The 2018 Ford Edge has an eager feel and crisp design; safety scores and Sport ride quality give pause.The Edge satisfies more than a few needs. It’s sleeker than the truck-infused Expedition, even the Explorer. It’s more spacious than the Escape. It’s also devoid of any off-road pretense, any faux-SUV ruggedness.
Pros Quick steering Cabin’s muted details Wide range of engines Composed ride on small-tire models Edge Sport lives up to name
Cons Seats are a big letdown Real-world fuel economy Stiff Sport ride
The Ford Endura is Ford Australia’s first large soft-road SUV since it stopped producing the Territory. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel that’s both powerful and relatively economical. It is good to steer, with polished cornering manners for a large SUV. There are front-drive and all-wheel-drive versions, and auto-braking is standard.
Pros Punchy engine; roadholding, cabin space, standard features.
Cons Dated dashboard, no petrol option.
Many Australians sorely miss the locally built Ford Territory. We’ve had our first local drive of the imported Endura to discover whether that large-SUV product gap has been adequately filled…
Pros Spacious rear seat and big boot Good steering Ride comfort and secure handling on country roads Smooth and quiet turbo diesel Lots of technology/features from entry model upwards
Cons No third-row seating despite vehicle’s size Performance only adequate Urban ride quality still an unknown Cabin presentation a bit underwhelming $4000 charge for AWD
The 2019 Lexus GX ranked #20 in Luxury Midsize SUVs. Currently the Lexus GX has a score of 7.8 out of 10 which is based on our evaluation of 43 pieces of research and data elements using various sources.
Pros Excellent off-road capability High maximum towing capacity for the class
Cons Dated cabin design Unimpressive acceleration Stiff ride
The 2019 Lexus GX 460 comes with four wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed shiftable automatic.Blind-spot monitoring now standard.
PROS Impressive off-road capability in a segment largely without it High seating position provides a good view of the road Easy-to-use interior controls
CONS Compromised cargo space and third-row seat Uncomfortable seats Poor fuel economy and acceleration Rough ride on broken pavement
The 2019 Lexus GX 460 delivers formidable capability, but it’s well behind crossover rivals in the ways most drivers use their SUVs.
Pros Solid feel Soft ride Formidable off-roader Smooth, sonorous V-8
Cons Awkward tailgate Tight third row Light steering Prodigious fuel thirst
