2022 Lexus GX vs 2023 Ford Escape

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 Black Line Special Edition was a striking vehicle, especially in its Black Onyx color, which eliminated almost all chrome from its exterior. This gave the SUV a bold, monochromatic appearance that some might find appealing despite its tendency to quickly gather dust and look worn. The GX's design was reminiscent of its predecessors, with a tall and narrow build that seemed outdated, even with modern touches like the signature Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. Inside, the cabin was crafted with the high-quality materials Lexus is known for, offering a quiet and refined environment, though the overall design felt somewhat antiquated.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape embraced a more modern and European design language, moving away from the blocky aesthetics of its earlier generations. The refreshed front end featured a traditional grille with the Ford logo and a stylish LED light bar, giving it a more upscale appearance. The ST-Line Elite trim we tested sported 19-inch wheels and body-color accents, enhancing its sleek look. Inside, the Escape's diamond-stitched leather upholstery looked premium, though it felt somewhat hard. The interior was comfortable, with well-padded seats and a thoughtfully arranged cabin, making it a pleasant vehicle for long drives.

The 2022 Lexus GX 460 was powered by a 4.6-liter V8 engine, producing 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque. Despite its hefty curb weight of 5,126 pounds, the GX managed a 0-60 mph time of 7.8 seconds, aided by its torque and a six-speed automatic transmission paired with a full-time 4WD system. The GX's off-road capabilities were enhanced by the Kinetic Dynamics Suspension System, which improved stability and wheel articulation. However, its fuel economy was a downside, with an EPA estimate of 16 mpg in combined driving. The GX's steering was slow and heavy, and the brake pedal was touchy, making it less enjoyable in urban settings.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered multiple powertrain options, including a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 199 pound-feet of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The latter, available on higher trims like the ST-Line Elite, provided better acceleration and passing power. The Escape's suspension was soft and compliant, making it comfortable on rough roads, though it lacked the precision of a performance crossover. The brakes were predictable and linear, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness found in some competitors.

The 2022 Lexus GX offered an elevated driving position with a 10-way power-adjustable seat, providing good visibility. Its tall, narrow, and short design made it maneuverable, but the steering required extra effort. The interior featured comfortable seats and physical controls, though some were awkwardly placed. The Black Line Special Edition included NuLuxe upholstery and black ash wood trim. The rear seats were spacious, but the third row was cramped and difficult to access, reducing cargo space. The side-swinging tailgate was cumbersome, and the cargo capacity was limited to 64.7 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided a comfortable and ergonomic interior, with well-positioned armrests and a head-up display. Its cargo space was competitive, offering 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with it folded, though it fell short of some rivals. Passenger space was adequate, with good headroom and padded front-seat backs for rear passengers. The Escape's interior was practical for daily use, though it might feel tight during larger moves.

The 2022 Lexus GX featured a new 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, replacing the outdated Remote Touch Interface. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and navigation, along with a CD player and Lexus Enform connected services. The system offered a dual-screen view and excellent voice recognition. However, the placement of stereo controls was awkward, and some advanced features were missing.

The 2023 Ford Escape impressed with its Sync 4 system, available with an 8-inch or 13.2-inch touchscreen. The larger screen enhanced the cabin's look and offered easy navigation between features like Android Auto and native navigation. While Sync 4 was slightly slow to respond, its layout and functionality were commendable, making it user-friendly and attractive.

The 2022 Lexus GX lacked crash-test ratings but included Lexus Safety System+ with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. However, it missed some advanced safety technologies found in competitors, which might appeal to those preferring fewer driving aids.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though it scored Marginal in the IIHS side-impact test. It came standard with Co-Pilot360, offering features like forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The optional Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology, enhancing its safety credentials.