2020 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Lexus RX

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 gave it 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 left much to be desired. Despite the high price tag, the materials felt subpar, with low-grade vinyl and rough-grained plastic dominating the cabin. The switchgear was solid, but the overall feel was not up to the luxury standards one might expect at this price point.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus RX showcased the modern design aesthetic of Lexus with its large grille, angular headlamps, and floating roof. The interior was equally impressive, featuring sumptuous seating and perforated leather upholstery. The RX was available in five variants, each offering a unique blend of performance and luxury. The F Sport version added a sporty touch with its unique wheels, steering wheel, and performance dampers. The interior was well-appointed, even in the base model, with features like NuLuxe-trimmed seats, power-adjustable front seats, and a power tilt/telescoping steering wheel. However, the center console design and infotainment system felt dated compared to newer competitors.

The 2020 Ford Explorer offered a range of powerful engines and a rear-wheel-drive chassis that provided a balanced and dynamic driving experience. 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, making the Explorer ST a standout in its class. The base engine was a 2.3-liter turbo inline-four producing 300 hp and 310 lb-ft, while a gas-electric hybrid option was available in the Limited trim. The Explorer's towing capacity ranged from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds, depending on the engine and drivetrain. The vehicle also offered seven drive modes for various conditions, enhancing its versatility.

The 2021 Lexus RX was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid and RXL Hybrid models combined a 3.5-liter V6 with three electric motors, producing 308 hp. The RX's fuel economy was commendable, with the FWD model achieving 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. The hybrid models offered even better efficiency, with up to 31 mpg in the city. The RX's handling was improved with tuning adjustments, and the F Sport Handling package added adaptive variable suspension and other performance enhancements. The RX was a comfortable cruiser, though not as sporty as some competitors.

The 2020 Ford Explorer excelled in interior space and practicality. On a road trip to Maine, the Explorer provided ample space for passengers and cargo, with 18 cubic feet behind the third row, 48 cubic feet behind the second row, and 88 cubic feet with all seats folded. The second row featured air vents, USB ports, and a panoramic moonroof, making it a comfortable space for passengers. The third row was spacious enough for adults on short journeys, though the bench was too flat for long-distance comfort. The Explorer's physical knobs and switches made it user-friendly, though the thick D-pillars and fuzzy 360-degree cameras were drawbacks.

The 2021 Lexus RX offered a functional and comfortable interior, though cargo space was limited compared to traditional SUVs. The two-row RX models seated five, while the three-row RXL and RXL Hybrid seated six or seven. Front and second-row seating was spacious and comfortable, but the third row was tight. The RX provided 18.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 56.3 cubic feet with the seats folded. The three-row versions offered 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, 23 cubic feet behind the second, and 58.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2020 Ford Explorer came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen featuring Sync 3 infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and 4G WiFi. Keyless entry, remote start, 3-zone climate control, and SiriusXM satellite radio were also standard. The Premium Technology Package added a 10-inch vertical touchscreen and a 12-inch digital instrument cluster, enhancing the user experience. However, the system felt unfinished, with limited customization options and wasted screen space. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ offered semi-automated driving features, though it was not as advanced as competitors' systems.

The 2021 Lexus RX featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with voice recognition, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, HD Radio, a WiFi hot spot, and six USB ports. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch touchscreen, additional USB ports, a moonroof, wireless charging, navigation, and a premium audio system. The touch aspect of the infotainment system worked well, though the operating system was not the most user-friendly. The Remote Touch controller was designed to reduce the need to touch the screen but took up valuable center console space. The RX lacked wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which might be a dealbreaker for some buyers.

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 RX received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, scoring Good in all crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four out of five stars overall and five stars for side-impact crashworthiness. The RX came with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including a rearview camera, 10 airbags, blind-spot monitoring, and Lexus Safety System+ 2.0. This system included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and road sign assist. The RX also had two complete sets of LATCH connectors for child safety seats.