2022 Lexus GX vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a range of eight models, priced between $33,745 and $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, and for 2022, the new ST-Line added a sporty look to the popular XLT version. The test vehicle, an Explorer King Ranch, featured 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing the MSRP to $59,880, including the destination charge. Despite its King Ranch emblems, shiny 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, the top-trim Explorer didn't visually stand out much from other models. However, its 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 featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating with lasso-perforated inserts and King Ranch branding. The cabin exhibited a mix of quality and questionable materials, mostly looking and feeling worthy of its near $60,000 price point.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition, evaluated for this review, was available in Black Onyx, Starfire Pearl, or Nori Green Pearl. The Black Line treatment eradicated almost all chrome from the GX’s exterior, transforming it into a rolling black hole. However, it took less than 24 hours for a windy afternoon to coat the Lexus with a layer of brown dust, making it look drab and old. Every new Lexus GX model looked old, with the second-generation edition easily confused for a first-generation 2002 GX 470. Inside, the cabin's quality was undeniable, with everything crafted with care and featuring the smooth, silky refinement for which Lexus is legendary. The 2022 Lexus GX 460 was available in Standard, Premium, and Luxury trims, with prices ranging from $56,700 to $66,210, including destination charges. The Black Line Special Edition, based on the GX 460 Premium, started at $60,535.

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 and RWD, with 4WD available. This engine provided up to 24 mpg in combined driving and a maximum towing capacity of 5,300 pounds. An efficient hybrid drivetrain, based on a 3.3-liter V6 engine, was available for the Limited and Platinum trims, making a combined 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs, and returning up to 27 mpg in combined driving. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard with ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, generated 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic, RWD or 4WD, and could tow up to 5,600 lbs, with a maximum gas mileage of 21 mpg in combined driving. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg on the testing loop. The Explorer felt robust and athletic, with a comfortable ride and capable off-road performance, especially in the Timberline models with almost 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460, with a base curb weight of 5,126 pounds, featured a 4.6-liter V8 engine making 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. This powertrain, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a full-time 4WD system with a limited-slip differential and electronic differential lock, provided a maximum towing capacity of 6,500 pounds. The GX’s drag coefficient of 0.35, combined with the V8 engine, always-on 4WD system, and ponderous curb weight, resulted in an EPA fuel economy estimate of 16 mpg in combined driving. The test vehicle returned 16.8 mpg on the testing loop. The GX’s standard Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System (KDSS) maximized wheel articulation off-road while alleviating excessive body motions, making the GX stable and secure. Despite its age, the GX remained agreeable to drive, with refined ride and handling on pavement and capable off-road performance. However, the slow, heavy steering and touchy brake pedal were less appealing.

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. However, the third-row seat was useful only for children due to the rear-drive platform, low rear roofline, and tapered tail. The King Ranch model 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, suitable for long-distance driving, while the second-row seats were nearly as accommodating. The third-row seat was difficult for adults to access and lacked legroom. Practical storage space within the cabin could be better, with missed opportunities for additional storage. The King Ranch test vehicle had a hands-free power liftgate, revealing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, 47.9 cubic feet with the third-row seats folded down, and a maximum of 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows of seats folded down.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position from a 10-way power-adjustable seat with clear outward visibility. The GX’s tall height, narrow width, and short length made it easy to maneuver in various situations. The test vehicle’s seats were comfortable, with interior padding in appropriate places. The Black Line Special Edition featured NuLuxe upholstery, black ash wood trim, a black headliner, heated and ventilated front seats, heated back seats, and triple-zone automatic climate control. However, entering the rear seat was tricky due to narrow back door openings. The third-row seat was challenging to access and inhospitable for adults, with limited rear crush space. The third-row seat also eliminated cargo space and forced a higher load floor when stowed. The GX used a heavy tailgate that swung open to the side, making loading difficult in tight spaces. Lexus claimed 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, 46.7 cubic feet with the third-row seat folded down, and 64.7 cubic feet with the second-row seat folded down.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system: an 8-inch touchscreen and a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen looked like an afterthought. The test vehicle had Sync 3 technology, including FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Ford+Alexa functionality, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and a navigation system. The King Ranch also featured wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium sound system. However, the Sync 3 system had limitations, such as poor voice recognition and difficulty finding destinations. The King Ranch also included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0, which could autonomously park the Explorer. An available rear-seat entertainment system came with dual rear touchscreen displays.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, eliminating the need for the old Remote Touch Interface touchpad. The infotainment system included standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, navigation, a CD player, a Lexus app, and Lexus Enform connected services with a WiFi hotspot. A 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium surround-sound audio system was available but not installed in the test vehicle. The stereo controls were oddly placed below the off-roading controls, making them harder to use. The infotainment display offered a dual-screen view, and the voice recognition technology was excellent. For 2022, Lexus made its Intuitive Parking Assist technology standard, with front and rear parking sensors, and offered surround-view and terrain-view cameras.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for all versions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) had not published complete crash-test ratings for the 2022 Explorer, but the 2021 model earned five-star ratings except for rollover resistance, which received a four-star rating. The Explorer came 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. The Explorer also had a post-collision braking system and MyKey programmable vehicle functions. The Co-Pilot360 and Co-Pilot360 Assist+ systems operated smoothly and accurately, with minor issues such as a lack of steering wheel sensitivity and occasional over-braking in moderate traffic.

The 2022 Lexus GX, structurally a teenager, lacked crash-test ratings. The GX came with Lexus Safety System+, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. It also had blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safety Connect services with automatic collision notification and emergency calling, complimentary for three years. However, the GX lacked some modern safety technologies available in competitors, such as lane-keeping assist, lane-centering assist, and semi-autonomous driving systems. The absence of these technologies might appeal to some buyers, while others might find it a drawback.