2022 Ford Explorer vs 2021 Lexus NX

The 2021 Lexus NX was available in three versions: the NX 300, NX 300 F Sport, and the NX 300h hybrid. This comparison focused on the gasoline models, specifically the performance-oriented NX 300 F Sport. The NX carried over Lexus's signature design elements, featuring sharp lines and a sculpted exterior similar to the smaller UX and larger RX models. Standard features included power-folding outside mirrors and 17-inch wheels. The NX F Sport variant added a sportier touch with a honeycomb grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and 18-inch F Sport wheels.

Inside, the NX F Sport boasted exclusive quilted NuLuxe sport seats, with options for a Circuit Red interior color scheme. The material quality was excellent, consistent with Lexus's reputation. The gauge cluster featured a sculpted metal-faced four-dial setup with a 4.2-inch multi-information display, though it appeared dated compared to competitors. The center stack, with its elevated climate-control buttons and rare CD player, also showed its age. Despite these quirks, the NX remained functional and comfortable, though it lacked open small-item storage between the driver and passenger.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a wide range of models, from the base trim to the luxurious King Ranch. Our test vehicle was the King Ranch, equipped with 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing its MSRP to $59,880. Visually, the King Ranch was distinguished by its emblems, 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, though it retained the Explorer's athletic appearance with a long hood, short front overhang, and floating roof effect.

Inside, the King Ranch featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding. The cabin exhibited a mix of high-quality and questionable materials, typical of vehicles with diverse model lineups. The King Ranch's interior mostly felt worthy of its price, though occasional reminders of the Explorer's base trim were evident.

The 2021 Lexus NX was powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 235 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The six-speed automatic transmission was adequate but lagged behind newer multi-speed transmissions. The NX accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in around seven seconds, with some noise under hard acceleration. The F Sport model featured Active Sound Control, enhancing the engine note electronically. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available, allowing up to 50% of torque to be transferred to the rear axle.

Fuel economy for the NX was decent but not class-leading, with the FWD model achieving 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined. AWD models had similar figures, with a slight drop in combined efficiency. The NX had a 2,000-pound towing capacity and a top speed of 124 mph. The adaptive suspension system, based on the LC 500 sport coupe, provided a smooth and comfortable ride, though the steering lacked feedback. The NX offered three drive modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, each affecting throttle response and power-steering assist.

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, producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine provided up to 24 mpg combined and a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds. The hybrid drivetrain, available on the Limited and Platinum trims, combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, generating 318 horsepower and 322 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds and up to 27 mpg combined.

The top-tier engine was a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, standard on the ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, producing 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine offered a towing capacity of 5,600 pounds and up to 21 mpg combined. Our King Ranch test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride was robust, handling bumps and off-road terrain well. The King Ranch felt athletic and engaging to drive, with the sport-tuned ST model offering even more performance-oriented features.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an upscale interior with comfortable front seats and adequate second-row legroom. Heated and ventilated seats were available, and the rear seats offered a 60/40 split-folding configuration. However, cargo space was limited, with 17.7 cubic feet behind the second row and 54.6 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The NX's storage capacity was among the smallest in its class. A power liftgate with kick sensor technology and power-folding rear seats were available options.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the option to carry five with a second-row bench seat. The King Ranch trim included triple-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row captain’s chairs. Massaging front seats were standard, with 14-way power adjustment for the driver and eight-way for the front passenger. The third-row seat was best suited for children due to limited access and legroom.

Practical storage space in the Explorer's cabin was lacking, with missed opportunities for additional storage solutions. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, revealing 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 down.

The 2021 Lexus NX featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with a 10.3-inch screen available in the Navigation package. The system included HomeLink, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Lexus Enform Destination Assist. The Lexus infotainment system was known for its complexity, with functions buried deep in menus and reliance on a touchpad. Standard features included keyless entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a USB port, HD Radio, and a WiFi hotspot. The NX also offered a Mark Levinson 14-speaker audio system and compatibility with the Lexus Enform Remote mobile app.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system: an 8-inch touchscreen and a 10.1-inch portrait-style screen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen appeared as an afterthought. Our test vehicle included FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. The King Ranch trim added wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. The Explorer's Sync 3 system showed its age, with voice recognition issues and a need for an upgrade to Sync 4 technology.

The 2021 Lexus NX came standard with Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, which included a rearview camera, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic-sign recognition, automatic high beams, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were also standard. Optional safety features included park assist, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive headlights. The NX received top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, with no recalls reported. Lexus backed the NX with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty and a six-year/70,000-mile powertrain warranty.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for all trims. The NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings for the 2022 model at the time of this review, but the 2021 model received five-star ratings except for rollover resistance. The Explorer came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which included 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. The Explorer also featured post-collision braking and MyKey programmable vehicle functions.