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Ford Explorer vs Lexus GX

2026 Ford Explorer
2026 Ford Explorer
$38,465MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Lexus GX
2025 Lexus GX
$64,735MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Ford Explorer
$38,465MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Lexus GX
$64,735MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$38,465

MSRP

$64,735

Listings

1551

Listings

327

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

8.8 out of 10

Pros

  • Comfortable

  • Optional twin-turbo V6

  • Impressive safety ratings

Cons

  • Bland styling

  • Nondescript interior

  • Gets expensive with options

Pros

  • Top on- and off-road capability, especially among Overtrail models

  • Easy-to-use tech

  • Great looks

Cons

  • Poor fuel economy

  • Off-road features not standard

  • High base price

Reviews Summary

The Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, the Honda Pilot, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update.

Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models.

Reviews Summary

One year on from the latest-generation Lexus GX’s debut, the excitement is still there. The 2025 Lexus GX looks great, drives well, and handles itself incredibly well off-road. The latter is something for which that the GX has always been renowned, at least among those who’ve been inclined to find out.

Verdict: With great standard tech, safety equipment, looks, and overall versatility, the Lexus GX is worth the attention of any shopper who’s in the market for a luxury SUV.

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Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.3L 300 hp I4

Engine

3.4L 349 hp V6

Drive Train

RWD

Drive Train

AWD

Seating Capacity

7

Seating Capacity

7

Horsepower

300 hp @ 5500 rpm

Horsepower

349 hp @ 4800 rpm

MPG City

20

MPG City

15

MPG Highway

29

MPG Highway

21
2026 Ford Explorer
2026 Ford Explorer
$38,465MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Lexus GX
2025 Lexus GX
$64,735MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2026 Ford Explorer
$38,465MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2025 Lexus GX
$64,735MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$38,465
$64,735
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.3

4.6

Expert reviews

7.5 out of 10

Read full review

8.8 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Comfortable

  • Optional twin-turbo V6

  • Impressive safety ratings

Cons

  • Bland styling

  • Nondescript interior

  • Gets expensive with options

Pros

  • Top on- and off-road capability, especially among Overtrail models

  • Easy-to-use tech

  • Great looks

Cons

  • Poor fuel economy

  • Off-road features not standard

  • High base price

Summary

The Explorer was one of the first truly family-friendly SUVs, and continues in that role today as a midsize three-row crossover competing against the likes of the Chevrolet Traverse, the Honda Pilot, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Nissan Pathfinder, and the Toyota Highlander. The current-generation Explorer has been around since the 2020 model year, and the big news for 2026 is a Tremor model that replaces the Timberline as the most off-road-capable Explorer. The available BlueCruise driver-assist system also gets an update.

Verdict: Ford’s SUV stalwart still gets the job done, but lacks personality unless you go for the ST or Tremor models.

One year on from the latest-generation Lexus GX’s debut, the excitement is still there. The 2025 Lexus GX looks great, drives well, and handles itself incredibly well off-road. The latter is something for which that the GX has always been renowned, at least among those who’ve been inclined to find out.

Verdict: With great standard tech, safety equipment, looks, and overall versatility, the Lexus GX is worth the attention of any shopper who’s in the market for a luxury SUV.

Video
No video found
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.3L 300 hp I4
3.4L 349 hp V6
Drive Train
RWD
AWD
Seating Capacity
7
7
Horsepower
300 hp @ 5500 rpm
349 hp @ 4800 rpm
MPG City
20
15
MPG Highway
29
21
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