2021 Lexus GX vs 2021 Ford Expedition

The styling of the 2021 Lexus GX 460 was rooted deeply in its past, maintaining the same basic body shell from a decade ago with incremental updates along the way. The most notable change came with the addition of the Lexus spindle grille in 2014, which received a textured update in 2020, along with new triple-beam LED headlights. In 2021, there were no further styling changes, but silver 18-inch wheels became standard on the Premium trim level, with 19-inch wheels also available. Despite the GX not being originally designed around the signature spindle grille, the overall styling managed to remain coherent. While the grille did appear massive, it was a common trait among SUVs of the era, comparable to the likes of the BMW X7. The GX offered a tough and aggressive look that could attract SUV shoppers in search of a distinctive appearance. However, inside the cabin, the GX 460 failed to meet the modern luxury standards, especially in the Premium test model. The wood trim felt plasticky, and actual plastic abounded. The silver lining was the standard leather upholstery, with semi-aniline leather being available on the top-tier Luxury trim. Conversely, the 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum greeted tired travelers from Los Angeles International Airport with a luxurious appeal. The Platinum was the epitome of the Expedition lineup, featuring Magnetic gray paint, 4WD, a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package, and second-row captain’s chairs. The total for the well-equipped test vehicle amounted to $80,510. The Expedition’s design was highlighted by power-deploying running boards, a chrome grille, massive 22-inch wheels, and tastefully applied brightwork. Despite an issue with fitting all six passengers' luggage, the Expedition’s grand presence was undeniably attractive. The issue could be resolved with the extended-length Expedition MAX, which allowed for more cargo space. Ultimately, the Expedition Platinum boasted a more modern and striking design compared to the aging Lexus GX.

Under the hood of the 2021 Lexus GX was a 4.6-liter V8 engine generating 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX 460 was reminiscent of older SUVs, especially when it came to on-road performance. The V8’s grunt was sufficient for accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, but its 5,130 pounds of weight was evident at higher speeds. Maneuvers like merging and overtaking required extra planning, and braking also demanded more forethought due to the vehicle's heft. Body roll and low grip characterized the handling, with ride quality suffering from the body-on-frame construction. However, the GX shined off-road, featuring a Torsen center differential, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and several driver aids. The Luxury trim’s optional Off-Road Package added further capabilities, including a transmission cooler, fuel-tank protector, and Crawl Control. The 2021 Ford Expedition, on the other hand, was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine delivered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque across most trims, with the Platinum getting a boost to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. The Expedition boasted a significantly higher towing capacity, ranging from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, depending on the specifications. The twin-turbo V6 provided impressive acceleration, and the 10-speed transmission performed seamlessly. While the 22-inch wheels on the Platinum trim somewhat hampered ride quality, the 4-wheel independent suspension ensured a stable ride over bumps. Ford also offered an FX4 Off-Road Package on XLT and Limited models, enhancing off-road capabilities with additional equipment and higher ground clearance.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior design and ergonomics reflected its dated roots. The upright dashboard and high center console constrained legroom, and the steering wheel's odd angle coupled with the tall seating position felt bus-like. The visibility, however, was excellent, both outward and sideways, aiding in parking and off-road driving. Storage solutions were limited, with small center-console storage, cupholders, and door bottle holders across all three rows. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, though accessing the third row was cumbersome, and space was tight. First-row and second-row legroom were also not generous, and cargo capacity was modest at 64.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. With the third-row up, cargo space was drastically reduced. In contrast, the 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in both comfort and utility. The test vehicle’s large, wide seats—including those in the third row—could comfortably accommodate adults, although only the front seats offered a massage function. The Expedition's independent rear suspension ensured a comfortable ride for all passengers. In terms of cargo space, the regular-length Expedition offered 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 104.6 cubic feet with all seats down. The Expedition MAX variant offered even more space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and a maximum of 121.5 cubic feet, surpassing the GX and even rivaling minivans in terms of storage capacity.

Tech features were sparse in the decade-old design of the 2021 Lexus GX. Standard equipment included Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant connectivity, and two USB ports per row for the first two rows. The infotainment system was outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s, and lacking in functionality. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were notably absent, and the overall interface was primitive by modern standards. However, Lexus provided analog controls for most functions, which was a relief compared to the touchscreen-heavy designs of newer luxury SUVs. The 2021 Ford Expedition, while also relying on an aging Sync 3 infotainment system, offered more in terms of features. The 8-inch touchscreen, though small by modern standards, was user-friendly and included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and navigation. The test vehicle came with a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. Additionally, an optional dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was available, providing comprehensive multimedia options for rear passengers.

Safety ratings for the 2021 Lexus GX 460 were unavailable from both the NHTSA and IIHS. Nonetheless, the GX came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ suite, which included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard as well. However, the GX did not offer more advanced features found in some other Lexus models and Toyota vehicles, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. The 2021 Ford Expedition fared better in safety ratings, achieving a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. However, its rollover resistance rating was three stars for RWD models and four stars for 4WD models. The Expedition came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which bundled several driving-assistance features including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. Limited trim and above offered additional features such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, a semi-autonomous parking system, and a 360-degree camera.