2024 Ford Escape vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. The Lexus TX exuded an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model featured striking 22-inch silver wheels, part of the TX 350 Executive packages, which significantly enhanced the SUV's visual appeal and presence. The styling of the TX was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative design that might appeal to those previously put off by the automaker's bolder aesthetics.

The 2024 Ford Escape underwent a significant transformation in 2023, which carried over into the 2024 model. Ford restyled the front end, introduced new wheel designs, revamped the trim lineup, and updated the technology with next-generation infotainment and enhanced safety features. The changes made the Escape more appealing, replacing the previous model's wide-eyed, toothless smile with a more aggressive look. Despite these updates, the rest of the SUV retained a soft and generically appealing appearance. The 2024 Escape was available in various trims, including Active, ST-Line, ST-Line Select, Platinum, ST-Line Elite, and Plug-in Hybrid, with prices ranging from $33,049 to $46,999, excluding destination and dealer fees.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Lexus claimed it could accelerate to 100 km/h in approximately eight seconds, although it felt quicker due to the torque swell. The performance was adequate, with a fuel economy rating of 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, according to Natural Resources Canada. During testing, the TX 350 averaged 13.8 L/100 km. The ride and handling were well-balanced, with a firm suspension providing road surface feedback while ensuring a comfortable ride. The steering was accurate, and the interior remained quiet on the highway.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line Elite offered a choice between a 192-horsepower hybrid powertrain and a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 250 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. The turbo engine averaged 8.4 L/100 km in combined driving with AWD. The test vehicle featured the turbo engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and AWD, with selectable driving modes including Eco, Normal, Sport, and Slippery. The Escape could tow up to 1,587 kilograms. While the turbo engine provided quick acceleration, the driving dynamics didn't match the sporty appearance. The ride was soft, and the handling allowed unwanted body motion. The brake pedal was responsive, but the steering felt sluggish.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. The TX 350 test unit featured premium semi-aniline leather and artificial suede upholstery, with heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel as standard in Canada. The second-row seat was comfortable but lacked a massage function. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, offering leg support and a good view. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third-row seat, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third-row seats folded and 2,746 litres with the second-row seats down.

The 2024 Ford Escape ST-Line offered a black interior with cloth inserts and artificial leather bolsters, accented by red stitching. Leather seats were optional with the ST-Line Elite trim, but the quality was lacking. The test model included ambient interior lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, power-adjustable front seats, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The front seats were large and supportive, while the back seat was comfortable when slid to its rearmost position. Cargo volume measured 1,061 litres behind the back seat, expanding to 1,852 litres with the rear seat folded. The test vehicle featured deep storage areas and a grocery bag hook.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with additional options like a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist system in the Executive packages. The Lexus Interface infotainment system included a 14-inch touchscreen display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Drive Connect subscription for cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. The TX also offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, along with a 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system.

The 2024 Ford Escape came with digital instrumentation, with lower trims featuring an 8-inch display and upper trims a 12.3-inch display. The ST-Line Elite test vehicle had a 13.2-inch Sync 4 infotainment system with a landscape format, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a one-year subscription to connected navigation. The system had a lag time between inputs and response, and the wireless smartphone charger heated the phone. The test vehicle also had an optional head-up display and Active Park Assist 2.0, which provided semi-autonomous parking assistance.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, which included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and more. Proactive Drive Assist was also part of the system, providing braking and steering assistance. Additional options included parking sensors, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and traffic jam assist. The system was generally smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.

The 2024 Ford Escape featured the Ford Co-Pilot360 collection of driving assistance systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The ST-Line Elite also had adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, lane-centring assist, and a 360-degree camera system. The lane-keeping systems were inconsistent, and the predictive speed assist slowed the SUV too much. The Escape received favourable crash-test ratings from the NHTSA, with five-star ratings except for a four-star rollover resistance rating.