2022 Lexus NX vs 2023 Ford Escape

The 2022 Lexus NX, redesigned with a focus on design, offered a range of models including the NX 250, NX 350, NX 350h, and NX 450h+. With base MSRPs ranging from $47,400 to $59,950, the NX was built in Cambridge, Ontario, and featured a distinctive spindle grille and new block lettering on the tailgate. The NX 350, with its turbocharged engine, stood out with its F Sport trim, offering unique styling elements like a mesh-pattern grille and 20-inch gloss black wheels. Inside, the NX embraced a minimalist approach, moving away from the button-heavy dashboard of its predecessor. However, the integration of many functions into the 14-inch touchscreen posed usability challenges, though physical controls for essential functions remained.

The 2023 Ford Escape, with its European design language, moved away from the rugged, boxy aesthetic of its predecessors. The refreshed model featured a more traditional front end with a stylish LED light bar. As one of the smallest vehicles in Ford's lineup, the Escape offered a range of trims, with the ST-Line Elite showcasing 19-inch wheels and a sleek design. Inside, the Escape's diamond-stitched leather upholstery looked upscale but felt hard. Despite this, the seats were comfortable, and the 10-way power adjustable driver's seat was easy to adjust. The interior featured a mix of plastic materials, with some areas feeling cost-cutting, but overall, the Escape provided a comfortable driving experience.

The 2022 Lexus NX emphasized electrification, offering the NX 350h hybrid with 239 horsepower and the NX 450h+ plug-in hybrid with 302 horsepower. The NX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The NX 350 F Sport added driving modes and an adaptive variable sports suspension, enhancing its performance on winding roads. The NX's handling was impressive, though the turbocharged engine lacked the refinement of German rivals. The NX was not suited for off-road adventures, with limited ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered multiple powertrain options, including a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder engine with 250 horsepower. The latter, available with AWD, provided better acceleration and passing power. However, the Escape's suspension remained soft, prioritizing comfort over performance. The brakes offered predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness seen in some competitors. While not a performance crossover, the Escape delivered a comfortable ride, especially on rough roads.

The 2022 Lexus NX provided a cozy and comfortable interior, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel standard in Canada. The F Sport trim offered better bolstering for the front seats, while rear-seat passengers enjoyed ample space and amenities like rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The NX's cargo space increased by 14%, offering 643 litres behind the back seat and 1,328 litres with the seats folded. The panoramic sunroof extended over the back seat, enhancing the sense of space.

The 2023 Ford Escape featured comfortable and supportive seats, with well-positioned armrests and convenient cupholders. The head-up display was easy to adjust, and the interior ergonomics were excellent. However, the Escape fell short in cargo space, offering 1,061 litres behind the second row and 1,851 litres with the seats folded, trailing behind some competitors. Rear-seat legroom was slightly less than rivals, but headroom was impressive, and the front-seat backs were designed to maximize space for tall passengers.

The 2022 Lexus NX made significant strides in technology with the new Lexus Interface infotainment system. A 9.8-inch touchscreen was standard, with a 14-inch screen available. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and voice recognition. A 10-speaker sound system was standard, with a 17-speaker Mark Levinson system optional. The NX offered cloud-based services, a digital key, and a comprehensive head-up display. However, the touchscreen collected fingerprints and lacked a tuning knob, which was a minor drawback.

The 2023 Ford Escape featured the Sync 4 infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard and a 13.2-inch screen available on higher trims. The system was well-organized, with easy navigation between applications. A wi-fi hotspot was available, and the audio system included a six-speaker setup, with a Bang & Olufsen system optional. While Sync 4 was slightly slow to respond, its layout and features were impressive, enhancing the Escape's tech appeal.

The 2022 Lexus NX came equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane keep assist, dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. New features included Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist, Oncoming Vehicle Detection, and Curve Speed Management. The NX also featured a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and Safe Exit Assist. Additional safety technologies were available in packages, enhancing the NX's safety credentials.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side-crash tests. The IIHS rated it "Good" in most tests but "Marginal" in the updated side-impact test. The Escape came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, including forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control and lane-centring technology, offering a semi-autonomous driving experience.