2024 Ford Escape vs 2023 Lexus GX

The 2023 Lexus GX, with its imposing spindle grille and 8.1 inches of ground clearance, presented a commanding presence on the road. Its front end, accentuated by massive headlights, seemed ready to conquer any path. The GX Black Line Special Edition, limited to 3,000 units, added exclusivity with its unique color options, including the new Eminent White Pearl and Nori Green Pearl. Despite its luxury badge, the GX's design leaned towards a sleeker aesthetic compared to Toyota's blocky designs, making it easier to navigate technical terrains. However, the interior's excessive plastic detracted from its luxury appeal, though features like heated and cooled seats and impressive leather upholstery added some comfort.

In contrast, the 2024 Ford Escape underwent a significant facelift in 2023, which carried over into the 2024 model, giving it a more aggressive front-end look. The rest of the SUV maintained a soft, generic appeal. Offered in various trims, including the sporty ST-Line Elite, the Escape's interior featured diamond-stitched leather and advanced technology. However, the glossy surfaces and stiff upholstery raised questions about its premium pricing. Despite these drawbacks, the Escape's updates made it more appealing, though rumors of its potential discontinuation loomed.

The 2023 Lexus GX was defined by its 4.6-liter 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 V8 provided a satisfying linear power delivery and a distinctive sound. However, its fuel economy was a downside, with EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 16 combined. The GX's 6,500-pound towing capacity was respectable, but it lagged behind other SUVs. Despite its weight, the GX offered predictable handling, with strong brakes and a Torsen limited-slip differential enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite offered a choice between a 192-horsepower hybrid powertrain and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Our test vehicle featured the turbo engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. While the turbo engine provided quick acceleration, the Escape's driving dynamics didn't fully match its sporty appearance. The ride was soft, and the steering felt sluggish. The Escape's towing capacity reached 3,500 pounds, and its fuel economy averaged 24.1 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA rating of 26 mpg.

The 2023 Lexus GX offered ample cubby space, with a deep center console bin and convenient cupholders. However, it lacked modern USB-C ports, sticking with older USB-A ports. The GX's physical controls, with numerous hard buttons, were a blessing for those who preferred tactile interfaces. The second row provided comfort, but the third row was cramped, suitable only for emergencies. The side-hinged trunk door posed challenges, and cargo space was limited, with just 11.6 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 64.7 cubic feet with all seats folded.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line featured a black interior with cloth inserts and artificial leather bolsters, accented by red stitching. While leather was optional, it wasn't recommended due to its uncomfortable feel. The Escape's front seats were spacious and supportive, with a height-adjustable passenger seat. Rear passengers had less storage, but cargo volume was generous, offering 37.5 cubic feet behind the back seat and 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The test vehicle included ambient lighting, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats, enhancing comfort.

The 2023 Lexus GX's infotainment system, updated in 2022, already felt dated. The 10.3-inch touchscreen was an improvement, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. However, the graphics lagged behind newer Lexus models. The GX excelled in off-road technology, featuring a real 4WD system, downhill assist, and the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS). The Off-Road Package added further capabilities, making the GX a formidable off-road vehicle.

The 2024 Ford Escape boasted a 13.2-inch Sync 4 infotainment system with a landscape format, offering an intuitive layout. However, the color theme appeared washed out, and the climate controls were integrated into the screen, which was less than ideal. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system, though the speakers were damaged during testing. The Escape also featured a head-up display and Active Park Assist 2.0, enhancing convenience and safety.

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

The 2024 Ford Escape came with Ford Co-Pilot360, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. The Escape received favorable crash-test ratings from NHTSA, with five-star ratings across the board, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. However, the lane-keeping systems displayed inconsistent behavior during testing.