Ford Explorer vs Lexus TX

The 2026 Ford Explorer retained much of its previous design, having undergone a facelift in 2025 that introduced a more rugged, truck-like appearance. This design served as an ideal foundation for the 2026 Tremor model, which enhanced its off-road capabilities with all-terrain tires on 18-inch wheels, a raised ride height, and off-road lights integrated into the grille. The Tremor model also featured unique Electric Spice accents, a golden hue reminiscent of Subaru's Wilderness models, adding a distinctive touch to its rugged persona. The raised suspension provided 22 centimetres of ground clearance, surpassing competitors like the Chevrolet Traverse Z71 and Honda Pilot TrailSport, making it the most capable Explorer model for off-road adventures.

Inside, the Explorer's interior remained largely unchanged from its 2025 overhaul, which introduced a new infotainment system and eliminated awkward screen placements. Despite the updates, the interior design lacked a strong impression, and the materials in the Tremor test vehicle felt subpar for its price point. The Explorer offered a range of options, from basic cloth seats in the Active model to luxurious leather upholstery in the Platinum trim. Overall, the Explorer's design, both inside and out, leaned towards a generic SUV aesthetic, with little flair in its basic design.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered a variety of packages tailored to different powertrains, with the TX 350 featuring the Luxury package as standard 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. Higher packages included towing capability, and wheel sizes ranged from 20-inch to 22-inch, filling out the wheel wells. The TX retained a large grille with a spindle shape, complemented by sharp bi-LED headlights and rear LED lighting spanning the vehicle's width. Roof rails were available for additional storage options.

Inside, the TX offered three interior colour options: standard grey, light grey Birch, and dark brown Peppercorn. Ambient lighting added warmth to the cabin, and suede trim adorned the glovebox. However, the overall material quality fell short of luxury standards, with basic plastic elements present. The redesigned door handles, which reacted to pressure rather than pulling, were a unique feature, though some might have preferred more attention to detail in the cabin. The TX's design aimed for a balance between functionality and style, though it faced competition from models like the Volvo XC90 and Mercedes-Benz GLE in terms of material quality.

The 2026 Ford Explorer maintained its powertrain options, featuring a standard 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Tremor grade and Explorer ST offered a twin-turbo 3.0-litre V6, delivering 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive in Canada. The Tremor model included a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, off-road drive mode, and steel skid plates, enhancing its off-road capabilities.

The Explorer's unibody crossover design, shared with the Mustang and Lincoln Aviator, contributed to its confident handling and comfortable ride. The twin-turbo V6 provided ample power, with quick turbo spool-up and a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission. The Explorer's off-road capability, particularly in the Tremor model, was impressive, handling challenging trails with ease. While not as capable as a Bronco, the Explorer offered a comfortable ride to and from off-road adventures.

The 2026 Lexus TX 350 featured a 275-horsepower 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the TX 500h hybrid increased output to 366 hp. The gas model came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the hybrid used a six-speed automatic, offering an alternative to the typical CVT in electrified powertrains. The TX 350 included electronically controlled full-time all-wheel drive, while the TX 500h featured Lexus's Direct4 AWD system, distributing torque to each axle on demand.

The TX offered Normal, Eco, and Sport drive modes, with Sport mode enhancing throttle sensitivity for a more immediate response. While not the most aggressive Sport mode, it suited the TX's character as a comfortable, rather than sporty, vehicle. The 500h model included adaptive suspension and rear steering for improved handling, providing a balanced driving experience.

The 2026 Ford Explorer accommodated up to seven passengers across three rows, with an option for second-row captain’s chairs reducing capacity to six. While the Explorer offered reasonable space for a midsize three-row crossover, it had slightly less headroom in the third row compared to some competitors. Second-row legroom was also less than rivals like the Honda Pilot, which offered an additional 9.6 centimetres of legroom. Despite these limitations, the Explorer's space was adequate for its class.

Cargo space in the Explorer started at 461 litres with all seats in place, comparable to a Toyota Highlander but less than a Chevy Traverse or Honda Pilot. Folding the rear seats expanded cargo space to 1,302 litres, and with the second row folded, it reached 2,415 litres. While not class-leading, the Explorer's cargo space was practical, with ample storage options for smaller items. The Explorer's towing capacity was 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds), average for a midsize crossover, though less than the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Pathfinder.

The 2026 Lexus TX offered three-zone automatic climate control, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, and a heated steering wheel as standard. Ventilated second-row seats were standard on the TX 500h. The third row was spacious, with a recline function and ample headroom, accommodating full-sized adults comfortably. Each seat had its own cupholder and USB-C port.

Access to the third row was facilitated by a one-touch button on the second-row seat, though folding the second row flat required flipping several levers in a specific order. The front seats were roomy but could benefit from more thigh support. The TX's cargo space was generous, with 572 litres available with all seats in place, expanding to 1,625 litres with the third row flat, and 2,747 litres with all rear seats folded. The TX's towing capacity matched the Explorer's at 2,268 kilograms (5,000 pounds).

The 2026 Ford Explorer featured a 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster as standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Google Maps, Google Play Store, and SiriusXM with 360L satellite radio. The infotainment system, introduced in 2025, was well-integrated with the dashboard and offered a user-friendly experience. USB-C ports were standard in the first and second rows, with additional ports in the third row.

The Explorer's infotainment system was responsive, though the climate control icons could be more user-friendly. The 360-degree camera system, available on higher trims, provided an overhead view and remained active at higher speeds, enhancing its off-road utility. The Explorer's tech offerings were comprehensive, catering to both on-road and off-road needs.

The 2026 Lexus TX's tech was a mixed bag. The 14-inch touchscreen was user-friendly and responsive, but 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 to use. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, though connectivity issues occasionally arose.

The TX required a subscription for in-dash navigation and other features, with some packages offering a three-year trial. The back-up camera was clear, with an available bird’s-eye view, and the Advanced Park system could handle parking duties. The TX offered ample USB ports and wireless charging, ensuring devices stayed powered. Despite some tech quirks, the TX provided a range of features for convenience and connectivity.

The 2026 Ford Explorer came equipped with the CoPilot 360+ suite as standard on Active models, including adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Higher trims featured CoPilot 360 2.0, adding a 360-degree camera system and predictive speed assist.

Ford's BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system, upgraded to version 1.5 for 2026, offered automated lane change capability. The Explorer received top safety ratings, earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in crash testing.

The 2026 Lexus TX included Safety System+ 3.0 as standard, featuring forward collision warning, lane tracing assist, lane departure warning, traffic sign recognition, and Proactive Driving Assist. While the adaptive cruise control worked well, setting it up through the steering wheel controls was challenging. The TX received a five-star crash safety rating from the NHTSA and mixed ratings from the IIHS, with an "Acceptable" score in the small overlap front crash test on the driver’s side.