2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a more refined and athletic design compared to its predecessors. Its widened headlights, extra-large grille, and italic "Explorer" lettering on the hood's edge created a prominent and recognizable face. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims, blacked-out trim, red brake calipers, and quad exhaust pipes, was particularly eye-catching. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite the high price tag, the materials felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and rough-grained plastic dominating the cabin. The Explorer's interior struggled to justify its cost, especially when compared to more luxurious competitors.

The 2021 Lexus GX, on the other hand, retained its decade-old body shell with minor updates over the years. The spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights gave it a distinctive and aggressive look. However, the interior felt outdated and lacked the modern luxury expected in this segment. The wood trim felt like molded plastic, and there was an abundance of actual plastic throughout the cabin. While the GX offered standard leather upholstery, the overall interior quality did not meet the standards of a contemporary luxury SUV.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of engines, with the standout being the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 in the ST trim, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivered smooth and addictive power. The rear-wheel-drive chassis provided excellent weight distribution, and the ST's suspension and steering, tuned by Ford Performance, offered a nimble and precise driving experience. The Explorer also featured a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four engine with 300 horsepower and a gas-electric hybrid option with a net 318 horsepower. Towing capacities ranged from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the engine and drivetrain.

The 2021 Lexus GX kept it simple with a single 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample grunt for low-speed maneuvers, the GX's 5,130-pound weight made high-speed performance less impressive. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride quality, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and various off-road driver aids. The GX's towing capacity was a respectable 6,500 pounds.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered ample interior space, making it ideal for long road trips. The second row felt like first class, with air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row could accommodate six-foot-tall adults for short journeys, although the bench was too flat for long-distance comfort. Cargo space was generous, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second row, and 88 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Explorer's physical knobs and switches made it user-friendly, although the thick D-pillars and fuzzy 360-degree cameras were drawbacks.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics revealed its age. The upright dashboard and high center console limited legroom, and the steering wheel's odd angle made driving feel like operating a bus. Visibility was generally good, except for the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small center-console bins and cupholders. The GX offered three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded, significantly less than competitors.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. Higher trims offered a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the interface was user-friendly, it lacked innovation, and system updates required an external WiFi connection. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ semi-automated driving system was available but needed improvement in lane tracking and overall usability.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functionality. However, Lexus included analog controls for most functions, providing a straightforward interface. The GX also offered a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system and standard connectivity features like Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot 360, which included forward emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, auto high beams, and lane-keep assist. The Assist+ option added adaptive cruise control with steering assist and reverse braking. The Explorer had not been fully tested by the NHTSA, but the IIHS rated it Acceptable in the small overlap test on the driver's side.

The 2021 Lexus GX featured the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. However, the GX lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.