2020 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, was a full-size SUV with a clean, albeit somewhat boring, design. Its styling was expected to age well, making it a practical choice for long-term ownership. The King Ranch model stood out with 22-inch aluminum wheels, a mesh grille, LED headlights, and unique gray-painted trim. The Star White metallic paint added to its appeal, though some design elements like the taillights and C-pillar could have been improved. Inside, the King Ranch featured Del Rio leather and King Ranch logos, though the presence of hard plastic, especially in lower trims, was disappointing for its price range.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the UX and RX, featured sharp edges and a streamlined profile. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX was built on an older platform shared with the previous-generation Toyota RAV4. The F Sport Black Line model added a larger mesh grille, dark-finish wheels, and Grecian Water paint, which contrasted nicely with the dark trim. Inside, the design felt familiar due to its lack of updates, with a stepped center console and limited use of luxury materials. The Black Line package added sporty elements, but overall material quality was more akin to mainstream brands.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission, with optional four-wheel drive. The Expedition offered impressive towing capacities, with up to 9,300 pounds for rear-drive models. Despite its size, the Expedition handled well in urban environments, though the steering was slow. The adaptive damping suspension on the King Ranch provided a comfortable ride, though the large wheels sometimes affected ride quality. Fuel economy averaged 17.7 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, producing 194 horsepower. It came standard with all-wheel drive. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX Hybrid was not a performance vehicle, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The drivetrain struggled with quick acceleration, and the transition between electric and gasoline power was clunky. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling without sacrificing comfort. However, the steering lacked feedback, and drive modes offered minimal impact on performance. The NX Hybrid prioritized fuel efficiency over excitement.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo, and passenger capacity. The King Ranch model featured power running boards, heated and ventilated front seats, and ample interior storage. Second-row captain’s chairs provided first-class comfort, and the third-row seat was genuinely comfortable for adults. Cargo space was 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 104.6 cubic feet with seats folded. The Expedition MAX offered even more space.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with rear legroom being the worst in its class. Front seats were comfortable with 10-way power adjustment, and heated and ventilated options were available. The sloping roofline and thick pillars affected rear visibility. Cargo space was 16.8 cubic feet with seats up, expanding to 53.7 cubic feet with seats folded. A power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured an 8-inch Sync 3 infotainment system, which was user-friendly but felt outdated compared to newer systems. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, FordPass Connect, and an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system. Pro Trailer Backup Assist was a notable feature for towing.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid’s infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa were included, but the system felt dated. An eight-speaker audio system was standard, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came with Ford Co-Pilot360, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It received a 5-star safety rating from NHTSA, with a 4-star rollover rating.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA. It included Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, with features like adaptive cruise control and lane tracing assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard.