2022 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell with minor updates over the years, including the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights introduced in 2020. The Premium trim level featured standard silver 18-inch wheels, with 19-inch wheels as an option. Despite its age, the GX's aggressive and distinctive styling appealed to SUV shoppers. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. Standard leather upholstery was a plus, with semi-aniline leather available on the Luxury trim.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a variety of models, including the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims. Our test vehicle, the King Ranch, featured 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing the MSRP to $59,880. The Explorer's rear-drive platform allowed for a long and tall hood, short front overhang, and a rakish roofline, giving it a taut, athletic appearance. Inside, the King Ranch boasted exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding. The cabin exhibited a mix of quality and questionable materials, but overall, it felt worthy of its near $60,000 price tag.

The 2021 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The GX's 5,130-pound weight was noticeable at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with low grip and body roll in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, with a Torsen center differential, standard 4WD system with low range, and several driver aids. The optional Off-Road Package added features like a transmission cooler, fuel-tank protector, and Multi-Terrain Select. The GX had a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, and Timberline trims came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine generating 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid drivetrain, available on the Limited and Platinum trims, combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine with an electric motor for a total of 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on the ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, produced 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer felt robust and athletic, with a comfortable ride and off-road capability. The Timberline model offered even better off-road performance with 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics showed its age, with an upright dashboard and high center console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position felt bus-like. The dashboard shape and boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was limited by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small center-console storage bins, cupholders, and in-door bottle holders. The GX came standard with three rows of seating, but the third row was best for children and difficult to access. Cargo space was limited, with only 64.7 cubic feet available with the second and third rows folded.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered plenty of comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five people with a second-row bench seat. The King Ranch trim featured triple-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. The front seats were exceptionally comfortable, and the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. However, the third-row seat was difficult for adults to access and lacked legroom. Practical storage space was limited, with a small center console storage bin and few pockets, shelves, cubbies, and hooks. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, providing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, with Bluetooth, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant connectivity as standard. However, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were not available. The standard infotainment system had outdated graphics and limited functions. The touchscreen was complemented by analog controls, providing a refreshing alternative to screen-centric interfaces in other luxury SUVs.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system, with either an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The King Ranch trim included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. Additional features included wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium sound system. However, the Sync 3 system's voice recognition was less effective than the newer Sync 4 technology available in other Ford models.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including 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 also standard. However, the GX lacked some safety features available in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for all trim levels. The NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings for the 2022 model, but the 2021 model received five-star ratings except for rollover resistance. The Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Co-Pilot360 Assist+ added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and evasive steering assist. Additional safety features included a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable vehicle functions.