2021 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Lexus GX

In 2021, Ford continued its tradition of offering SUVs in various sizes, a strategy reminiscent of the mid-20th century. The Explorer, part of this lineup, bore a family resemblance with other Ford SUVs like the Escape, Edge, and Expedition. Recognizable by its sporty, raked belt lines and aggressive front end, the 2021 Explorer exhibited a modern and dynamic appearance.

From black grilles to elaborate chrome detailing, the Explorer offered different aesthetic elements depending on the trim. These trims ranged from the base model, starting at $32,925, to the high-end Platinum, priced at $52,730. The interior of the Explorer featured standard three-row seating, starting with cloth upholstery in the base model. While third-row seating was compact, the dashboard design was clean and modern, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen and practical controls for the audio and climate systems. The rotary gearshift on the center console allowed for additional storage space.

The XLT trim, which accounted for 56% of sales as expected by Ford, offered upgrades like a more luxurious interior and advanced tech features. Higher trims like the Platinum provided leather upholstery and further premium finishes.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX 460 retained its decade-old design with some modern updates. The distinctive spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights gave the GX a unique identity. Despite minor updates, the exterior design remained consistent over the years. The GX's exterior managed to maintain a tough, aggressive appeal.

Inside, the GX's age was evident, with an upright dashboard and high center console that limited legroom and gave it an outdated feel. The wood trim in the Premium model felt more like plastic, contrasting with the array of advanced safety features. The third row of seating, while a practical inclusion, was difficult to access and cramped. Additionally, the second-row cupholders took up significant space, making it less practical for passengers.

In terms of performance, the 2021 Ford Explorer offered an array of powertrains. At its lightest, the Explorer weighed 4,345 pounds, and its base 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine produced an impressive 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Each trim level came with a 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth gear changes.

The Ford Explorer Limited Hybrid enhanced the power with a V6 hybrid drivetrain, delivering 310 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. For higher trims, a 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 was available, offering up to 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque in the ST variant. Despite its substantial weight, the Explorer provided a respectable towing capacity ranging from 5,000 to 5,600 pounds.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460, on the other hand, stuck with a single-engine option—a 4.6-liter V8 producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, coupled with a six-speed automatic transmission. The V8 engine delivered ample power for initial acceleration, but the GX's significant 5,130-pound weight led to slower performance at higher speeds. Handling was marked by noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, equipped with a Torsen center differential and a standard 4WD system with a low-range option. Its maximum towing capacity stood at 6,500 pounds, and the Off-Road Package enhanced its trail performance.

The 2021 Ford Explorer provided versatile seating options. The base model accommodated up to seven passengers, while other trims offered second-row captain’s chairs, reducing seating to six. With 39 inches of second-row legroom, the Explorer offered competitive though not class-leading space. Notably, even with the third row in use, the Explorer provided 21 cubic feet of cargo space. However, with rear seats folded, the total cargo volume was 81 cubic feet, putting it behind rivals like the Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460's interior, though spacious, lacked the ergonomic and modern touches found in newer models. The dashboard's design and the upright seating position reduced overall legroom, and the odd angle of the steering wheel contributed to a bus-like driving feel. The third-row seating was cramped and difficult to access, making it mostly suitable for children. Cargo space was limited, with a total of 64.7 cubic feet when second and third rows were folded, demonstrating its older design. With the third row in use, cargo space was minimal.

Ford equipped the base Explorer model with an impressive array of tech features, including an 8-inch touchscreen, AM/FM radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Buyers could also enjoy a 4G WiFi hotspot and Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system. The Limited trim added a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, and higher trims offered upgrades to a 10.1-inch touchscreen and 14 speakers.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 fell short in the tech department. While it did offer standard Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The available 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system was a high point, but the standard infotainment system felt outdated, with low-resolution graphics and basic functionality. Analog controls were prevalent, offering a straightforward but dated user interface.

The 2021 Ford Explorer garnered impressive safety credentials, receiving a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It scored well in crash tests and provided an extensive list of standard safety features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite. These included auto high-beam headlights, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and speed sign recognition.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX lacked official safety ratings from NHTSA and IIHS. However, it did include the Lexus Safety System+ as standard, offering forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. While comprehensive, the GX missed out on features like traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist available in other Lexus and Toyota models.