Ford Escape vs Lexus GX

There was no mistaking a 2024 Lexus GX 550 for its predecessor, the 2023 Lexus GX 470. The newer model showcased a dramatic shift towards geometric styling from headlight to taillight, moving away from the softer, rounded corners that characterized the earlier version. While the brand retained its trademark "spindle" grille, it was noticeably less pronounced in this generation. Flanking the grille were standard triple-beam LED headlights, positioned at the squared-off upper edge of the GX’s front fascia. The front end itself stood much more vertically than in the second-generation GX, providing a sturdier and more aggressive look. The hood, otherwise flat, rose on both the left and right sides, each hump conveniently aligning above the front wheels—a design choice aimed to aid drivers in maintaining their positional awareness during off-road driving.

Alongside the vehicle, the 2024 GX appeared as though it had been carved from a solid block of metal. Character lines remained minimal and largely horizontal, reinforcing the GX's robust profile. The window beltline was set low to enhance visibility—a significant advantage when navigating rugged terrain. A distinct design feature was the lower edge of the window frame kicking up just ahead of the C-pillar before resuming its horizontal trajectory to the vehicle's rear. Standard running boards rounded out the bottom edge, while powered units were available in the Luxury+ trim.

Lexus offered the 2024 GX in six distinct trim levels: Premium, Premium+, Luxury, Luxury+, Overtrail, and Overtrail+. Highlight trims, such as the GX Luxury+ and Overtrail+, showcased the SUV's best attributes. Luxury models were kitted out with 22-inch wheels, illuminated doorsills, and ambient interior lighting. The Overtrail trims, focused on off-roading, came with 18-inch wheels to allow for the more substantial sidewalls on 33-inch all-terrain tires and featured eco-friendly Nuluxe leatherette upholstery for durability over the semi-aniline leather found in the Luxury trims. Additionally, the Overtrail models boasted serious off-roading hardware beneath their sheet metal.

Internally, all GX models combined luxury appointments such as standard heated and ventilated front seats with utilitarian materials. Dashboard controls were more robust than those typically found in Lexus vehicles, and the dashboard itself sat flat and upright, eschewing a driver-focused tilt. A prominent centerpiece was the 14-inch touchscreen display, complemented by physical controls for crucial off-road features and rotary knobs for climate control and stereo volume.

The third-generation GX, while perhaps less luxurious than a Land Rover Defender or a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, managed to project a premium SUV feel alongside its preparedness for enduring rugged usage.

Ford breathed new life into the Escape in 2023 and carried those changes into the 2024 model. The compact crossover received a refreshed front end, new wheel designs, an updated trim lineup, and next-generation technology enhancements for infotainment and safety.

Gone was the Escape’s wide-eyed, toothless front end, replaced with a more aggressive look. Yet, the rest of the SUV retained a soft, generically appealing appearance that carried over from previous generations.

The 2024 Escape was available in Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, ST-Line Elite, Platinum, and Plug-in Hybrid trim levels. Notably, Ford had dropped the Base trim, with prices ranging from $29,345 to $40,500, excluding a $1,495 destination charge.

The ST-Line Elite test vehicle came dressed in Rapid Red paint with black 19-inch wheels, a Premium Technology Package, and a Panoramic Vista Roof, totaling $43,650, destination charge included.

Inside, the Escape ST-Line Elite featured diamond-stitched, perforated leather seats surrounded by an array of tech upgrades. At first glance, the interior looked upscale. However, the excessively glossy surfaces and stiff, dry upholstery quickly raised doubts about its value at that price point. Although these issues were minor, they were made more noticeable by the significant cost and dampened the perceived luxury of the ST-Line Elite.

The 2024 Lexus GX stepped away from its traditional naturally aspirated V8 engine, replacing it with a more advanced twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6. Though down two cylinders, this new engine achieved significantly better performance, generating 349 horsepower and a whopping 479 pound-feet of torque. The impressive torque kicked in early, making the GX adept at clearing obstacles during off-road excursions with just a tap of the accelerator.

Built on the robust GA-F truck platform, shared with various Toyota and Lexus models like the J300 Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus LX, Toyota Tundra, and the 2023 Toyota Tacoma, the 2024 GX exhibited enhanced stability both on-road and off-road. The stiffer chassis contributed greatly to this stability, especially during cornering and rough terrain traversal.

The GX was equipped with a confident 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike its use in the Tundra, in the GX, it operated assertively without frequent gear hunting. Standard full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) with a locking Torsen limited-slip center differential ensured that every GX came with both low- and high-range 4WD capabilities. The Overtrail trims took things further, adding a locking rear differential to balance engine power distribution between the rear wheels equally.

Further enhancing its off-road prowess, the GX Overtrail trims featured Lexus’s Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS), which balanced on-road and off-road performance by locking and unlocking the front and rear stabilizer bars as needed. This technology increased wheel articulation, helping ensure all four wheels maintained contact with the ground over obstacles.

During test drives, the GX demonstrated strong acceleration both from a standstill and at highway speeds, with brakes performing effectively under favorable conditions. However, weighing over 5,000 pounds, the GX required cautious braking on long descents under hot conditions to prevent brake fade.

Surprisingly composed on-road, the new GX exhibited minimal body roll through twists and turns, a marked improvement over the older model. This control was notable given the GX’s off-road capabilities.

Our off-road testing was curtailed due to washed-out conditions after heavy rainfall, and although this limited our ability to fully assess the GX’s traction management, crawl-control, and descent-control systems, the available testing still affirmed the vehicle’s off-road readiness.

When evaluating the 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite, buyers had a choice between a 192-horsepower hybrid powertrain estimated to achieve 39 mpg in combined driving, or a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, achieving an average of 26 mpg in combined driving.

The test model featured the turbo engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The AWD system included a driveline disconnect feature to enhance fuel economy, with selectable driving modes including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Slippery. Notably, there was no Off-Road mode. With the turbo engine, the 2024 Escape could tow up to 3,500 pounds.

While the ST-Line variants aimed to present a sporty appeal, this seemed largely limited to aesthetics. Although the turbocharged engine provided quick acceleration, the overall driving dynamics did not fully embody the sportiness suggested by the ST badge.

The ST-Line’s ride was soft and compliant, and while handling felt nimble in everyday scenarios, the suspension allowed excessive body motion most of the time. The brake pedal proved responsive and easy to modulate, but the steering felt sluggish and numb.

For general commuting, family duties, and errands, the Escape ST-Line's sporty appearance and comfortable driving dynamics were adequate. However, for those seeking a more engaging driving experience, the ST-Line missed the mark.

Given this discrepancy, opting for the hybrid powertrain or a lower-tier Escape with the 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine seemed a more practical and satisfying choice. The hybrid, while offering lower acceleration than the turbocharged 2.0-liter, promised better fuel efficiency in the long run. The lower trims provided competitive performance within the segment without the noticeable gap between power and practical driving satisfaction.

During testing, the turbocharged ST-Line Elite averaged 24.1 mpg, below the official EPA rating of 26 mpg.

The 2024 GX’s interior saw a marked departure from its predecessor with a more minimalist and sophisticated design language. While physical buttons were reduced, vital controls like rotary knobs for climate control and buttons for off-road features retained prominence.

In terms of passenger space, the first two rows provided ample room for six-foot-tall adults, with 41.2 inches of legroom in the front and 36.7 inches in the second row. However, the third row, available in Premium and Luxury models, was cramped, suitable only for children due to its misleading 31.7 inches of legroom.

The main competitor, the Land Rover Defender 110, offered slightly less front-row space, marginally more in the second row, and significantly less in the third row with only 20.5 inches of legroom. Additionally, the Defender 110 was about 10 inches shorter in length compared to the GX, making the Defender 130 a better option for those needing more third-row space.

Cargo-wise, the GX excelled with 10.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 40.2 cubic feet with the third row folded, and reaching a total of 76.9 cubic feet. The Overtrail models, sans third row, offered even more space with 45.6 cubic feet behind the second row and an impressive 90.5 cubic feet in total.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line interior, available only in black, featured cloth inserts with artificial leather bolsters and red stitching for a sporty look. While leather was optional in the ST-Line Elite, the perforations and diamond-stitched pattern did not justify the added cost due to their uncomfortable feel.

Our test model included ambient interior lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, a six-way power-adjustable front passenger’s seat, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. However, it lacked ventilated seats, which would have been beneficial during the testing period in a Southern California heatwave.

The front seats were large, soft, and supportive, offering good comfort over time. The rear seat, when slid back, provided adequate comfort, making entry and exit easy across all four doors. Nonetheless, rear passenger storage options were limited compared to the generous storage in the front.

Cargo capacity in the Escape measured 37.5 cubic feet behind the back seat (34.4 cubic feet for the hybrid) and expanded to 65.4 cubic feet with the rear seat folded (60.8 cubic feet for the hybrid). The test vehicle featured deep storage areas at the sides of the cargo load floor and a handy grocery bag hook.

The 2024 Lexus GX featured a stylishly integrated 14-inch touchscreen at the center of the dash, supplemented by USB-C ports and an available wireless charging pad upfront. Overtrail models added standard rear-seat USB-C ports, and non-Overtrail variants had an extra pair beyond that, plus a 120-volt AC electrical outlet in the trunk.

Lexus Interface infotainment system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with Drive Connect and Remote Connect providing intelligent voice assistant features and remote services respectively. These subscription-based services were free for the first three years, with subsequent costs ranging from $15 to $25 monthly.

Standard audio included a 10-speaker system, while Luxury and Overtrail+ trims could upgrade to a 21-speaker Mark Levinson stereo, standard on the Luxury+ trim.

While the Lexus Interface was user-friendly and visually impressive, the costs of long-term subscriptions post the initial trial period could be a potential downside.

The 2024 Ford Escape standard digital instrumentation included an 8-inch display in lower trims, upgrading to a 12.3-inch display in upper trims. Our ST-Line Elite test vehicle featured the larger display with pleasing graphics and ample data, but the standout was its 13.2-inch Sync 4 infotainment system. Although well-organized and intuitive, the display suffered from a washed-out appearance and hard-to-read thin fonts.

The integration of climate controls into a narrow strip at the bottom of the screen was not ideal, and while the voice recognition system was excellent, the display lagged in responsiveness, and the wireless smartphone charger could dangerously overheat devices.

Sync 4's base version included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L, FordPass Connect services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, with the larger screen adding Amazon Alexa and a complimentary three-year navigation subscription. A Bang & Olufsen premium sound system was also available, though the test speakers were damaged, preventing an assessment of sound quality.

The test vehicle also featured an optional head-up display (HUD) projecting data onto a clear plastic screen rising from the dashboard top, a feature included in the Premium Technology Package along with Active Park Assist 2.0.

Active Park Assist 2.0 autonomously maneuvered the Escape into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces and assisted in exiting tight spots, though its practicality was limited in busy streets or crowded lots.

The 2024 Lexus GX showed significant advancements in safety systems. Previous models received mediocre safety ratings from CarGurus experts, with scores of six and four out of ten for 2023 and 2022 respectively. However, the 2024 GX's Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 introduced standard pre-collision detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-tracing assist, lane-departure warning, and road-sign recognition. A proactive driving assist feature also enhanced safety by braking as needed when adaptive cruise control was in use.

While neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA had tested the 2024 GX at the time, the vehicle's modern GA-F architecture and comprehensive ADAS features inspired confidence in its safety capabilities.

The 2024 Ford Escape featured a post-collision automatic braking system and the standard Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driving assistance systems. Safety features included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. Our ST-Line Elite model also came with adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, lane-centering assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

While the safety systems performed well on freeways, offering effective lane-keeping and smooth adaptive cruise control, they were less reliable during testing on city streets. The lane-keeping systems were inconsistent, and the predictive speed assist often slowed the vehicle excessively.

The NHTSA awarded the 2024 Escape favorable ratings, with five stars across the board, except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. The Plug-in Hybrid variant received a four-star rating for driver protection in frontal-impact collisions. The IIHS had not yet rated the 2024 Escape, but the 2023 model earned Good ratings overall, aside from a Marginal score in a new side-impact test.