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 flair. Its slab sides and rectilinear silhouette ensured no compromise on interior space, offering ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room. 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 from 18 to 24 inches. The rear featured a new split-gate tailgate, providing practical benefits like preventing luggage spillage and offering a convenient resting spot when parked. Available in four trim levels—Active, Platinum, Tremor, and King Ranch—the Expedition came in two lengths, with the MAX version offering significantly more cargo space.

In contrast, the 2025 Lexus GX underwent a complete redesign, presenting a striking new look reminiscent of old-school Land Rovers. Its boxy shape, accented by LED headlights and a large grille, exuded a brawny presence. The GX 550 Overtrail+ test vehicle featured 33-inch tires on matte grey 18-inch wheels, a raised ride height, and rock rails, enhancing its rugged appeal. Inside, the GX offered a clean and elegant design with quality switchgear and chic dashboard and door trim. The seats, a mix of stitched black and tan faux leather, provided heating, ventilation, and massaging functions, ensuring comfort for all passengers. The GX's tall windows and elevated ride height contributed to excellent visibility, making it a standout in terms of both style and functionality.

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, however, boasted a high-output version with 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, also available on the Platinum trim. Despite its hefty 5,794-pound curb weight, the Expedition's powertrain excelled on highways, offering a comfortable and quiet ride. The ten-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth shifts, while the multi-link rear suspension handled rough terrain with ease. The Tremor trim, replacing the Timberline, featured increased ground clearance, improved approach and departure angles, and standard 4WD, making it capable of tackling challenging off-road conditions. However, the Expedition's fuel economy was a downside, with 4WD models rated at 15 mpg city, 22 highway, and 18 combined.

The 2025 Lexus GX, equipped with a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine, produced 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD. The GX's performance was impressive, achieving 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds despite its 5,666-pound curb weight. The engine's power delivery was smooth, making highway merges effortless. However, the GX's fuel economy was also lacking, with an EPA rating of 15 mpg city, 21 highway, and 17 combined. The GX excelled in off-road conditions, with features like a locking center differential, adaptive dampers, and downhill assist control, making it a formidable off-road vehicle. The Overtrail+ trim offered additional off-road capabilities, though at a higher price point.

The 2025 Ford Expedition excelled in towing capacity, with a maximum of 9,600 pounds, surpassing the Chevrolet Tahoe's 8,400 pounds. Inside, the Expedition 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 minimalist interior design featured touch-sensitive trackpads and a touchscreen for climate controls, which some users might find too high-tech for a large SUV.

The 2025 Lexus GX offered generous interior dimensions, with headroom ranging from 39 to 41 inches and legroom measuring 41 inches up front and nearly 37 inches in the second row. The GX's cargo space was impressive, with up to 90.5 cubic feet available in the Overtrail trim. The GX's overall dimensions made it easier to maneuver and park in tight spaces, despite its size. Its towing capacity of 9,063 pounds further enhanced its versatility for adventure seekers.

The 2025 Ford Expedition featured a groundbreaking 24-inch driver information display, offering a Google Maps projection and customizable widgets. The 13.2-inch touchscreen display, part of the Ford Digital Experience, required an active cellular data plan for full functionality. The Ford Connectivity Package offered a year of complimentary access, with subscription options available thereafter.

The 2025 Lexus GX's infotainment system was user-friendly, with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen display. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with a Mark Levinson Premium Audio system available as an option. The GX offered multiple USB-C ports for connectivity and charging, with ample storage space in the armrest.

The 2025 Ford Expedition came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features like a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts were also standard. BlueCruise 1.4, a hands-free driving technology, was available on select trims, with subscription options after a 90-day trial.

The 2025 Lexus GX featured the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assistance, and other driver-assist features. The GX's 360-degree camera system and trail-viewing cameras enhanced visibility, while 10 airbags provided occupant protection. As of this writing, the GX had not been rated by major safety organizations.