2021 Lexus GX vs 2020 Ford Edge

The 2020 Ford Edge, a crossover SUV, was built on the same platform as the Ford Fusion sedan, offering a car-like ride and ample cabin space. Its second generation, introduced in 2015, received a styling update in 2019, which carried over to 2020. This update gave the Edge a modern look with angular headlights and a large trapezoidal grille, reminiscent of the Fusion. Inside, the Edge showed signs of aging, with a layout largely unchanged since 2015, despite subtle updates in 2019. The cabin quality was decent, featuring soft-touch materials and solid fit-and-finish, but was marred by the extensive use of hard plastics. The Edge was available in SE, SEL, Titanium, and ST trims, each offering a range of features from the SYNC 3 infotainment system to a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell with minor updates over the years, including the Lexus spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The GX's styling was coherent despite its age, with a tough, aggressive look that appealed to SUV shoppers. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury SUV standards, with wood trim that felt like plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. The GX offered standard semi-aniline leather but lacked the refinement expected in a luxury vehicle. The interior ergonomics were outdated, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. Despite these shortcomings, the GX provided excellent outward visibility and easy-to-use analog controls for various functions.

The 2020 Ford Edge came standard with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 250 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, offered solid low-end acceleration, making it suitable for city driving. The Edge's suspension was designed to handle rough roads, providing a smooth yet engaging driving experience. For those seeking more power, the Edge ST featured a 2.7-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 335 horsepower and 380 pound-feet of torque. The ST's performance was enhanced by a Sport mode, which improved throttle response and transmission mapping, and an available ST Performance Brake Package.

The 2021 Lexus GX, on the other hand, was equipped with a 4.6-litre V8 engine, generating 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power from a stop, the GX's substantial weight of 2,349 kilograms affected its performance at higher speeds, requiring careful planning for merging and overtaking. The GX's ride quality was typical of a body-on-frame vehicle, with noticeable body roll and low grip in corners. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen centre differential, a standard 4WD system with a low range, and various off-road drive modes. It also boasted a maximum towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms.

The 2020 Ford Edge offered a spacious and well-designed cabin, providing a commanding view of the road. The seats were surrounded by numerous storage compartments, making it ideal for commuting or road trips. The second-row head- and legroom were generous, ensuring comfort without needing to adjust the front seats. The Edge provided 1,110 litres of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 2,078 litres with the rear seats folded. This made it more spacious than some competitors, though slightly less than others. The SEL and Titanium trims featured a hands-free foot-activated power rear liftgate.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom and an awkward steering wheel position. The dashboard shape and boxy profile offered excellent outward visibility, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage space was limited, with small centre-console storage, cupholders, and in-door bottle holders. The GX came standard with three rows, seating seven, but the third row was best suited for children due to limited space. Accessing the third row was challenging, and cargo space was minimal with the third row in use. With the second and third rows folded, the GX offered 1,833 litres of cargo space, less than some competitors.

The 2020 Ford Edge impressed with its standard technology offerings, including the SYNC 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. The system was user-friendly, featuring icons for various functions and a home button for easy navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration were standard, allowing users to utilize their preferred navigation apps. The Edge also came with two smart-charging USB ports and a rearview camera, with a semi-digital instrument panel available on higher trims.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. It offered Bluetooth and two USB ports for the first two rows, but none for the third row. The standard infotainment system was outdated, with graphics reminiscent of the 1990s and limited functionality. However, the GX featured analog controls for most functions, providing a straightforward interface compared to the screen-centric systems in other luxury SUVs.

The 2020 Ford Edge came equipped with a comprehensive array of safety features, including front and side-impact airbags, AdvanceTrac traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Ford Co-Pilot360 safety system was standard across all trims, offering automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring. The SEL trim offered an optional Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package, adding adaptive cruise control and active lane centring. The Edge received a "Top Safety Pick" rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Lexus GX featured the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also offered blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera. However, the GX lacked some safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist. The GX had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.