Ford Expedition vs Lexus GX

The 2025 Ford Expedition was designed with a focus on functionality, much like a modern school bus, but with a more appealing aesthetic. Its long, rectangular body and squared-off nose prioritized passenger and cargo space, offering ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room. Despite its utilitarian design, the Expedition featured stylish elements such as horseshoe-shaped daytime running lights framing a bold grille, integrated headlights, and off-roading lamps on the Tremor trim. The vehicle's profile was simple, with a distinct character line running from the headlights to the taillights, and a range of wheel designs from 18 to 24 inches. A significant change for 2025 was the introduction of a split-gate tailgate, replacing the traditional liftgate, which provided practical benefits like preventing luggage spillage and offering a convenient resting spot when parked.

The 2026 Lexus GX, particularly in the Overtrail trim, presented a rugged and outdoorsy appearance with features like grey wheel arch cladding, skid plates, ladder-type roof rails, and knobby all-terrain tires. The Nori Green Pearl colour added to its adventurous look. Inside, the Overtrail model featured a utilitarian yet quality cabin with tan artificial leather, black bolsters, and olive-green simulated suede trim. The GX's design included the iconic Lexus grille, triple-beam LED headlights, and hood blisters for better visibility. The rear showcased a recessed liftgate with a horizontal taillight above a substantial bumper. The GX's design emphasized utility and capability, making it instantly recognizable and ready for off-road adventures.

The 2025 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. The Tremor trim offered a high-output version with 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Despite its 2,628-kilogram curb weight, the Expedition excelled on highways, providing a comfortable and quiet ride. Its ten-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth shifts, and the multi-link rear suspension handled rough terrain well. The Tremor trim, with increased ground clearance and off-road enhancements, performed admirably on challenging courses, though its size limited hardcore off-roading. However, the Expedition's fuel economy was poor, rated at 15.4 L/100 km in the city and 13.3 combined, compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe with a diesel engine.

The 2026 Lexus GX 550 featured a twin-turbocharged 3.4-litre V6 engine producing 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. It came with a 10-speed automatic transmission, full-time 4WD, and a locking centre differential. The Overtrail trim added off-road features like an electronic locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and hill descent control. The adaptive variable suspension and E-KDSS system improved off-road performance, while the GX's on-road capabilities were enhanced by its adaptive suspension and chunky tires. The GX offered a 6.8-second 0 to 100 km/h time, but its fuel economy was less impressive, rated at 13.5 L/100 km combined. Despite its ruggedness, the GX was well-suited for daily driving, with excellent visibility and parking aids.

The 2025 Ford Expedition excelled in towing capacity, with a maximum of 4,350 kilograms, surpassing the Chevrolet Tahoe. Inside, it offered generous cargo space, with 611 litres behind the third row in the standard model, expanding to 1,022 litres in the Expedition Max. With all rear seats down, the Expedition provided up to 3,072 litres, while the Max offered 3,485 litres. The minimalist interior design featured touch-sensitive trackpads and a touchscreen for climate controls, which some users found high-tech but potentially cumbersome.

The 2026 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail provided comfortable power-adjustable front seats with NuLuxe artificial leather upholstery. The Overtrail lacked a third-row seat, offering more cargo space with 1,291 litres behind the back seat and a maximum of 2,548 litres. The second-row bench seat accommodated three teenagers, though the cushion was low and flat. The GX's interior emphasized utility, with adequate centre console storage but limited door bin space. The high load height and protruding bumper made it convenient for roof access but could soil clothes during loading.

The 2025 Ford Expedition featured a groundbreaking 24-inch driver information display, offering ample space for Google Maps projection and a selectable widget. The steering wheel's squircle shape accommodated the display but felt awkward. The 13.2-inch touchscreen used a Google-based operating system, requiring an active cellular data plan for full functionality. The Ford Connectivity Package offered a complimentary year of access, with subscription options thereafter. Without it, the tech was limited, though wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were available.

The 2026 Lexus GX boasted a 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster, providing off-road and trailering data. The 14-inch touchscreen housed the Lexus Interface infotainment system, which was user-friendly but had low contrast in daytime mode. The system included complimentary trial subscriptions to connected services, with Drive Connect offering cloud-based navigation and a digital assistant. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, allowing simultaneous navigation and audio display. The GX 550 Overtrail featured a panoramic view monitor and multi-terrain monitor, though the view activation button was poorly placed.

The 2025 Ford Expedition had not yet been rated by the NHTSA, and the IIHS ratings were based on a previous-generation model. However, it came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts. Ford's Pro-Trailer Hitch Assist and Pro-Trailer Backup Assist were also standard. BlueCruise 1.4 was available on all trims, offering hands-free driving with a subscription after a 90-day trial.

The 2026 Lexus GX included the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, featuring high beam assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, lane centring assist, and Proactive Driving Assist. Additional standard features included blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors. Traffic Jam Assist was available with an active Drive Connect plan. The PDA system was helpful but could be uncomfortable, while lane-centring assist required manual input. The GX had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.