Ford Expedition vs Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2025 Ford Expedition was a testament to the form-over-function design ethos, reminiscent of a modern school bus but with a more attractive aesthetic. Its slab sides and rectilinear silhouette ensured ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room, making it clear that this vehicle was designed for transporting people comfortably. Despite its functional focus, the Expedition featured stylish elements like horseshoe-shaped daytime running lights framing a bold grille, integrated headlights, and off-roading lamps on the Tremor trim. The blacked-out pillars and distinct character line added a touch of sophistication, while the new split-gate tailgate design offered practical benefits for luggage management and seating when parked. Available in four trim levels and two lengths, the Expedition catered to various needs, with the King Ranch trim offering luxurious materials and the Active trim impressing with its standard features like tri-zone climate control and a 24-inch panoramic driver information display.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, particularly the NX 350h F Sport 3, was characterized by its over-stylized design, featuring a large, intricately patterned spindle grille and squinting LED headlights. The aggressive and complex front face was complemented by a sporty yet less extroverted profile, with rounded edges and body-coloured fender flares. F Sport elements like dark trim and 20-inch wheels added to its sporty appeal, while the fastback roof shape echoed coupe-like crossovers. Inside, the NX combined a sporty look with modern technology, including a digital instrument cluster and a large touchscreen angled toward the driver. The F Sport 3 model boasted dark graphite aluminum trim, metal pedals, and optional two-tone Circuit Red synthetic leather upholstery, creating a high-quality and upscale feel.

The 2025 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque in its standard form. 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's powertrain excelled on highways, providing a comfortable and quiet ride. The ten-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth shifts, and the multi-link rear suspension handled rough terrain well. The Tremor trim, with its increased ground clearance and off-road enhancements, performed admirably on challenging courses, though its size limited its hardcore off-roading capabilities. However, the Expedition's fuel economy was a downside, with ratings of 15.4 L/100 km in the city and 10.7 on the highway.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid, specifically the NX 350h F Sport 3, featured a hybrid powertrain with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and three electric motors, providing standard all-wheel drive and a total of 240 horsepower. While not particularly sporty, the NX offered controlled handling with adaptive dampers and a firm suspension. The ride was comfortable, though busy on rough surfaces. The hybrid powertrain delivered adequate power, with a 0 to 96 km/h time of 7.2 seconds, but lacked excitement. The drivetrain felt slushy, and the engine droned under heavy acceleration. For those seeking more power, the NX 450h plug-in hybrid offered 340 horsepower.

The 2025 Ford Expedition excelled in towing capacity, with a maximum of 4,350 kilograms, surpassing competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe. Inside, it offered generous cargo space, with up to 3,485 litres in the Expedition MAX. The minimalist interior design featured touch-sensitive trackpads and a touchscreen for climate controls, which some found high-tech but others might find cumbersome. The Expedition's interior was spacious, though not as roomy as the Chevrolet Tahoe or Suburban.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid's F Sport 3 model provided comfortable front seats with good bolstering and ample room for tall adults. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control enhanced comfort. The rear seats offered enough space for average-sized adults, though legroom could be tight for taller passengers. The NX's cargo space was relatively low for its class, with 643 litres behind the rear seats and 1,328 litres with them folded down. The coupe-like roof shape limited cargo capacity compared to competitors like the Acura RDX and Volvo XC60.

The 2025 Ford Expedition featured a groundbreaking 24-inch driver information display, offering ample space for Google Maps projection and customizable widgets. The 13.2-inch touchscreen, part of the Ford Digital Experience, required an active cellular data plan for full functionality. The Ford Connectivity Package provided a year of complimentary access, with subscription options available afterward. Without it, the tech was limited, though wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were available.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid came standard with a 9.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch touchscreen, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A programmable head-up display and a wireless phone charger were optional, as was a 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio system. The Remote Connect subscription offered remote starting and vehicle status alerts. The touchscreen was angled toward the driver for easy access, and the infotainment system responded quickly to inputs.

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, and adaptive cruise control. BlueCruise 1.4 was available for hands-free driving, with subscription options after a 90-day trial.

The 2026 Lexus NX Hybrid earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS and received four stars in the frontal crash test and five stars in the side crash test from the NHTSA. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 suite, including blind spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. Optional features included automatic parking and a surround-view camera system.