2025 Ford Explorer vs 2024 Lexus TX

The 2024 Lexus TX was based on the Toyota Grand Highlander but distinguished itself as a luxury SUV. It presented an upscale appearance, especially with the Luxury trim's 22-inch silver wheels, enhancing its presence. The styling was more conservative compared to other Lexus models, appealing to those who preferred a toned-down design. The TX came in three series: TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance, and TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid, with prices ranging from $55,050 to $69,350. The TX 350, likely the most popular version, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with options for FWD or AWD. The interior, though dark, felt luxurious with premium materials and a panoramic sunroof.

The 2025 Ford Explorer maintained its sleek design with a refreshed front end, giving it a wider and more rugged look. New LED taillights and wheel designs added to its appeal. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements in materials and design, making it competitive in its segment. Ford reduced the trim levels to four: Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST, with prices from $39,755 to $55,505. The ST-Line, with RWD and additional packages, was priced at $50,340. The interior upgrades, including ambient lighting and massage seats, enhanced comfort and appeal.

The 2024 Lexus TX 350 was equipped with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 275 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. It accelerated to 60 mph in eight seconds with FWD and 7.8 seconds with AWD. The TX 350's performance was adequate, with a combined fuel economy rating of 23 mpg, though it averaged 20.4 mpg during testing. The AWD option, costing $1,600, offered better traction and slightly quicker acceleration. The ride was comfortable, with commendable body motion control and quiet highway driving. However, the brake pedal felt too soft in the pre-production test vehicle.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engines. The standard turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine delivered 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, while the ST and optional Platinum trim featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. All models had a 10-speed automatic transmission with RWD, and 4WD was optional. The ST-Line averaged 23.8 mpg during testing. The Explorer's turbo four provided quick acceleration, and the 10-speed automatic offered decisive shifts. The ST-Line's performance was enhanced with larger wheels and performance brakes. The Explorer ST showcased its capabilities on an autocross course, while the Platinum trim demonstrated fast acceleration and a pleasant engine sound.

The 2024 Lexus TX addressed previous shortcomings in Lexus's three-row SUVs. It offered a comfortable interior with premium materials, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row bench seat was standard, with captain’s chairs as an option. The third-row seat was habitable for adults, providing better comfort than previous models. The TX offered 20.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 97 cubic feet with all seats folded. However, second-row legroom was limited when accommodating third-row passengers.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line featured a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, and a Premium Package with additional comforts. The front and second-row seats were comfortable, but the third row was less accommodating for adults. The Explorer offered 16.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 85.8 cubic feet with seats folded. Storage was ample, with a useful dashboard tray and wireless charging.

The 2024 Lexus TX featured an optional Technology Package with a 12.3-inch digital panel, head-up display, and surround-view camera. However, the unmarked steering wheel controls and head-up display visibility issues were drawbacks. The Lexus Interface infotainment system, with a 14-inch touchscreen, offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a digital assistant. The TX included free subscriptions to various connectivity services and an optional 21-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

The 2025 Ford Explorer introduced the Ford Digital Experience with a 12.3-inch digital panel and a 13.2-inch touchscreen. It included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with Google Maps and app downloads. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems, with the Platinum and ST trims featuring a 14-speaker setup. The ST-Line's 10-speaker system was less impressive.

The 2024 Lexus TX came with Lexus Safety System+ 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Proactive Drive Assist offered braking and steering assistance but was not always smooth. Additional features included blind-spot monitoring and traffic jam assist. The system was generally effective, though it slowed too dramatically when other vehicles cut in.

The 2025 Ford Explorer featured Ford CoPilot 360+, with adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist. The ST-Line and higher trims included BlueCruise, a hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise performed well, though it was inconsistent in certain situations. The NHTSA had not fully rated the 2025 Explorer, but it received five-star side-impact and four-star rollover resistance ratings.