Ford Explorer vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Ford Explorer retained much of its previous design, having undergone a facelift in 2025 that introduced a more rugged, truck-like appearance. This design served as an ideal foundation for the 2026 Tremor model, which enhanced its off-road capabilities with features like all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, a raised ride height, and off-road lights integrated into the grille. The Tremor model also sported a distinctive Electric Spice color, reminiscent of Subaru's Wilderness models, adding a unique touch to its rugged persona. Despite these enhancements, the Explorer's overall design remained somewhat generic, lacking significant flair in its basic form. Inside, the 2026 Explorer saw minimal changes, as it had already received an interior overhaul in 2025. The new infotainment system replaced the awkward screens of previous models, but the interior design and materials, even in the well-equipped Tremor test vehicle, did not quite match its price point. The Explorer offered a range of options, from basic cloth seats in the Active model to leather upholstery in the Platinum trim.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of trim levels based on its powertrain, with the TX 350 available in Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling specs, while the 500h hybrid came in F Sport Performance Premium and F Sport Performance Luxury trims. The 550h+ plug-in hybrid was exclusively available in the top Luxury trim. For 2026, the 550h+ featured a standard panoramic glass roof and a new Matador Red Mica paint option, adding a touch of distinction. Most models came with 20-inch wheels, but the 550h+ boasted 22-inch wheels that filled the wheel wells. The TX retained its large grille, reminiscent of the older "spindle grille" shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. Inside, the TX offered two interior color options, with the PHEV adding a dark brown called Peppercorn. While ambient lighting and suede trim added warmth, the overall material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastic elements scattered throughout. The redesigned door handles, which reacted to pressure rather than pulling out, were a unique feature, though some might have preferred more attention to detail in the cabin.

The 2026 Ford Explorer maintained its powertrain options, with a standard 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Tremor grade and Explorer ST featured a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6, delivering 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard on most trims and all-wheel drive optional, except for the Tremor, which came with AWD as standard. The Explorer's platform, shared with the Mustang and Lincoln Aviator, contributed to its confident handling and comfortable ride, even in the off-road-oriented Tremor model. The twin-turbo V6 provided ample power, with quick turbo spool-up and a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission. While the turbo-four engine was adequate, it could feel strained when fully loaded or towing. The Tremor's off-road capability was impressive, handling challenging trails with ease, though it might not match the comfort of a Bronco for such adventures.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a range of powertrains, with the base model generating 317 horsepower from its turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The plug-in hybrid test car, however, delivered 404 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6 and hybrid system. The TX provided various drive options, including electric-only, hybrid, and gasoline-only modes, along with Normal, Eco, Sport, and Custom drive modes. The 550h+ offered a quiet and smooth ride, with seamless transitions between gas and electric power. The suspension effectively absorbed bumps, and the brakes were firm and linear. The AWD system could distribute power between the front and rear wheels, with a Trail Mode for maintaining traction on slippery surfaces. The TX's performance was well-suited for long road trips, offering a comfortable and composed driving experience.

The 2026 Ford Explorer accommodated up to seven passengers across its three rows, with an option for second-row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to six. While the Explorer offered reasonable space for a midsize three-row crossover, it had slightly less headroom in the third row compared to some competitors. Second-row legroom was also a bit less than rivals like the Honda Pilot. Cargo space was competitive, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 46 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, and 85.3 cubic feet with the second row down. The Explorer provided ample storage options, including phone trays, large door pockets, and a spacious center console. Towing capacity was up to 5,000 pounds, average for its class.

The 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ offered standard luxury features, including multi-zone climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom, accommodating full-sized adults comfortably. Each seat had its own cupholder and USB-C port. The second-row captain’s chairs featured a removable center console, though folding the seats flat required a specific sequence of lever flips. The front seats were roomy but could benefit from more thigh support. The TX provided excellent cargo space, with 20.2 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.4 cubic feet with the third row flat, and 97 cubic feet with the second row folded. All TX models could tow up to 5,000 pounds.

The 2026 Ford Explorer featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, Google Maps, Google Play Store, and SiriusXM with 360L satellite radio. The infotainment system, introduced in 2025, offered simple graphics and quick response times, though climate control icons could be more user-friendly. The Explorer included USB-C ports for first and second-row occupants, with additional ports for third-row passengers on higher trims. The available 360-degree camera system provided useful views for off-road adventures, remaining active at higher speeds.

The 2026 Lexus TX's tech was a mixed bag. The 14-inch touchscreen was user-friendly and responsive, but some features lacked polish, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. Steering wheel buttons controlled various functions but were not labeled, requiring drivers to rely on the gauge cluster for guidance. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose. The TX offered a backup camera with a bird’s-eye view and an Advanced Park system for automated parking. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, the TX ensured devices stayed powered, and an available 120-volt outlet in the second row accommodated larger items.

The 2026 Ford Explorer came equipped with CoPilot 360+, featuring adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, and more. Higher trims included CoPilot 360 2.0, adding a 360-degree camera system and predictive speed assist. The Explorer also featured BlueCruise hands-free highway driving, upgraded to version 1.5 for 2026. The Explorer received top safety ratings, earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, with features like forward collision warning, Lane Tracing Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. While adaptive cruise control worked well, setting it up through the steering wheel controls was challenging. The TX 350 and 500h received five-star ratings from the NHTSA, while the IIHS gave the TX an "Acceptable" rating for the driver’s side small overlap front crash test and a "Good" rating for the passenger’s side.