Ford Expedition vs Lexus GX

The 2025 Ford Expedition was a testament to the form-over-function design ethos, reminiscent of a modern school bus but with a more attractive aesthetic. Its slab sides and rectilinear silhouette ensured ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room, making it clear that this vehicle was designed for transporting people comfortably. Despite its utilitarian design, Ford's designers incorporated stylish elements such as horseshoe-shaped daytime running lights framing a bold grille, integrated headlights, and off-roading lamps on the Tremor trim. The Expedition's profile was simple, with a distinct character line running from the headlights to the taillights, and a range of wheel designs and sizes available. The rear featured a new split-gate tailgate, offering practical benefits like preventing luggage spillage and providing a convenient resting spot.

The 2026 Lexus GX, particularly in the Overtrail trim, exuded a rugged and outdoorsy appearance with its Nori Green Pearl color, gray wheel arch cladding, simulated skid plates, and knobby all-terrain tires. Inside, the Overtrail model featured a utilitarian yet quality cabin with tan artificial leather, black bolsters, and olive-green simulated suede trim. The GX's design was boxy but stylish, with a distinctive Lexus grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and tall windows for enhanced visibility. The rear liftgate had a simple horizontal taillight design, recessed above a substantial rear bumper. The GX's interior emphasized utility with industrial design themes, while still offering advanced digital driver and touchscreen infotainment displays.

The 2025 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque in its standard form. The Tremor trim featured a high-output version of this engine, boosting power to 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Despite its 5,794-pound curb weight, the Expedition's powertrain excelled on highways, providing a comfortable and quiet ride. The ten-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth shifts, and the multi-link rear suspension handled rough terrain with ease. The Tremor trim offered enhanced off-road capabilities with increased ground clearance, 33-inch all-terrain tires, skid plates, and an electronic locking rear axle. However, the Expedition's fuel economy was a downside, with 4WD models rated at 15/22/18 mpg.

The 2026 Lexus GX 550 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, producing 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission, full-time 4WD, and a locking center differential. The Overtrail trim added an electronic locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select off-road settings, and a low-speed cruise control system. The adaptive variable suspension and Electronic Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (E-KDSS) enhanced off-road performance. The GX's on-road performance was also commendable, with a 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds. However, its fuel economy was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg combined.

The 2025 Ford Expedition excelled in towing capacity, with a maximum of 9,600 pounds, surpassing the Chevrolet Tahoe. Inside, it offered ample cargo space, with 21.6 cubic feet behind the third row in the standard model, expanding to 36.1 cubic feet in the Expedition Max. With all rear seats down, the Expedition provided up to 123.1 cubic feet of cargo space. The interior featured a minimalist design with touch-sensitive trackpads and a touchscreen for climate controls. However, some may find the lack of physical buttons less intuitive.

The 2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail offered comfortable power-adjustable front seats with NuLuxe artificial leather upholstery. The Luxury trim added massaging front seats and optional heated second-row captain's chairs. The Overtrail model lacked a third-row seat, providing 45.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and a maximum of 90.5 cubic feet. The interior had a utilitarian look, with limited storage space and a high load height. Wireless smartphone charging was an optional feature.

The 2025 Ford Expedition featured a groundbreaking 24-inch driver information display, offering a Google Maps projection and a selectable widget. The 13.2-inch touchscreen display used a Google-based operating system, requiring an active cellular data plan for full functionality. The Ford Connectivity Package provided access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play store, with a complimentary one-year subscription.

The 2026 Lexus GX came with a 12.3-inch digital driver display, offering data panels for off-roading and trailering information. The 14-inch touchscreen housed the Lexus Interface infotainment system, which was simple to use but had limited menu display options. The Lexus Interface included complimentary trial subscriptions to connected services plans, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features. The GX also had a panoramic-view monitor and a multi-terrain monitor for off-road assistance.

The 2025 Ford Expedition had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, and the IIHS ratings were based on a previous-generation model. However, it came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts. BlueCruise 1.4 was available on select trims, offering hands-free driving capabilities.

The 2026 Lexus GX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 package, including high-beam assist, adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. Additional safety features included blind-spot monitors, rear cross-traffic alert, and front and rear parking sensors. Traffic Jam Assist was available with an active Drive Connect plan. The GX had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.