2025 Lexus RX vs 2026 Ford Bronco
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the refined comfort of the 2025 Lexus RX and the rugged capability of the 2026 Ford Bronco is a classic modern SUV dilemma: luxury daily driving versus off-road adventure. The Lexus RX starts at a premium, with an MSRP of $49,125, contrasting sharply with the Bronco's $40,495 entry point, creating an $8,630 initial saving with Ford. While the Bronco boasts slightly more muscle with 300 hp compared to the RX's 275 hp, the Lexus excels where efficiency matters most, achieving a combined 25 MPG versus the Bronco's 19 MPG. This efficiency difference is significant for long-term commuting costs. Furthermore, the RX is physically larger at 192.5 inches long, offering a healthier 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space compared to the Bronco's 20.6 cu ft, suggesting better everyday usability for shoppers prioritizing storage.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Lexus RX
The Lexus RX wins for commuters due to its superior fuel economy of 25 combined MPG and smoother automatic transmission.
2025 Lexus RX
Families will appreciate the Lexus RX's greater overall size and significantly larger 29.6 cu ft cargo capacity.
2026 Ford Bronco
Off-road enthusiasts will prefer the Bronco's standard 4WD system, higher stance (71.9 inches height), and 7-speed manual transmission.
2026 Ford Bronco
The Ford Bronco provides a lower entry price point at $40,495 and offers more raw power with 300 hp.
Choose the Lexus RX if...
- You prioritize quiet, fuel-efficient daily driving and can afford the $49,125 starting MSRP.
- You need maximum cargo space, as the Lexus offers 29.6 cu ft compared to the Bronco's 20.6 cu ft.
- You prefer the smoothness of an 8-speed automatic transmission over a manual gearbox.
Choose the Ford Bronco if...
- You plan on frequent off-roading, benefiting from the standard Four Wheel Drive and rugged design.
- Budget is a major concern, as the Bronco saves you $8,630 upfront compared to the Lexus RX.
- You want maximum torque (325 lb-ft) and horsepower (300 hp) for acceleration, even with lower MPG.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Lexus RX | Ford Bronco |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 192.5" | 173.7" |
| Width | 75.6" | 75.9" |
| Height | 67.3" | 71.9" |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 100.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | โ | โ |
| Lane Departure Warning | โ | โ |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | โ | โ |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | โ | โ |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Post-Collision Safety System | โ | โ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags | โ | โ |
| Front Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Rear Head Airbags | โ | โ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | โ | โ |
| Electronic Stability Control | โ | โ |
| Traction Control System | โ | โ |
| LATCH System | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | โ | โ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Assist | โ | โ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | โ | โ |
| Automatic Headlights | โ | โ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | โ | โ |
| LED Headlights | โ | โ |
| Daytime Running Lights | โ | โ |
| Front Fog Lights | โ | โ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | โ | โ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | โ | โ |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | โ | โ |
| Engine Immobilizer | โ | โ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | โ | โ |
| Brake Preparation System | โ | โ |
Engine
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 2.3 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | inline 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 275 hp @ 6000 rpm | 300 hp @ 5700 rpm |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm | 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 | โ | โ |
Drive Train
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 7-speed manual |
| Drivetrain Type | front wheel drive | four wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | โ | Part Time |
| Transfer Case Gearing | โ | Electronic Hi-Lo |
| Locking Hubs | โ | Automatic |
| [object Object] | โ | โ |
| [object Object] | โ | โ |
| Hill Descent Control | โ | โ |
Fuel
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (recommended) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 22/29 MPG | 18/21 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 25 MPG | 19 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 391.6/516.2 mi. | 304.2/354.9 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 17.8 gal. | 16.9 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | โ | โ |
| Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Electric Power Steering | โ | โ |
| Rear View Camera | โ | โ |
| Front Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | โ | โ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Front Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Rear Cupholders | โ | โ |
| Front Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Rear Door Pockets | โ | โ |
| Front Seatback Storage | โ | โ |
| Leather Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Three Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control | โ | โ |
| Interior Air Filtration | โ | โ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | โ | โ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | โ | โ |
| Cruise Control | โ | โ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | โ | โ |
| Single Zone Climate Control | โ | โ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 9.8 in | 12.0 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | โ | โ |
| Speaker System | 12 | 7 |
| Subwoofer Count | 1 | 1 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | โ | โ |
| USB Port | โ | โ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio | โ | โ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 3 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
| Reverse Tilt Dual Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Heated Mirrors | โ | โ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | โ | โ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.5 in. | 41.0 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.1 in. | 43.1 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.1 in. | 57.1 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.7 in. | 56.3 in. |
| Seat Material: Leatherette | โ | โ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | โ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | โ |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 8-way | โ |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | โ | โ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | โ |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | โ |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | โ |
| Seat Material: Cloth | โ | โ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | โ | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | โ | 6-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 38.6 in. | 39.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 37.4 in. | 35.7 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 56.5 in. | 51.8 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 55.9 in. | 43.3 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | โ | โ |
| Reclining Rear Seats | โ | โ |
| Folding Center Armrest | โ | โ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Painted Alloy Wheels | โ | โ |
| Polished Alloy Wheels | โ | โ |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 8.0 in | โ |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | โ | 255/70R16 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Full Size Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | Inside Mounted | Outside Rear Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | โ | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Diameter | โ | 16 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | โ | โ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
| Front Suspension Type | โ | Independent |
| Stabilizer Bar | โ | โ |
Warranty
| Feature | Lexus | Ford |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 6 yr./ 70000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 6 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 1 yr./ 10000 mi. | โ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Lexus RX and 2026 Ford Bronco.
How much more fuel-efficient is the Lexus RX than the Ford Bronco?
The 2025 Lexus RX is significantly more efficient, achieving 25 combined MPG. In comparison, the 2026 Ford Bronco is rated for only 19 combined MPG, meaning the Lexus saves 6 miles per gallon on the combined cycle.
Which vehicle is better for hauling gear inside?
The Lexus RX is the clear winner for interior storage, offering 29.6 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The Ford Bronco provides less utility in this area, measuring only 20.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats.
Is the higher price of the Lexus RX justified by better performance numbers?
Not strictly on power alone; the Bronco produces 300 hp compared to the RX's 275 hp, and offers 325 lb-ft of torque versus the Lexus's 317 lb-ft. The RX's higher cost is primarily for its luxury appointments and efficiency.
Which car is generally easier to drive on crowded city streets?
The Lexus RX is generally better suited for city driving thanks to its shorter length (192.5 inches vs. the Bronco's off-road focused dimensions) and its standard 8-speed automatic transmission, which removes the need to shift manually in traffic.
Do both vehicles require premium fuel?
Yes, based on the provided data, both the 2025 Lexus RX and the 2026 Ford Bronco list 'premium unleaded' as their recommended fuel type.
What is the price difference between the base models?
There is a substantial $8,630 price gap between the two SUVs. The 2026 Ford Bronco starts at $40,495, while the 2025 Lexus RX has an MSRP of $49,125.
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