2021 Ford Expedition vs 2020 Lexus GX

The 2020 Lexus GX, despite its updated front end and headlights, retained much of its decade-old design. The hourglass grille, a signature of the Lexus lineup, was more palatable on the GX than on other models. The vehicle's rugged capability, shared with the Toyota 4Runner, allowed it to remain relevant despite its age. Inside, the GX's cabin was a throwback to the early 2010s, with a large, chunky center console and big buttons, which some found charmingly practical for a rugged SUV.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum offered a plush and roomy interior, perfect for accommodating a group of six with luggage, although the standard-length model struggled with cargo space. The Platinum trim, the most luxurious in the lineup, featured a detailed chrome grille, 22-inch wheels, and brightwork, giving it a bold presence. The Expedition's independent rear suspension ensured comfort for all passengers, and the interior was well-appointed, though it did include some hard plastic elements.

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 4WD. While these figures might not impress compared to modern engines, the V8 provided a satisfying swell of power. The GX's light yet responsive steering and self-leveling air suspension offered a smooth and composed ride. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its various 4WD modes and adjustable suspension. It could tow up to 6,500 pounds and had a tight turning radius of 19 feet. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, averaging 16.3 mpg in combined driving.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with the Platinum trim boosting these figures to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. The 10-speed automatic transmission and available 4WD provided smooth acceleration and impressive towing capacity, ranging from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds. The Expedition's adaptive damping suspension and four-wheel independent suspension ensured a comfortable ride, though the 22-inch wheels on the Platinum trim transmitted road shock into the cabin. The FX4 Off-Road Package added significant off-road capabilities, but our test model did not include this option. The Expedition averaged 17.1 mpg in combined driving.

The 2020 Lexus GX offered second-row captain's chairs on the Premium and Luxury trims, with the latter also featuring power-folding third-row seats. While the captain's chairs provided easy access to the third row, the overall cargo space was limited to 64.7 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The GX's side-opening rear hatch was unique but not particularly advantageous, though the separately opening rear window was a convenient feature.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with large, wide seats for all passengers, including adults in the third row. The independent rear suspension ensured comfort, and storage for odds and ends was plentiful. The regular-length model offered 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 57.5 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 104.6 cubic feet. The Expedition MAX provided even more space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet with the seats folded, and a maximum of 121.5 cubic feet.

The 2020 Lexus GX's infotainment system showed its age, with a true touchscreen interface flanked by large buttons for audio, navigation, and climate controls. While it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the simplicity of the system was appreciated by some users.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system, though aging, remained user-friendly. The 8-inch touchscreen was small by modern standards, but the system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, FordPass Connect, and a navigation system. The test vehicle featured a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless smartphone charging, though it lacked the available dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system.

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.

The 2021 Ford Expedition earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, though its rollover-resistance rating was lower with RWD. The Expedition came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, a semi-autonomous parking assistance system, and a 360-degree surround-view camera.