2020 Ford Explorer vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Ford Explorer was a striking vehicle, boasting a more refined and athletic design compared to its predecessors. It featured widened headlights, an extra-large grille, and prominent "Explorer" lettering on the hood, giving it a recognizable and handsome 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 was a letdown. Despite the high price tag, the materials felt cheap, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The switchgear was solid, and some elements like aluminum speaker covers and white stitching added a touch of class, but overall, it fell short of luxury expectations.

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite its age, managed to maintain a rugged and capable appearance. The updated hourglass grille design was less garish on the GX compared to other Lexus models, and it wore the look well. The interior, however, showed its age with a decade-old design featuring a large, chunky center console and big buttons. While this might not appeal to those seeking modern luxury, it worked for a rugged SUV. The GX's cabin was functional, with features like 10-way power front seats, leather upholstery, and a power sunroof standard on the base trim. Higher trims added more luxury touches, but the overall design remained dated.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of engines and a rear-wheel-drive chassis that provided a balanced and nimble driving experience. The ST trim, with its 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, was particularly impressive. It delivered smooth and addictive power, with a 10-speed automatic transmission that performed well in most situations. The Explorer also offered a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four engine with 300 horsepower and a gas-electric hybrid option with a net 318 horsepower. Towing capacity varied from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds depending on the engine. The Explorer's seven drive modes allowed for versatile performance in various conditions.

The 2020 Lexus GX 460 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 specs might not impress compared to modern engines, the V8 provided a satisfying swell of power in real-world driving. The GX's steering was light but direct, and the self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth and composed ride. The GX excelled off-road, with various 4WD modes and features like Downhill Assist Control. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius, making it surprisingly maneuverable for its size. However, its fuel economy was poor, averaging 16.3 mpg in combined driving.

The 2020 Ford Explorer provided ample space for passengers and cargo. On a road trip to Maine, it comfortably accommodated three adults and their gear. The second row felt like first class with air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row was more spacious than previous models, though the bench was flat and less comfortable for long journeys. 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 easy to use, though thick D-pillars and fuzzy cameras created blind spots.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard on the Luxury trim. The captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, though getting adults into the third row was challenging. Cargo space was limited, with 64.7 cubic feet available with all rear seats folded. The GX's side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous. However, the separately opening rear window/hatch was a convenient feature for quick access to the cargo area.

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. The touchscreen was high-resolution and well-organized, making it easy to use. However, the instrument panel felt unfinished, with wasted screen space and limited customization options. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system provided semi-automated driving features but was not as refined as competitors' systems.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, its true touchscreen interface with large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls was simpler and more user-friendly than modern Lexus systems. While it missed out on some modern features, the straightforward layout was a welcome change from more complex interfaces.

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, though the latter could be overly sensitive. The Explorer had not been fully tested by the NHTSA, but the IIHS gave it an Acceptable rating in the small overlap test on the driver's side.

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