2020 Ford Escape vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2020 Ford Escape was a visually appealing compact crossover, borrowing design elements from the Ford GT supercar, with a large grille reminiscent of the Fiesta and Focus hatchbacks. Its curvaceous design marked a departure from the previous model's upright rear end, which came at the cost of some practicality. Despite this, the Escape remained one of the most attractive small SUVs, trailing only behind the Mazda CX-5 and Jeep Cherokee. Inside, the Escape boasted a modern yet user-friendly cabin, featuring a fully digital instrument panel and a floating infotainment screen, maintaining a balance between futuristic design and practical controls.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell, with minor updates like the spindle grille and triple-beam LED headlights. The GX's styling was coherent despite its massive grille, appealing to those seeking a tough, aggressive look. However, the interior fell short of modern luxury standards, with wood trim resembling molded plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. While the semi-aniline leather was standard, the overall interior design felt dated, lacking the refinement expected in a luxury SUV.

The 2020 Ford Escape offered a diverse range of powertrains, including a new three-cylinder engine producing 180 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque, standard in the S, SE, and SEL trims. The lineup also included a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, available on the SEL and standard on the Titanium trim. Additionally, the Escape featured hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, with the hybrid setup delivering 198 horsepower. The Escape's driving dynamics were sporty, with direct steering and strong brakes, making it an engaging choice among small SUVs. Fuel efficiency varied, with the hybrid achieving 5.4 L/100 km in the city and 6.3 on the highway.

The 2021 Lexus GX, on the other hand, kept things simple with a single 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided ample power for initial acceleration, the GX's substantial weight of 2,349 kg affected its performance at higher speeds. The driving experience was reminiscent of older SUVs, with noticeable body roll and a less refined ride quality due to its body-on-frame construction. However, the GX excelled in off-road capability, featuring a Torsen centre differential, low-range gearing, and various off-road modes, making it a formidable choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2020 Ford Escape's sleek design came at the expense of cargo space, offering 974 litres behind the second row and 1,852 litres with the rear seats folded. This was less than its predecessor and competitors like the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester. However, the Escape prioritized passenger space, providing ample headroom and legroom for second-row occupants. The front seats offered commanding positions with excellent visibility, and the cabin featured numerous storage solutions for everyday items.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX's interior ergonomics reflected its age, with limited legroom due to the upright dashboard and high centre console. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position added to the bus-like driving feel. While the boxy profile provided excellent outward visibility, forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. The GX offered three rows of seating, but the third row was best suited for children, and accessing it was challenging. Cargo space was limited, with only 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded, making it less practical than competitors like the Land Rover Discovery.

The 2020 Ford Escape's base trim featured a small 4.2-inch audio control screen, but the SE trim upgraded to an 8-inch Sync touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Titanium trim added a head-up display, although its flip-up screen design limited its effectiveness for taller drivers. Overall, the Escape offered a modern infotainment experience, with the SE trim providing excellent value for tech-savvy consumers.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The standard infotainment system featured outdated graphics and limited functionality, with a separate display for time and temperature. However, the GX retained analog controls for most functions, offering a refreshing alternative to screen-centric interfaces. The standard 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system provided excellent sound quality, but the overall tech experience felt dated for a luxury SUV.

The 2020 Ford Escape came equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including front- and side-impact airbags, a reversing camera, traction control, and a tire-pressure-monitoring system. It earned a "Good" rating from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) in all phases of testing. The Escape also featured Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of advanced safety systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2021 Lexus GX 460 included the Lexus Safety System+ bundle as standard, featuring a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera were also standard. However, the GX lacked some safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition and Lane Tracing Assist.