?

The Lexus RX is notably longer at 192.5 inches compared to the Bronco Sport's 172.7 inches, but it sits slightly lower in height (67.3 inches vs 70.2 inches). However, the smaller Bronco Sport actually wins on cargo volume, offering 32.5 cubic feet versus the RX's 29.6 cubic feet.

Which car is more fuel-efficient for my daily drive?

The 2025 Ford Bronco Sport is the clear winner here, rated at 27 combined MPG (25 city/30 highway) while using regular unleaded fuel. The 2026 Lexus RX achieves only 25 combined MPG and requires premium fuel, increasing ongoing running costs.

If I care about off-roading capability, which crossover should I look at?

The Ford Bronco Sport comes standard with All-Wheel Drive and a higher stance, suggesting better mild off-road readiness. The Lexus RX comes standard with Front-Wheel Drive, making the Bronco Sport the more rugged option for unpaved roads.

How big is the power gap between these two vehicles?

There is a substantial power difference; the 2026 Lexus RX produces 275 horsepower, whereas the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport offers 181 horsepower. This results in a 94 horsepower advantage for the Lexus.

What does the $18,030 price difference translate to in terms of features?

While the price difference is huge, we can only confirm the performance and efficiency specs provided. The RX’s extra cost buys you 94 more horsepower and likely luxury interior features not detailed here, while the Bronco Sport’s lower price delivers better MPG and greater cargo volume.

Are the transmissions similar in these two crossovers?

Both the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport and the 2026 Lexus RX utilize an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission. This means both offer a similar general transmission style for daily driving and highway cruising.