2023 Lexus RX vs 2023 Ford Escape

The 2023 Lexus RX, built in Canada, marked its fifth generation with a design that was shorter in height, broader in width, and longer in wheelbase compared to its predecessor, while maintaining the same overall length. Despite offering more cargo space than the 2022 model, it appeared smaller due to reduced rear overhang and softer design lines. The front featured a spindle-style grille integrated into the design, with a modern mesh texture and an elevated hood. The rear showcased a light-blade taillight design and sporty bumper. The RX's exterior styling was distinct yet familiar, ensuring it stood out from the previous generation and the smaller Lexus NX. Inside, the RX boasted a modern interior with fewer buttons, digital instrumentation, and a choice of touchscreen displays. Quality materials like NuLuxe artificial leather and real wood were standard, with genuine leather and simulated suede available. The RX 350, RX 350h, and RX 500h were among the available models, with Canadian pricing starting at $58,650.

The 2023 Ford Escape embraced a more European design language, moving away from its earlier blocky exterior. A 2023 refresh introduced a traditional front end with a Ford blue oval logo and a stylish LED light bar. As one of the smallest vehicles in Ford's lineup, the Escape offered a range of trim levels, with the ST-Line Elite being the top trim. The Escape's design was sleek, with 19-inch wheels and body-colour mirror caps, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the ST-Line Elite featured diamond-stitched leather upholstery, though it felt hard and plasticky. The seats were comfortable, with a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat. The interior was dominated by plastic, with some areas feeling scratchy and poorly reinforced. Despite this, the Escape was a comfortable vehicle for long drives.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 featured a turbocharged 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine offered better torque and fuel economy than the previous V6, though it lacked the same smoothness. During testing, the RX 350 Executive displayed occasional torque steer and excess body motion, while the F Sport 3 trim felt more secure with its adaptive suspension. Both models had 21-inch wheels and 235/50 all-season tires, with the F Sport 3's suspension reducing unwanted motion. The RX 350 AWD accelerated to 100 km/h in approximately 7.3 seconds, with a fuel economy estimate of 9.9 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2023 Ford Escape offered two engine options: a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder with 180 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder with 250 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The three-cylinder engine was available with FWD or AWD, while the four-cylinder was exclusively AWD. The Escape's suspension was soft and compliant, providing a comfortable ride on rough roads. The brakes offered predictable stopping power, and the steering was well-weighted, avoiding the twitchiness found in some competitors. However, the Escape's transmission lacked performance tuning, and there were no paddle shifters for manual control.

The 2023 Lexus RX 350 offered comfortable seating, with the F Sport 3's sport seat bolsters providing extra support. The RX 350 Executive featured premium leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated wood-and-leather steering wheel. The RX 350 F Sport 3 had NuLuxe simulated leather seats and a heated steering wheel. Both models provided ample rear-seat comfort, though taller passengers might find headroom tight. The RX's cargo area measured 838 litres with the second row in place and 1,308 litres with it folded, offering more space than before but still less than some competitors.

The 2023 Ford Escape provided comfortable seating with excellent ergonomics. The steering wheel felt great to hold, and the armrests were well-positioned. The Escape's cargo space was 1,061 litres behind the second row and 1,851 litres with it folded, falling short of some segment leaders. Passenger space was adequate, with good headroom and soft, scalloped front-seat backs maximizing rear-seat space. However, rear-seat legroom was slightly less than some competitors.

The 2023 Lexus RX featured the new Lexus Interface multimedia infotainment system, with a choice of 9.8-inch or 14-inch touchscreen displays. It included wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and various connected services. The Drive Connect plan offered Intelligent Assistant voice recognition, though it occasionally provided inaccurate results. User profiles could be set up for different drivers, and music streaming was available through embedded apps. The Mark Levinson premium sound system was standard, though it required tone adjustments for optimal sound. The RX also offered a colour head-up display, digital rearview mirror, and digital key smartphone technology.

The 2023 Ford Escape was equipped with Sync 4, featuring an 8-inch or 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The larger screen was standard on higher trims and improved the cabin's look. Sync 4 was well-organized, with easy navigation between applications. A wi-fi hotspot was available with a subscription. The system was occasionally slow to respond, and the volume knob's placement was inconvenient. A six-speaker sound system was standard, with a Bang & Olufsen system optional on higher trims.

The 2023 Lexus RX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, offering a comprehensive suite of advanced driving assistance systems. Standard features included lane departure warning, automatic high beams, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. New features included motorcycle detection, evasive steering assistance, and intersection turn assistance. Semi-autonomous driving technologies like Proactive Driving Assist, Traffic Jam Assist, and Advanced Park Assist were also available. However, some features, like curve-speed reduction, were not predictive and could be turned off.

The 2023 Ford Escape received a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with top scores in frontal and side-crash tests. The IIHS did not grant it a Top Safety Pick designation due to a Marginal score in the side-impact test. The Escape came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Co-Pilot360 2.0 added adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, and lane-centring technology, along with a surround-view camera.