2020 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Lexus GX

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, was a full-size SUV with a clean, albeit somewhat uninspiring, design. Its styling was considered timeless, appealing to those planning to keep the vehicle for many years. The King Ranch variant stood out with its 22-inch aluminum wheels, mesh grille insert, LED headlights, and unique grey-painted lower exterior trim. The Star White metallic paint added to its appeal, although some design elements like the taillights and roof C-pillar could have been improved. Inside, the King Ranch featured Del Rio leather in Mesa over Ebony, adorned with King Ranch logos, though the presence of hard plastics, especially in lower trims, was a drawback for a vehicle in this price range.

In contrast, the 2021 Lexus GX retained its decade-old body shell with minor updates over the years. The spindle grille, updated in 2020, and triple-beam LED headlights were notable features. The GX's styling was coherent despite its age, with a tough, aggressive look that appealed to SUV enthusiasts. However, the interior did not meet modern luxury standards, with wood trim resembling plastic and an abundance of actual plastic. The semi-aniline leather was a redeeming feature, but overall, the interior felt dated compared to contemporary luxury SUVs.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 lb-ft of torque at 2,250 rpm. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided ample power and a pleasant exhaust note. The Expedition's 4WD system, standard in Canada, offered 24.9 cm of ground clearance, with the MAX version slightly lower at 24.6 cm. Towing capacities were impressive, with the standard model capable of 4,173 kg and the MAX at 4,082 kg. Despite its size, the Expedition handled well in urban environments, though the steering was slow. The adaptive damping suspension on the King Ranch improved ride quality, but the large wheels sometimes resulted in a busy ride. Fuel consumption was rated at 14.1 L/100 km city, 10.6 highway, and 12.5 combined.

The 2021 Lexus GX featured a 4.6-litre V8 engine producing 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. While the V8 provided decent power, the GX's weight of 2,349 kg affected its performance at higher speeds. Merging and overtaking required careful planning, and braking was less responsive than modern vehicles. The body-on-frame construction resulted in a less refined ride, though the kinetic dynamic suspension system helped. The GX excelled off-road, with a Torsen centre differential, low-range 4WD, and features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. Ground clearance was 20.5 cm, with respectable approach, departure, and break-over angles. Towing capacity was 2,948 kg, with trailer-sway control included.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo, and passenger capacity. The King Ranch's power running boards facilitated easy entry, and the interior offered comfortable seating, especially in the front with heated and ventilated seats. The second-row captain's chairs provided first-class accommodations, and the third-row seat was genuinely comfortable for adults, thanks to the independent rear suspension. Cargo space was 546 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,672 litres with it folded, and 2,962 litres with the second row down. The Expedition MAX offered even more space, with 971 litres behind the third row and 3,440 litres with all seats folded.

The 2021 Lexus GX's interior reflected its age, with an upright dashboard and high centre console limiting legroom. The steering wheel's odd angle and tall seating position were reminiscent of driving a bus. Visibility was excellent due to the boxy profile, but forward visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage was limited, with small centre-console bins and cupholders. The GX offered three rows of seating for seven, but the third row was best for children, and accessing it was challenging. Cargo space was limited, with 1,833 litres available with the second and third rows folded, significantly less than competitors.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3, which, while user-friendly, felt outdated compared to newer systems. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with FordPass Connect, a navigation system, and an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system. The rear-seat entertainment system and Pro Trailer Backup Assist were notable features, enhancing the Expedition's appeal for families and towing enthusiasts.

The 2021 Lexus GX was light on tech features, lacking Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It offered Bluetooth and a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The infotainment system's graphics were dated, and the interface was basic. However, analog controls for various functions provided a refreshing alternative to touchscreen-centric systems, though they felt primitive for a luxury SUV.

The 2020 Ford Expedition's size contributed to its crash safety, with Ford Co-Pilot360 providing a suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional. The Expedition earned 5-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2021 Lexus GX came with the Lexus Safety System+ bundle, including a pre-collision system, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera were standard. However, it lacked some advanced safety features found in other Lexus and Toyota models, such as traffic-sign recognition.