2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2020 Ford Explorer was praised for its handsome and athletic exterior design, which refined the upscale, utilitarian look of its predecessors. The widened headlights, large grille, and distinctive "Explorer" lettering on the hood gave it a recognizable and prominent face. The ST version, with its black 21-inch rims and quad exhaust pipes, was particularly striking. However, the interior did not match the exterior's appeal. Despite the high price tag, the materials used inside felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and hard plastics dominating the cabin. The Explorer's interior lacked the luxury feel expected at its price point, making it less appealing compared to competitors like the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid featured a sharp-edged, streamlined profile that was both different and familiar. The F Sport Black Line test car stood out with its Grecian Water blue paint and dark-finish wheels. Inside, the NX's design was initially radical but had become familiar over time. The interior featured a stepped center console and lacked traditional wood trim, opting instead for a sportier feel. While the Black Line treatment added some flair with aluminum pedals and blue contrast stitching, the material quality was more akin to a mainstream brand than a luxury one. The NX's interior design was functional but did not exude the luxury expected from a Lexus.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engines and a rear-wheel-drive chassis that provided balanced weight distribution. The ST trim featured a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup delivered smooth and addictive power, with precise steering and remarkable cornering capabilities. The Explorer's towing capacity varied, with the V6 AWD model capable of towing up to 5,600 pounds. The Explorer also offered seven drive modes for various conditions, enhancing its versatility.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, on the other hand, focused more on fuel efficiency than performance. Its hybrid powertrain combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. The NX hybrid's acceleration was modest, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. While the sport-tuned suspension improved handling, the steering felt numb, and the drivetrain struggled with a heavy foot. The NX offered Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, but they made little difference in performance. The NX hybrid prioritized comfort and efficiency over excitement.

The 2020 Ford Explorer excelled in interior space, offering ample room for passengers and cargo. The second row felt luxurious with air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof. The third row accommodated six-foot-tall adults for short trips, and the cargo area was one of the largest in its class, with up to 88 cubic feet of space. The Explorer's controls were intuitive, with physical knobs and switches for climate and stereo functions. However, thick D-pillars and fuzzy 360-degree cameras hindered rear visibility.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, however, had less interior space, with the least front headroom and rear legroom in its segment. The front seats were comfortable, thanks to extra bolstering and power adjustments, but the rear seats felt cramped. The sloping roofline and thick rear pillars further reduced rear visibility. The NX hybrid's cargo space was limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded. While the NX offered a power-folding second row and power liftgate, these features were not standard.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. The Premium Technology Package added a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. While the interface was high-resolution and well-organized, it lacked innovation, and system updates required an external WiFi connection. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system offered semi-automated driving features but needed improvement in lane tracking.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a touchpad interface that was difficult to use while driving. The system felt dated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s. While analog controls were available for climate and audio functions, the overall infotainment experience was lacking. The base audio system was underwhelming, and the optional Mark Levinson system was only available on higher trims.

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 received an "Acceptable" rating in the IIHS small overlap test on the driver's side, but the NHTSA had not yet tested it.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid received a "Top Safety Pick+" award from the IIHS, with top scores in all crash tests and a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall safety rating. The NX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a comprehensive suite of driver aids. However, it lacked a 360-degree camera system, which was common among competitors.