2022 Ford Expedition vs 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid

The 2022 Ford Expedition underwent significant updates, featuring exterior styling revisions and enhanced infotainment technology. The front of the vehicle showcased a new grille, headlights, and bumper, while the rear was updated with revised taillights, tailgate trim, and a new bumper. Redesigned wheels were introduced across the model lineup, and a new Timberline trim was added for off-road enthusiasts, offering features like standard four-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, and increased ground clearance. Inside, the Expedition boasted a redesigned dashboard with the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, including a large 15.5-inch touchscreen display. The test model, a Stone Blue Metallic Limited Stealth Edition, was equipped with leather seats and a range of options, bringing its MSRP to $80,155.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, specifically the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance models, presented a sleek and modern design. The RX 350h Luxury test vehicle, in Iridium silver, featured 21-inch wheels and a minimalist appearance, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance stood out with its Copper paint, blacked-out grille, and aggressive styling. Inside, the RX adopted a cleaner look with contemporary textures and ambient lighting. The RX 350h Luxury offered Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance had a black interior with artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim. Lexus had not announced prices for the 2023 RX models, but estimates suggested the RX 350h Luxury would be just over $60,000, and the RX 500h F Sport Performance would approach $70,000.

The 2022 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The engine drove the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission, with an option for 4WD. Fuel economy ranged from 17 to 19 mpg in combined driving, and the Expedition could tow between 9,000 and 9,300 pounds. The test vehicle achieved an observed fuel economy of 16.2 mpg. The Expedition's driving dynamics were enhanced by the Stealth Edition Package's sport-tuned suspension, though the ride quality was sometimes harsh due to the 22-inch wheels and 285/45 tires. Despite its size, the Expedition was easy to park, thanks to excellent visibility and parking sensors. On the highway, it excelled in comfort and quietness, making it ideal for long road trips.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid offered two distinct powertrains. The RX 350h featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a hybrid system, producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque, and achieving an estimated 36 mpg in combined driving. It accelerated to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a hybrid system, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, reaching 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. It was expected to achieve 27 mpg in combined driving but averaged 20.9 mpg during testing. The RX 500h's adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering system provided excellent handling and driving enjoyment. The RX 350h, with its lower center of gravity and electric motor torque, offered a secure and comfortable ride, achieving 32 mpg during testing.

The 2022 Ford Expedition excelled in interior space and comfort, with power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and comfort, while the third-row seat offered good leg support and a power recline function. Cargo space behind the third row measured 19.3 cubic feet, expandable to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded. The Expedition Max variant offered even more cargo space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row and 121.5 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid provided a comfortable and luxurious interior, with the RX 350h Luxury featuring ten-way power-adjustable front seats, premium leather, and three-zone automatic climate control. The RX 500h F Sport Performance had eight-way power-adjustable front seats with larger side bolsters and standard-grade leather. The rear seats offered excellent leg support and legroom, though headroom was tight. Cargo space was improved, with 29.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 46.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded, matching the standard RX 350.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured the next-generation Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, with a 12-inch or optional 15.5-inch touchscreen display. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect, and a connected navigation system. Sync 4A offered an upgraded voice-recognition system and an adaptive dashcard user interface. The test vehicle's 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system had some high-volume fidelity issues. The Expedition also offered a dual-touchscreen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV and Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, the Lexus Interface, with connected services plans available after trial subscriptions. The system included a cloud-based navigation system, Intelligent Assistant, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The touchscreen's size was appreciated, but it only displayed one menu at a time, and reflections were an issue. The available head-up display had dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, which were problematic for drivers wearing polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Ford Expedition came with Ford Co-Pilot360 safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and intersection assist. The Co-Pilot Assist 2.0 package, available on higher trims, included a surround-view camera system and rear automatic emergency braking. The Expedition also offered BlueCruise hands-free driving technology, though the lane-centering assist had some issues with accuracy and reliability.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring a motorcycle detection system, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist was also available, maintaining a safe following distance and recharging the battery through regenerative braking. The front cross-traffic alert system and curve-speed reduction tech had some limitations, and the driver monitoring system could be obstructed by certain driving positions. Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park were available but not tested.