2021 Lexus GX vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Ford Edge, introduced in 2006, was based on the Ford Fusion sedan platform, offering a car-like ride and ample cabin space. The second generation, updated in 2019, carried over to 2020 with angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille, giving it a crossover version of the Fusion look. Inside, the layout remained largely unchanged since 2015, with some updates in 2019. The cabin quality was decent, with soft-touch materials and solid fit-and-finish, but the heavy use of hard plastics detracted from the overall feel. The Edge was available in SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST trims, each offering a range of features from basic to luxurious, with the ST trim focusing on performance.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 retained its decade-old body shell with updates like the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The 2021 model didn't see any styling changes but added silver 18-inch wheels on the Premium trim. The GX's tough, aggressive look was distinctive, but the interior felt outdated. The wood trim in the Premium model looked like plastic, and there was a lot of actual plastic. Standard leather upholstery was a plus, with semi-aniline leather on the Luxury trim. The GX's interior ergonomics, with an upright dashboard and high center console, left little legroom and made the driving position feel like a bus.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided solid low-end acceleration, though it struggled at higher speeds. The Edge's suspension was designed for American roads, soaking up potholes while remaining refined and engaging to drive. The sporty Edge ST trim featured a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard AWD. The ST had heavy steering and excellent cornering, with a Sport mode enhancing throttle response and transmission mapping.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds, making merging and overtaking maneuvers challenging. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with low grip and body roll in corners. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a Torsen center differential, low-range 4WD, and driver aids like hill-descent control and hill-start assist. The optional Off-Road Package added features like a transmission cooler, fuel-tank protector, and Crawl Control.

The 2020 Ford Edge's cabin layout offered a commanding view of the road without being overly upright. The seats were surrounded by plenty of cubbies and compartments, designed for commuting or road trips. Second-row head- and legroom were plentiful, and the Edge provided 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expanding to 73.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics felt outdated, with an upright dashboard and high center console leaving little legroom. The steering wheel was positioned at an odd angle, making the driving position feel like a bus. The dashboard shape and boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was limited by the tall hood. The center-console storage bin, cupholders, and in-door bottle holders were small. The GX came standard with three rows and seating for seven, but the third row was best reserved for children. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with Ford's SYNC 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. The system was easy to use, with a row of icons at the bottom and a helpful home button. A voice-activated navigation system was optional on the SEL and ST trims and standard on the Titanium. The Edge also came with two smart-charging USB ports and an optional dual rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, but no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions. The touchscreen was complemented by analog controls for nearly everything, providing a refreshing antidote to screen-centric interfaces in other luxury SUVs.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a full array of airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The SEL trim offered the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package, adding adaptive cruise control and active lane centering. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including forward-collision warning, 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 missed out on some safety features available in other Lexus models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.