2025 Ford Bronco vs 2026 Lexus NX

$38,995 · SUV

$44,175 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Ford Bronco blasts onto the scene with raw, untamed capability, boasting 300 hp and standard four-wheel drive paired to a thrilling 7-speed manual transmission for purists. Conversely, the 2026 Lexus NX captivates with sophisticated efficiency, achieving an outstanding 40 combined MPG, making it far less thirsty than the Bronco's 19 combined MPG. While the Bronco is ruggedly compact at 173.7 inches long and built for adventure, the NX offers slightly more practical space with 22.7 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the Bronco’s 20.6 cu ft. The performance gulf is substantial; the Bronco delivers 60 more horsepower. However, the NX commands a $5,180 higher MSRP, putting the powerful, manual-equipped Bronco in a unique value position for off-road performance seekers against the efficient, FWD luxury Crossover.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Lexus NX

The 2026 Lexus NX clearly wins for commuting due to its superior 40 combined MPG versus the Bronco's 19 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Lexus NX

The Lexus NX offers better fuel economy and a slightly larger cargo capacity of 22.7 cu ft, making it more practical for daily family duties.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ford Bronco

Enthusiasts will prefer the 2025 Ford Bronco's aggressive 300 hp output and engaging 7-speed manual transmission.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Bronco

The Ford Bronco provides significantly more power (300 hp vs 240 hp) for a substantially lower MSRP of $38,995.

Choose the Ford Bronco if...

You prioritize maximum power, boasting 300 hp from the standard configuration.
You absolutely must have a proper 7-speed manual transmission for maximum driver engagement.
You need true four-wheel drive capability right off the showroom floor and are saving $5,180 compared to the Lexus.

Choose the Lexus NX if...

Fuel economy is paramount, as the Lexus NX achieves an excellent 40 combined MPG.
You prefer the stability and handling characteristics associated with a front-wheel-drive crossover base.
You need a slightly larger storage area, as the NX offers 22.7 cu ft of cargo space.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Bronco	Lexus NX
Length	173.7"	183.5"
Width	75.9"	73.4"
Height	71.9"	66.1"
Wheelbase	100.4"	105.9"

Features Comparison

Safety

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

Engine

Feature	Ford	Lexus
Base Engine Displacement	2.3 L	2.5 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	hybrid
Horsepower	300 hp @ 5700 rpm	240 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque	325 lb-ft @ 3400 rpm	—
Number of Valves	16	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	7-speed manual	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	four wheel drive	front wheel drive
4WD System Type	Part Time	—
Transfer Case Gearing	Electronic Hi-Lo	—
Locking Hubs	Automatic	—
[object Object]	✓	—
[object Object]	✓	—
Hill Descent Control	✓	—

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Lexus
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	18/21 MPG	42/38 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	19 MPG	40 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	304.2/354.9 mi.	609.0/551.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.9 gal.	14.5 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	✓	✓
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Universal Remote Transmitter	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	—	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Lexus
Infotainment Display	12.0 in	9.8 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	7	10
Subwoofer Count	1	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	3 months	3 months

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Lexus
One-Touch Power Windows	2	4
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓
Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Lexus
Front Head Room	41.0 in.	38.3 in.
Front Leg Room	43.1 in.	41.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room	57.1 in.	56.3 in.
Front Hip Room	56.3 in.	56.3 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	—
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Seat Material: Leatherette	—	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	—	Power
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	—	8-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Lexus
Rear Head Room	39.8 in.	38.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	35.7 in.	36.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	51.8 in.	54.0 in.
Rear Hip Room	43.3 in.	52.5 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓
Folding Center Armrest	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Lexus
Wheel Finish	Painted Steel	Painted Alloy
Wheel Diameter	16 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	—
Tire Size	255/70R16	235/60R18
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Matching	—
Spare Tire Location	Outside Rear Mounted	—
Wheel Size	—	18 x 7.5 in
Run Flat Tires	—	✓

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Lexus
Front Suspension Type	Independent	—
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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.
Hybrid Component Warranty	—	8 yr./ 100000 mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	1 yr./ 10000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How significant is the fuel economy difference between the 2025 Bronco and the 2026 NX?

The difference is dramatic; the 2026 Lexus NX achieves 40 combined MPG, while the 2025 Ford Bronco only manages 19 combined MPG, resulting in over double the fuel efficiency for the Lexus.

Which vehicle is more expensive upfront?

The 2026 Lexus NX carries a higher starting MSRP of $44,175, which is exactly $5,180 more than the 2025 Ford Bronco's $38,995 base price.

Is the driving experience dramatically different due to the transmission type?

Yes, the Bronco offers a traditional, hands-on 7-speed manual transmission, appealing to driving purists, whereas the NX uses a smooth, efficiency-focused continuously variable-speed automatic.

How do the horsepower figures compare?

The Ford Bronco offers substantially more raw power with 300 hp compared to the Lexus NX's 240 hp, a difference of 60 horsepower favoring the Bronco.

Which SUV is physically larger and handles cargo better?

The Lexus NX is longer (183.5 inches vs 173.7 inches) and provides marginally more cargo room at 22.7 cu ft, while the Bronco is notably taller at 71.9 inches.