2021 Lexus NX Hybrid vs 2022 Ford Explorer

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid presented a blend of sharp edges and a streamlined profile, maintaining a familiar yet distinct look within the Lexus family. Despite its sporty F Sport Black Line enhancements, including a larger mesh grille and dark-finish wheels, the NX's design felt both dated and familiar. Inside, the NX offered a radical design that had become commonplace across Lexus models, with a stepped center console and a lack of traditional luxury materials, leaning more towards mainstream quality.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Explorer, particularly in the King Ranch trim, showcased a robust and athletic appearance with its long hood and rakish roofline. The King Ranch model featured exclusive Del Rio leather seating and a distinctive interior design, though it mixed quality materials with some less impressive elements. The Explorer's design emphasized a sporty feel, with a focus on comfort and practicality for families, despite the third-row seat being less accommodating for adults.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a total of 194 horsepower. It offered standard all-wheel drive but lacked performance excitement, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The hybrid system prioritized fuel efficiency over acceleration, and the sport-tuned suspension provided agility without sacrificing comfort. However, the steering felt numb, and the drive modes offered minimal impact on performance.

The 2022 Ford Explorer offered three powertrains, with the King Ranch model featuring a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine delivering 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided satisfying acceleration and a robust towing capacity of 5,600 lbs. The Explorer's ride was more traditional SUV-like, handling off-road terrain with ease. The hybrid powertrain option offered a balance of power and efficiency, though it wasn't available with the King Ranch trim.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited interior space, with the least front headroom in its segment and cramped rear seats. The front seats were comfortable with power adjustments, but rear visibility was compromised by the design. Cargo space was also limited, with 16.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 53.7 cubic feet with them folded.

The 2022 Ford Explorer provided ample comfort for families, with the King Ranch trim offering luxurious features like massaging front seats and heated second-row captain’s chairs. However, the third-row seat was best suited for children. The Explorer's cabin lacked practical storage solutions, but it offered a hands-free power liftgate and up to 87.8 cubic feet of cargo space with both rear rows folded.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid's infotainment system was a weak point, featuring an 8-inch display with a difficult-to-use Remote Touch Interface touchpad. While it included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the system felt outdated, and the base audio system lacked quality.

The 2022 Ford Explorer came with the Sync 3 infotainment system, available with either an 8-inch or 10.1-inch touchscreen. The King Ranch model included a comprehensive tech package with features like wireless charging and a Bang and Olufsen sound system. However, the voice recognition system struggled with accuracy, highlighting the need for an upgrade to Sync 4.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid earned a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It came standard with the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0, offering a comprehensive suite of driver aids, though it lacked a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Ford Explorer also received a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS. It featured Ford Co-Pilot360 with standard safety features like forward-collision warning and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added advanced features like adaptive cruise control, though the system occasionally lacked steering wheel sensitivity.