Ford Expedition vs Lexus TX

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 design, Ford's designers did not completely disregard styling. The Expedition featured horseshoe-shaped daytime running lights framing a bold grille that spanned the entire width of the fascia. Integrated headlights and off-roading lamps on the Tremor trim added to its full-width appearance. The 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. The rear sported a two-tone paint job, thanks to a black tailgate, and introduced a split-gate design for 2025, offering practical benefits like preventing luggage spillage and providing a convenient resting spot when parked.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of packages depending on the powertrain, with the TX 350 featuring the Luxury package by default and options for Ultra Luxury, Executive, and F Sport 3 packages. The TX 500h hybrid started with the F Sport Performance 2 package, with the option for the F Sport 3 package. The grille retained some of the older "spindle grille" shape but didn't overshadow the sharp bi-LED headlights. The rear LED lighting spanned the vehicle's width, complemented by a small roof spoiler and available roof rails. Inside, three interior colour options were available: standard grey, Birch, and Peppercorn. Ambient lighting added warmth, and suede trim adorned the glovebox. However, the overall material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastic scattered throughout. Redesigned door handles, which reacted to pressure rather than pulling out, were a unique feature, though some might have preferred more attention to detail in the cabin.

The 2025 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged "EcoBoost" 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. The Tremor trim offered a high-output version, boosting power to 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 handled shifts smoothly, and the multi-link rear suspension ensured a stable ride over rough terrain. The Tremor trim replaced the Timberline, offering increased ground clearance and improved off-road capabilities with 33-inch all-terrain tires, skid plates, and an electronic locking rear axle. However, its size limited its off-roading prowess. Fuel economy was a downside, with ratings of 15.4 L/100 km in the city and 10.7 on the highway, falling short compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 featured a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid boosted output to 366 hp. The gas model came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid included a six-speed automatic. The TX 350 had electronically controlled full-time AWD, while the TX 500h used Lexus's Direct4 AWD system. Drive modes included Normal, Eco, and Sport, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity. The TX 500h offered adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling. While not a sports car, the TX provided a balanced ride, with the hybrid offering a more dynamic driving experience.

The 2025 Ford Expedition excelled in towing capacity, with a maximum of 4,350 kilograms, surpassing competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe. Inside, it offered ample 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 of space. The minimalist interior design featured touch-sensitive trackpads on the steering wheel and touchscreen-based climate controls, which some might find too high-tech for a large SUV.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom. A one-touch button facilitated entry to the third row, though folding the second row flat required flipping several levers. The front seats were roomy but lacked thigh support. The TX provided excellent cargo space, with 572 litres behind the third row, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row flat, and 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. It could tow up to 2,268 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2025 Ford Expedition featured a groundbreaking 24-inch driver information display, offering a Google Maps projection and a selectable widget. 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 year of complimentary access, with subscription options available. Without it, the tech was limited, though wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay were available.

The 2026 Lexus TX had a 14-inch colour touchscreen, though some features lacked polish, such as the inability to manually input satellite radio stations. Steering wheel buttons controlled adaptive cruise control and volume, but their multi-functional nature and lack of labels made them confusing. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose. Subscription services were required for in-dash navigation and other features. The back-up camera offered a clear view, and the available Advanced Park system handled parking duties. With seven USB ports and wireless charging, device connectivity was well-supported.

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 on all trims, offering hands-free driving capabilities with a subscription.

The 2026 Lexus TX came standard with Safety System+ 3.0, including forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, and traffic sign recognition. The adaptive cruise control worked well once set up, though it was initially confusing. The NHTSA rated the TX five out of five stars for crash safety, while the IIHS gave it an "Acceptable" score for the small overlap front crash test on the driver's side and a "Good" score for the passenger's side.