2020 Lexus GX vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Lexus GX had held on to its classic demeanor for nearly a decade. Introduced in 2002 and refined in 2010, its design received some tweaks in 2020, including the addition of the now-famous hourglass grille. While this bold design element was overwhelming on some Lexus models, it seemed to be a better fit on the GX, giving it a somewhat dignified yet modern touch. Despite these updates, the GX 460 was undeniably a decade-old vehicle, its heritage clear in its sturdy, capable build—a platform shared with the Toyota 4Runner. This shared DNA spoke volumes about its reliability and rugged capabilities, which many valued over constant innovation.

Inside, the Lexus GX's age was quite apparent. The large, chunky center console with big buttons and a recessed infotainment screen screamed early 2010s design. While this might not appeal to new buyers of luxury SUVs like the Lexus RX, the GX's utilitarian design worked well for its rough-and-tumble image. One could still operate the GX's big radio and climate-control dials with work gloves on—a testament to its practicality.

In terms of trims, Lexus offered the GX in three levels: the 460, the 460 Premium, and the 460 Luxury. The base 460 trim was well-equipped with features like 10-way power front seats, leather upholstery, push-button start, automatic climate control, and a power sunroof. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system was standard. Moving up, the Premium added higher-end features such as rain-sensing windshield wipers, three-zone automatic climate control, and front and rear parking sensors. The 460 Luxury took it up a notch with premium leather upholstery, self-leveling air suspension, and power-folding third-row seats. However, some features, such as the rear-seat entertainment system, felt outdated in an era where every passenger usually had a smartphone or tablet.

By contrast, the 2020 Ford Edge had a more recent and fresh vibe, despite its second generation dating back to 2015 with a significant refresh in 2019 that carried over to 2020. Ford kept the Edge's styling sharp and contemporary with angular headlights and a bold, trapezoidal grille that gave it a striking resemblance to the Ford Fusion. Although the cabin retained the same general layout from 2015 with just a few tweaks, the addition of a rotary shifter represented a modern touch.

The Edge's cabin mixed soft-touch materials with an overabundance of hard plastics, particularly in the center console and stack. The centre console's cramped arrangement of small climate and radio controls struck many as awkward. Ford provided the Edge in multiple trims: SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST. Each trim was designed to appeal to a broad range of budgets and preferences, from the basic but well-equipped SE with its power-adjustable driver seat and WiFi hotspot to the high-end Titanium with its nickel-plated aluminum wheels and B&O premium sound system. The sporty ST was the crescendo, with sportier styling and a powerful engine for those seeking adrenaline rushes.

The strength of the 2020 Lexus GX lay in its powerful yet somewhat old-school 4.6-liter V8 engine. It produced 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with standard four-wheel drive. While these numbers might not impress in an era where turbocharged four-cylinders often outshine them, the GX's V8 engine delivered a distinct swell of power that was satisfying on real-world roads. Its light, yet direct steering felt very Lexus, balancing comfortable maneuverability with responsive handling. The GX's self-leveling air suspension provided a smooth and composed ride, proving capable both on-road and off-road. Its off-road prowess was evident, equipped with multiple 4WD modes, Downhill Assist Control, and adjustable suspension settings.

The 2020 Ford Edge, on the other hand, featured a more modern 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as standard. While it produced less power at 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, it had the advantage of better fuel efficiency and adequate city driving performance. Power was transmitted through an eight-speed automatic transmission, with both front-wheel and all-wheel drive options available. Yet, for those craving more thrilling drives, the Edge ST stood out with its 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 engine delivering an impressive 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, standard AWD, and a Sport mode that enhanced throttle response and transmission behavior. The ST's heavier steering and outstanding cornering showcased its performance pedigree.

Inside the 2020 Lexus GX, the focus was on capability and comfort rather than modern sleekness. The Premium and Luxury trims offered second-row captain's chairs, enhancing family-friendly access to the third row and providing a natural boundary between backseat occupants. Accessing the third row was somewhat cumbersome—a drawback where car-based crossovers excelled. When it came to cargo space, the GX lagged slightly with 64.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. The side-opening rear hatch of the GX was unique and debatable in utility, though the rear window/hatch option was a practical touch for quick access.

Conversely, the 2020 Ford Edge excelled in cabin layout and cargo space. The Edge provided 39.2 cubic feet of cargo room behind the rear seats, expanding to an impressive 73.4 cubic feet with the seats folded down. This figure trumped many competitors including the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Murano, though it was just shy of the Honda Passport's 77.9 cubic feet. The Edge's interior was spacious and thoughtfully designed, with plenty of head- and legroom for second-row passengers, while the front seats offered a commanding view of the road without being uncomfortably upright. Hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate on the SEL and Titanium trims added to the convenience.

The 2020 Lexus GX showed its age most conspicuously in its infotainment system. The last generation of Lexus Enform was simpler, featuring a true touchscreen flanked by large, easy-to-use buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. While its user-friendliness was a plus, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, which was a significant miss for tech-savvy consumers in 2020.

Ford, on the other hand, equipped the 2020 Edge with a far more modern and comprehensive tech suite. The SYNC 3 infotainment system was standard across all trims, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with intuitive controls and support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, the available voice-activated navigation system, the dual rear-seat entertainment system, and a semi-digital instrument panel provided a more cutting-edge experience. Features like a wireless charging pad were available on higher trims, and the standard inclusion of two smart-charging USB ports ensured that connectivity issues were minimal.

For 2020, the Lexus GX came equipped with the sophisticated Lexus Safety System+, which included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Standard blind-spot monitoring and an available surround-view camera added layers of safety for the driver. Additionally, the vehicle's high seating position and large windows provided enhanced visibility, significantly contributing to its safety features.

The 2020 Ford Edge was no slouch in the safety department either, boasting an arsenal of front and side-impact airbags, traction control systems, and the comprehensive Ford Co-Pilot360 suite. This suite included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package on the SEL trim and higher added adaptive cruise control and active lane centering, bringing a semblance of semi-autonomous driving capabilities.

The Edge received commendable safety ratings, earning a "Top Safety Pick" from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, making it a robust choice for safety-conscious buyers.