2020 Lexus GX vs 2021 Ford Edge

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite its age, continued to carry the rugged charm of its predecessors. Introduced in 2002 and redesigned in 2010, the GX received some design tweaks over the years, including the hourglass grille that became a signature of the Lexus lineup. While this grille design was polarizing on other models, it suited the GX well. The vehicle's decade-old design was evident, but its shared platform with the Toyota 4Runner ensured it remained a capable and rugged SUV, prioritizing capability over constant innovation.

Inside, the GX's age was even more apparent. The cabin retained the chunky center console and large buttons typical of early 2010s Lexus models. While this might seem outdated for a luxury SUV, it worked for the GX's rugged persona. The GX was available in three trims: the 460, 460 Premium, and 460 Luxury, each offering a range of features from leather upholstery and power sunroof to advanced navigation and rear-seat entertainment systems. CarGurus recommended the base 460 trim for its well-rounded features and simplicity.

The 2021 Ford Edge maintained a modern exterior design, thanks to a refresh in 2019 that aligned it with Ford's current styling. The Edge offered a cleaner look compared to competitors like the Chevy Blazer and Hyundai Santa Fe. The Titanium trim added chrome accents, while the ST trim featured a blacked-out grille and sporty body kit. Inside, the Edge's design showed its age, with a layout that had been tweaked over the years to fit new features like a larger touchscreen. The Titanium trim offered leather upholstery, and the ST trim included sporty seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

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 figures might not impress compared to modern V6 or turbocharged engines, the V8 provided a unique driving experience with its powerful and smooth delivery. The GX's light steering, though initially feeling over-boosted, proved to be direct and responsive on the road. The self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth yet composed ride, capable of handling potholes and corners with ease.

The GX excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its 4WD system and various chassis controls, including Downhill Assist Control and adjustable suspension modes. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet, making it surprisingly maneuverable for a large SUV. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an average of 16.3 mpg observed during testing.

The 2021 Ford Edge offered a 2.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It came with standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The Edge ST performance model featured a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque, with standard all-wheel drive and model-specific suspension tuning. The Edge's towing capacities ranged from 3,958 pounds for the base FWD model to 4,525 pounds for the V6-powered ST.

The Edge ST aimed to offer a sporty driving experience, though it fell short of high-performance benchmarks like the Porsche Macan. Nonetheless, it provided a refined ride and decent performance for its class. The turbo-four engine in non-ST models was noted to be somewhat sluggish, but overall, the Edge remained a competent performer.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with power-folding third-row seats standard on the Luxury trim. These captain's chairs provided easier access to the third row and a natural barrier between passengers. However, accessing the third row was still a challenge for adults. The GX's cargo space was limited, with 64.7 cubic feet available with all rear seats folded, less than competitors like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Land Rover Discovery. The GX featured a side-opening rear hatch, which was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window was a useful feature.

The 2021 Ford Edge provided competitive interior space, with the most rear-seat headroom among two-row midsize crossovers and ample legroom in both rows. It offered 39.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in place and 73.4 cubic feet with them folded, trailing only the Honda Passport and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport. Higher trims included a foot-activated power liftgate. The Edge's rotary shift knob freed up some center console space, but the narrow console limited overall storage. A storage nook below the console was available but not easily accessible.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, featuring the last generation of Lexus Enform. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it offered a true touchscreen interface with large, easy-to-use buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. This simplicity was a tradeoff for missing modern connectivity features, but it appealed to those who preferred straightforward controls.

The 2021 Ford Edge was equipped with the latest Sync 4 infotainment system, featuring a 12-inch touchscreen and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also included Bluetooth, SiriusXM with 360L satellite radio, and a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Edge ST added a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. Four USB ports, including two rear USB ports with one USB-C, were available. Sync 4's simple graphics and menus made it user-friendly, and the wireless connectivity was a notable advantage over competitors.

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 high driving position and large windows provided excellent visibility, enhancing overall safety.

The 2021 Ford Edge was an IIHS "Top Safety Pick," scoring top ratings in most crash tests and front crash prevention tech. However, it received lower ratings for vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention, LATCH child-seat anchor ease of use, and headlights. The NHTSA awarded the Edge a five-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner included automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, post-collision braking, dynamic brake support, and rear parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control and Evasive Steering Assist were standard on all but the base trim.