2021 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite some new design tweaks, retained much of its decade-old styling. The updated GX featured the hourglass grille design that had become a hallmark of the Lexus lineup. While this grille was polarizing on some models, it was more palatable on the GX. The vehicle's rugged capability, shared with the Toyota 4Runner, allowed it to maintain its appeal despite its age. Inside, the GX's cabin remained largely unchanged from the early 2010s, with a chunky center console and large buttons, which some found practical for a rugged SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Explorer presented a more modern and cohesive design. The Explorer's exterior bore a family resemblance to other Ford SUVs, with sporty lines and distinctive grilles varying by trim. Inside, the Explorer offered three rows of seating as standard, with a clean dash and an 8-inch LCD touchscreen dominating the center stack. The Explorer's interior was designed for comfort and practicality, with ample storage space and a rotary gearshift that freed up additional room.

The 2020 Lexus GX was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and standard 4-wheel drive. While these figures might not impress compared to modern V6 or turbocharged engines, the V8 provided a satisfying swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's steering was light yet direct, and the self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth, composed ride. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its 4WD system and various chassis controls. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an average of 16.3 mpg observed during testing.

The 2021 Ford Explorer, at its lightest, weighed 4,345 pounds and featured a base 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer's higher trims offered a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6, with the sport-oriented ST trim providing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. All trims used a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Explorer's towing capacity ranged from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the configuration. While the Explorer prioritized towing power, it also offered a more engaging driving experience in the ST trim.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard on the Luxury trim. The captain's chairs provided easier access to the third row and a natural barrier between passengers. However, the GX's cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with all rear seats folded. The side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window/hatch was a useful feature.

The 2021 Ford Explorer had seating for seven in the base trim, with captain's chairs in the second row for other trims, reducing capacity to six. The Explorer offered 39 inches of legroom for second-row passengers, which was competitive within its segment. With the third row deployed, the Explorer provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space, and a total of 81 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, making it more practical for cargo than the GX.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, featuring a true touchscreen flanked by large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the simplicity of the system was appreciated by some drivers.

The 2021 Ford Explorer offered a more advanced tech setup, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on all trims. This included AM/FM radio, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 4G WiFi hotspot, and Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system. Higher trims featured a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and an optional 10.1-inch touchscreen. The Explorer also provided multiple USB ports and power points, with a 110-volt AC power outlet available on higher trims.

The 2020 Lexus GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. It also featured blind-spot monitoring and an available surround-view camera. The GX's great visibility, thanks to its high seating position and large windows, added to its safety.

The 2021 Ford Explorer was rated as a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests. The Explorer's base trim included the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite, featuring auto high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and dynamic brake support. Higher trims offered additional safety features through the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and speed sign recognition.