2025 Ford Explorer vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander, yet it distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, contrasting with the Grand Highlander's resemblance to a larger RAV4. The test model featured striking 22-inch wheels in a silver finish, part of the TX 350 Executive packages, enhancing the SUV's aesthetic and presence. The TX's styling was more subdued compared to other Lexus models, resulting in a conservative look that might appeal to those previously put off by the brand's design. The TX was available in TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid models, with prices ranging from $72,036 to $87,486, including destination charges and dealer fees. The TX 350, likely the volume-selling version, came with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive, offering Ultra Luxury or Executive packages in Canada.

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued the design evolution initiated with its previous redesign, maintaining balanced proportions and a sleek, less boxy appearance. The refreshed model featured a restyled front end, giving it a wider and more ruggedly handsome look. New LED taillights and a strip of trim with the SUV's name added to its appeal. Interior updates significantly improved the Explorer's ambiance, making it competitive in its segment. Ford reduced the available trim levels in Canada from six to four, including the new base trim Active, sporty ST-Line, luxurious Platinum, and performance-tuned ST. Prices ranged from $52,830 to $71,430, including the destination charge. During a Ford-sponsored event, the ST-Line with extra-cost blue paint, a Premium Package, and an ST-Line Street Pack was tested, priced at $64,280, including the destination charge.

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 about eight seconds, though it felt quicker due to its torque. The official fuel economy rating was 10.3 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, with the test unit averaging 13.8 L/100 km. The TX 350's suspension provided a balance between road surface feedback and ride comfort, with commendable body motion control and accurate steering. However, the brake pedal felt too soft, though it was easy to modulate for smooth stops.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engines: a turbocharged 2.3-litre four-cylinder with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 with 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque for the ST and optional with Platinum trim. All Canadian models had a 10-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Explorer's fuel economy ratings were 11.9 L/100 km city, 8.7 highway, and 10.4 combined for the base engine, with the V6 averaging 13.3 city, 9.6 highway, and 11.6 combined. The Explorer's turbo four provided quick acceleration, and the 10-speed automatic delivered decisive shifts. The ST-Line's performance capability was enhanced with larger wheels and performance brakes. The Explorer's ride and handling were delightful, with commendable grip from the Pirelli Scorpion Zero all-season tires. The ST's performance was showcased on a short autocross course, while the Platinum's V6 offered fast acceleration and a pleasant sound. Observed fuel consumption with the V6 was 12.3 L/100 km, primarily on the highway using BlueCruise.

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 bench seat was standard, with captain's chairs available in the Executive 6-Passenger package. The front seats were comfortable, though lacking a massage function. The second-row seat was less welcoming due to its flat lower cushion, but the TX provided a habitable third-row seat for adults. Sliding the second-row seat forward improved third-row comfort but compromised second-row legroom. The TX offered numerous storage options, though some lacked lining, potentially causing noise. Cargo space measured 572 litres behind the third-row seat, 1,625 litres with the third-row seats folded, and 2,746 litres with the second-row seats down.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six in its standard configuration, with a no-cost second-row bench seat option increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line test vehicle featured a heated steering wheel, heated power-adjustable front seats, and the optional Premium Package, adding ambient lighting, memory function front seats, heated second-row seats, and a wireless charging pad. The front seats were comfortable, with breathable fabric inserts. The second-row captain's chairs matched the front seats' comfort. Accessing the third row was challenging for adults, and the low, flat seat was uncomfortable. Storage space was good, with a useful new tray on the dashboard. Cargo space measured 461 litres behind the third-row seat, 1,302 litres behind the second-row seats, and a maximum of 2,429 litres.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a digital rearview mirror, with a head-up display, surround-view camera, and semi-autonomous parking assist system in the Executive packages. The head-up display's unmarked steering wheel controls were distracting, especially for those wearing polarized sunglasses. The Lexus Interface infotainment system with a 14-inch touchscreen was user-friendly, particularly with a Drive Connect subscription, offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant with natural voice recognition. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were included, with seamless connectivity. The TX offered free 10-year subscriptions to Service Connect and Safety Connect, and a three-year Remote Connect subscription. The optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson premium audio system provided impressive fidelity.

The 2025 Ford Explorer introduced the Ford Digital Experience, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and streaming apps. A 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot was available, and web browser apps provided internet access. The system was user-friendly, with excellent Google Maps integration and responsive Google Assistant. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems by Bang & Olufsen, with 10 speakers in the ST-Line and 14 speakers with 980 watts in the Platinum and ST. Audiophiles were advised to upgrade, as the ST-Line's setup was unimpressive by Bang & Olufsen standards.

The 2024 Lexus TX was equipped with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control with curve speed adjustment, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, intersection assist, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-centring assist, road sign assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Proactive Drive Assist was also included, offering braking and steering assistance, though it wasn't entirely transparent. The TX featured blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a safe exit assist system, with additional options in the Executive packages. The traffic jam assist system provided hands-free driving at low speeds on approved highways, but no higher-speed hands-free system was available. LSS+ 3.0 was generally smooth and effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other motorists cut in, causing frustration.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came with Ford CoPilot 360 Assist+, featuring adaptive cruise control with lane-centring assist and other common driver assistance systems. The ST-Line and higher trims included Ford CoPilot 360 2.0, adding a surround-view camera system and BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free highway driving system. A 90-day subscription to BlueCruise was standard, with the option to subscribe afterward. BlueCruise performed well on highways, though tighter curves and heavy traffic required driver intervention. The system inconsistently applied extra room when passing large trucks. The NHTSA had not fully rated the 2025 Explorer, but it earned five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings. The IIHS rated its crash performance well but marked the headlights on Active, ST-Line, and ST trims as Marginal, with the Platinum's headlights rated Good.