2023 Lexus RX Hybrid vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered a diverse lineup with eight models, ranging from $33,745 to $54,495, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. The Explorer King Ranch, our test vehicle, featured 4WD, Rapid Red paint, a Premium Technology package, and a twin-panel sunroof, bringing its MSRP to $59,880. Despite its King Ranch emblems and shiny 20-inch wheels, the top-trim Explorer didn't visually stand out much from other models. Its rear-drive platform allowed for a long hood and athletic appearance, while the interior boasted exclusive Del Rio leather seating with King Ranch branding. However, the cabin exhibited a mix of quality materials, occasionally reminding occupants of the Explorer's base trim.

In contrast, the 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, specifically the RX 350h and RX 500h F Sport Performance, presented a more modern and minimalistic design. The RX 350h Luxury test vehicle, with its Macadamia semi-aniline leather and Ash Bamboo wood trim, exuded luxury. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with its Copper paint and blacked-out grille, offered a sportier look. Inside, it featured artificial suede and dark gray aluminum trim. The RX's new design, with a lower roofline and stretched wheelbase, made it appear smaller than its predecessor. The RX 350h Luxury was expected to be priced just over $60,000, while the RX 500h F Sport Performance approached $70,000.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains. The base models came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It provided up to 24 mpg in combined driving and a towing capacity of 5,300 pounds. The hybrid drivetrain, available for the Limited trim, combined a 3.3-liter V6 engine with an electric motor, delivering 318 hp and 322 lb-ft of torque, achieving 27 mpg, and towing up to 5,000 lbs. The twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, standard on ST, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, generated 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 5,600 lbs and 21 mpg in combined driving. The King Ranch 4WD test vehicle averaged 20.6 mpg, offering robust off-road capabilities and a satisfying driving experience.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a more efficient RX 350h, expected to average 36 mpg in combined driving, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 246 hp and 233 lb-ft of torque. The RX 500h F Sport Performance, with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, delivered 366 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, achieving 27 mpg. It featured an adaptive damping suspension and Dynamic Rear Steering system, enhancing its athleticism. The RX 500h accelerated to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, while the RX 350h reached the same speed in 7.4 seconds. The RX 350h averaged 32 mpg, offering a quieter cabin and better gas mileage compared to the RX 500h.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families of four, with the King Ranch model featuring triple-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and massaging front seats. However, the third-row seat was only suitable for children due to limited legroom. The Explorer offered 18.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 87.8 cubic feet with all seats folded. Practical storage space was limited, with a lack of pockets and shelves.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid, particularly the RX 350h Luxury, offered 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 seats with larger bolsters. The RX's battery placement under the rear seat provided excellent leg support but limited headroom. The RX offered 29.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, expanding to 46.2 cubic feet with the back seat folded, a significant improvement over the previous model.

The 2022 Ford Explorer featured the Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The system included FordPass Connect, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 14-speaker Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the voice recognition system was outdated, struggling with navigation and music requests. The King Ranch model also included a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation display and Active Park Assist 2.0.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid introduced a new infotainment system, requiring subscription services for full functionality. The Lexus Interface offered cloud-based navigation, an Intelligent Assistant, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system had some limitations, such as single-screen menu viewing and screen reflections. The RX also featured a head-up display with dual-function touch-sensing control pads on the steering wheel, though these were challenging to use with polarized sunglasses.

The 2022 Ford Explorer earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS, with standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control and evasive steering assist. The Explorer's safety systems operated smoothly, though the steering wheel sensitivity could be improved.

The 2023 Lexus RX Hybrid came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Proactive Driving Assist maintained safe distances and recharged the battery through regenerative braking. The RX also offered Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park, though these features were not tested. Some safety features, like the front cross-traffic alert and curve-speed reduction, had limitations.