2023 Ford Escape vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX presented a commanding visual presence with its large spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance, standing tall at 74.2 inches. Its front end appeared ready to dominate the road, with massive headlights framing its distinctive face. The GX Black Line Special Edition returned for 2023, limited to 3,000 units and available in three paint colors, including the new Eminent White Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design seemed more suited for off-road adventures, with a short 109.8-inch wheelbase and minimal overhangs. The interior, however, was a mix of luxury and practicality, with some plastic materials betraying its high price tag, though it still offered features like heated and cooled front seats and impressive leather upholstery.

In contrast, the 2023 Ford Escape embraced a more European design language, moving away from the rugged, boxy aesthetic of its predecessors. The 2023 refresh introduced a more traditional front end with a stylish LED light bar and the Ford blue oval logo. The Escape offered a range of trim levels, with the ST-Line Elite showcasing 19-inch wheels and a sleek design. Inside, the Escape featured diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt hard and plasticky. The seats were comfortable, and the 10-way power adjustable driver's seat made long drives enjoyable. Despite a sea of plastic, the Escape's interior was well-organized, with a textured center console and well-weighted steering inputs.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its V8 engine, delivering 301 horsepower and 329 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. While not the most powerful on paper, the naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 provided a satisfying sound and linear power delivery. The GX boasted a 6,500-pound towing capacity, but its fuel economy was less impressive, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's weight contributed to its predictable and controllable roll through corners, and its driving dynamics were continually improved by Lexus. The Torsen torque-sensing limited-slip differential and standard four-wheel drive system enhanced its off-road capabilities.

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, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The ST-Line Select, Platinum, and ST-Line Elite trims featured a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. While not a performance crossover, the Escape's suspension was soft and compliant, providing a comfortable ride. The brakes offered predictable stopping power, and the steering inputs were well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness found in some competitors.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin and convenient cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, featuring only USB-A ports. The GX retained physical controls, which were a blessing for those who preferred hard buttons over touchscreens. The second row was comfortable, with captain's chairs and good legroom, but the third row was too tight for regular use. The side-hinged trunk door was not power-operated, and the cargo space was limited, with only 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with both rows folded.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided comfortable seating and excellent ergonomics, with well-positioned armrests and convenient cupholders. The head-up display was easy to adjust for different drivers. While the Escape's cargo space was not class-leading, it offered 37.5 cubic feet behind the second row and 65.4 cubic feet with the second row folded. Passenger space was slightly less than some competitors, but the back seat's headroom and padded front-seat backs helped maximize space for taller passengers.

The 2023 Lexus GX featured a 10.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. However, the system felt dated compared to other Lexus models, with lagging graphics. The GX included a CD player and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson premium stereo. Its off-road capabilities were enhanced by a real 4WD system, downhill assist, hill-start assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). The Off-Road Package added features like a multi-terrain monitor and crawl control.

The 2023 Ford Escape impressed with its Sync 4 technology, featuring an 8-inch or optional 13.2-inch touchscreen. The larger screen upgraded the cabin's look, and Sync 4 was well-organized, with easy navigation between applications. While the system was occasionally slow to respond, its feature set and layout were impressive. The Escape's tech offerings included Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and a static "Home" button for easy access to the information hub.

The 2023 Lexus GX had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS, but it included advanced driver assistance systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, parking assist, and automatic high beams. Despite its older design, the GX's safety features were relatively modern.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in frontal and side-crash tests. However, it did not earn a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS due to a Marginal score in the updated side-impact test. The Escape came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The optional Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology.