2022 Ford Explorer vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a wide range of models, from the base version priced at $33,745 to the top-tier King Ranch at $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The lineup expanded with the rugged Timberline and luxurious King Ranch trims, and the new ST-Line added a sporty look to the popular XLT version. The King Ranch model, with its 4WD, Rapid Red paint, Premium Technology package, and twin-panel sunroof, had an MSRP of $59,880. Despite its King Ranch emblems, shiny 20-inch wheels, and quad exhaust outlets, it didn't visually stand out much from other trims. However, its rear-drive platform allowed for a long, tall hood 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, but the mix of quality and questionable materials was noticeable.

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its massive spindle grille, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, and 74.2-inch height, had a commanding presence. The Black Line Special Edition returned with only 3,000 units available in three paint colors, including the new Eminent White Pearl. Despite its short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs, the GX looked engineered for off-road adventures. Its flared fenders added to its chunky motif, but it leaned sleeker compared to Toyota's blocky designs. The interior, however, was disappointing with its plastic materials, which didn't match its luxury badge and price tag. Despite this, it had luxury touches like heated and cooled front seats, a power-retracting steering wheel, and impressive leather upholstery.

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 and RWD, with 4WD available. This engine had a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds and provided up to 24 mpg in combined driving. The hybrid drivetrain, available for the Limited and Platinum trims, combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine to produce 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, towing up to 5,000 lbs and returning up to 27 mpg. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on the ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, generated 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,600 lbs and a maximum gas mileage of 21 mpg. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg. The Explorer's ride felt robust and capable, even off-road, with the King Ranch model handling moderately challenging terrain despite its 7.9 inches of ground clearance. The sport-tuned Explorer ST offered a more engaging driving experience with its High-Performance option package.

The 2023 Lexus GX's defining feature was its 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Despite not winning many battles on paper, the V8 provided a satisfying sound and power delivery. The GX had a towing capacity of 6,500 pounds but lagged behind other SUVs in fuel economy, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight made it roll through corners, but the roll felt predictable and controllable. The brakes were strong and solid, capable of handling the GX's weight. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential distributed the 4WD system into a 40:60 front:rear split, adjusting based on wheel slip, making it user-friendly in various conditions. The GX's driving dynamics had improved over the years, with communicative road feel and strong brakes.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided 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 only suitable for children due to the rear-drive platform, low rear roofline, and tapered tail. The King Ranch model had 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 within the cabin was limited, with missed opportunities for additional storage. The King Ranch had a hands-free power liftgate, revealing 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seat, expandable to 47.9 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 87.8 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The 2023 Lexus GX retained plenty of cubby space for small items, with a deep center console bin, a handy space ahead of the shifter for a phone, and conveniently placed cupholders. However, the GX lacked USB-C ports, having only USB-A ports. The physical controls were a blessing, with hard buttons instead of haptic-touch interfaces, though there were many buttons to get used to. The center console lid had sliding mechanisms for adjustable armrests, and the second row was comfortable with captain’s chairs or a three-across bench seat. The third row was too tight for regular use, even for children, making the GX more of a two-row SUV with extra seats for emergencies. The side-hinged trunk door was not power-operated and required muscle to open, revealing only 11.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. With the third row folded, the GX offered 46.7 cubic feet, and with both rows folded, 64.7 cubic feet, less than a Toyota RAV4.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured two versions of its Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen or a 10.1-inch touchscreen. The smaller screen was well integrated, while the larger screen looked like an afterthought. The King Ranch model had the full menu of 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. It also had wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera system, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen premium sound system. However, the Sync 3 system lagged behind the newer Sync 4 technology, with issues in voice recognition and operating features using spoken commands. The King Ranch also had a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0, with an available rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2023 Lexus GX had a 10.3-inch touchscreen, an improvement over the old system, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integrations. The Lexus Remote Touch Interface was still present but unnecessary due to the improved touchscreen. The GX included three years of Lexus Enform Remote and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo with a CD player. However, the touchscreen lagged, and the graphics were not as crisp as in competing models. The GX excelled in off-road capability, with a real 4WD system, a two-speed transfer case, low range, and a locking center differential. It also had downhill assist, hill-start assist, traction control, and stability control. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System leveled the vehicle in on- and off-road driving, and the Off-Road Package added a multi-terrain monitor, transmission cooler, fuel-tank protection, crawl control, and a multi-terrain select system.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS for all versions. The NHTSA had not published complete crash-test ratings for the 2022 model, but the previous year’s model earned five-star ratings except for rollover resistance, which received four stars. 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. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package 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, though the steering wheel sensitivity to the driver’s hands was an issue.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it was originally engineered for the 2010 model year. Despite this, it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. The GX lacked some top-end features like lane-tracing assist and road-sign recognition, but its safety features were significantly newer than its body.