Comparison - Lexus GX 460 Luxury 2015 - vs - Ford Explorer Sport 2017

General

Other Names:

Also called:

--

Also called:

--

Lexus GX 460 Off-Road Muddy AWD Review: Technology vs Mud
2014 Lexus GX460 Commercial
Lexus GX460 Commercial
Lexus GX 460 Rushers by Lexus
The 2020 Lexus GX 460 Interior REALLY Needs an Update
LEXUS GX 460 how to Crawl Control for off-road
2017 Lexus GX460 4.6 L V8 Review
Luxury and Performance: 2017 Lexus GX460
2017 Ford Explorer XLT 2.3 L Ecoboost 4-Cylinder Review
2017 Ford Explorer: Review
2017 Ford Explorer UNBOXING Review - Why Even Bother With A BMW X5?
2016 / 2017 Ford Explorer Review and Road Test
The 2020 Ford Explorer ST Is a Fast Family SUV
2016 Ford Explorer - Crash Test
Ford's Hybrid Explorer vs V8 Towing Test | Which Is More Efficient?
2016 Ford Explorer Commercial
Make: 
Average Price: 
48,958
Updated: 
01 Dec 2016
45,355
Updated: 
30 Nov 2016
Car Type: 
SUV
SUV
Drive Type: 
Four Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive
Year: 
2015
2017
Total Seating: 
7
7
Transmission: 
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
6-speed Shiftable Automatic
Bluetooth: 
yes
yes
Heated seats: 
yes
no
Navigation: 
yes
yes
Doors: 
5
5
Fuel Tank Capacity: 
23.00gals
18.60gals
Exterior Colors: 
Color: 
Black Onyx
#333333
Claret Mica
#812328
Fire Agate Pearl
#503D39
Nebula Gray Pearl
#4F5052
Satin Cashmere Metallic
#B4AD9D
Silver Lining Metallic
#BBBDBA
Starfire Pearl
#F6F5EF
Color: 
Blue Jeans Metallic
#486478
Ingot Silver Metallic
#C4C4C8
Oxford White
#E4E4E4
Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
#8E1C26
Shadow Black
#242424

Expert Reviews

Expert reviews: 

The 2015 Lexus GX can go where few others can.A decade ago, 'tough-truck' luxury was all the rage. But the Lexus GX 460 is strictly a niche product today.

For the U.S. the GX 460 has become an increasingly hard sell. Even as gas prices have continued to trend down, Americans continue to gravitate to more road-bound crossovers with better fuel economy. That said, it offers a luxurious cabin for family-hauling, as well as a full-fledged off-roading four-wheel-drive system for weekend warriors.

Likes
Towing ability
Good front seats, driving position
Useful off-road electronics
Powerful V-8

Dislikes
Side-opening hatch opens away from the curb
Too-light steering
Poor gas mileage
Spongy brake pedal feel
Disappointing, high cargo floor

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The 2015 Lexus GX 460 has a personality that makes it stand apart from most 3-row luxury SUVs. Actually it's more like a split personality that embodies the plush accommodations associated with every Lexus, and the 4-wheel-drive capability to venture where few of its peers would dare. While rivals such as the BMW X5, Acura MDX, Infiniti QX60 and Audi Q7 are tailored for sedan-like on-road performance, the V8-powered Lexus GX has truck-like construction for excellent off-road performance. That makes the GX somewhat of a compromise in the city, where its ride is less forgiving. But for adventure seekers looking for a 7-passenger SUV that's luxurious and rugged – not to mention reliable and a resale champ – the Lexus GX is among the last and best of its kind.

Likes
If you want to crawl over rocks, scale treacherous slopes and tow heavy loads in your 3-row luxury SUV – or at least give the impression you do – nothing outside a Land Rover LR4 will do it better in the $50,000-$60,000 price range. Moreover, the Lexus has excellent resale value.

Dislikes
If the terms "low-range gearing," "locking center differential" and "crawl control" sound like foreign language, you likely won't be using the Lexus GX 460 for serious off-roading. In that case, you'll appreciate the more refined on-road manners and better fuel efficiency of one of its luxury crossover SUV rivals.

By: 
kbb.com

Merging a sturdy chassis and typical Lexus luxury, the GX is a mountain climber in a three-piece suit. A 301-hp 4.6-liter V-8, a six-speed automatic, and a four-wheel-drive system with a locking center differential are all standard and provide the GX its off-road credentials. Inside, plush seats, an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a power-adjustable steering wheel are standard; adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking are optional on the top Luxury trim.
GX460 was the Lexus brand’s third-best-selling SUV (even though the Lexus lineup had only four SUVs). In calendar year 2015, it gathered more buyers than the Audi Q7, Volvo XC90, Infiniti QX80, Land Rover LR4, and Range Rover Sport, and it nearly kept pace with the Mercedes-Benz GL. However, the Acura MDX, BMW X5, and the combined Mercedes-Benz M-class/GLE all outsold the Lexus by a ratio of more than two to one. It has certainly outlasted just about all of its mid-size, truck-based peers. Add in booming sales of other examples of the larger breed—Escalades, Navigators, and such—and the expected demise of the traditional body-on-frame SUV has been slower than anticipated. Blame cheap gasoline.

By: 
caranddriver.com

Available with plenty of features and three distinctly different engines, the 2017 Ford Explorer has a lot to offer if you're shopping for a three-row crossover SUV. Its outstanding quietness and quality cabin trimmings elevate this practical do-all crossover to the front of the segment.

A household name among American carbuyers, the Ford Explorer has evolved from its long-ago roots as a body-on-frame SUV into the comprehensively modern three-row crossover it is today. Depending on trim level and options (and how deep your pockets are), it can be downright luxurious. Our preference for the Sport arises from the "drives big" nature of other non-Sport trim levels — though comfortable, the soft suspension and numb steering of non-Sport models make their driving experience oddly ponderous.

Aside from that, though, there is an awful lot to credit to the Explorer. You can configure an Explorer that keeps things relatively basic, or you can go all-in on luxury. Versatility is a strong suit, too. You have your choice of three engines. You can get it with a second-row bench or captain's chairs and option the second and/or third row with power-folding functionality. Lots of cargo space is standard.

Pros
Plenty of high-tech features that are easy to use
Optional turbocharged V6 engine delivers plentiful power
Cabin is quiet and comfortable on the highway
Cargo space is generous behind the third row

Cons
Depending on trim level, feels big and ponderous from behind the wheel
Legroom in the second and third rows is subpar

By: 
edmunds.com

The 2017 Ford Explorer adds a sport appearance package and Sync 3, both of which are important to today's SUV buyers.

The 2017 Ford Explorer gets a sport appearance package on lower trims, which is what Explorer buyers are looking for nowadays.

The Ford Explorer's wide offering of powertrains is an asset, we like every step along the way.

The Explorer has a good mix of comfortable seating, versatility, and space for families.

The Explorer scores well on federal tests, but IIHS tests are a different story.

A Sport Appearance Package is here now for buyers who want their 2017 Ford Explorers to look the part.

The 2017 Ford Explorer returns decent economy for a three-row hauler—mostly.

Pros
A nicely executed do-it-all
Excellent ride and handling for an SUV
Fuel-efficient—on paper
Sync 3 is better ...
Sport appearance package is much appreciated

Cons
but Sync 3 still has issues
Real-world mileage question
Platinum prices are in line with luxury vehicles

By: 
thecarconnection.com

The 2017 Ford Explorer will feature a new XLT Sport Appearance package, as well as interior enhancements. A hands-free liftgate will be standard on Sport models, while Sync 3 will be offered on the XLT and come standard on the Limited, Sport, and Platinum models.

The 2017 Ford Explorer SUV offers three-row seating, can hold up to seven passengers, and is offered in front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.

The 2017 Ford Explorer comes standard with LED low-beam headlights on every trim.

The Ford Explorer was refreshed for 2016, sporting a new look and upgrades to the engine and feature content. The 2017 Explorer doesn’t change much, but adds a new sport package to the XLT trim, as well as additional safety features.

Pros
New XLT Sport Appearance package
Well-appointed Platinum trim

Cons
Cramped third-row seating
Slow acceleration on lower trim models

By: 
motortrend.com

With the exception of a new Sport Appearance package for the XLT trim, the 2017 Ford Explorer SUV carries over unchanged.

When it comes to horsepower, Ford’s 7-passenger Explorer SUV for 2017 delivers at every level. From the standard 290-horsepower V6 to the fuel-efficient 280-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder available in the base,...

XLT and Limited trims, Ford places choice front and center. Need more “oomph”? Try out the Sport and Platinum trim’s 365-horsepower twin-turbocharged V6. Capable for sure, the Explorer delivers excellent passing and pulling power and its heavily weighted steering and taut suspension give this big SUV impressive cornering ability, although its high beltline and massive front bumper make maneuvers in tight quarters a bit harrowing. Ford has done an excellent job keeping road, engine and wind noise out of the cabin, and all but the rearmost occupants felt the seating was both comfortable and supportive. The Explorer’s adaptive cruise control works well, but we wish it offered fully autonomous braking like the Honda Pilot, not just collision warning.

Pros
If you’re looking for a family SUV with advanced electronics and safety features, plus a wide range of engines and option choices, Ford’s midsize SUV for 2017 is hard to beat. The Explorer’s advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) system makes it more off-road capable than a Honda Pilot or Mazda CX-9.

Cons
If you’re looking for something that’s easy to maneuver and park, and you don’t need a 3rd-row seat, a smaller SUV like the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano or Jeep Grand Cherokee makes a better choice. The Jeep also bests the Explorer both off-road and in towing (7,800 pounds vs. 5,000).

By: 
kbb.com

Fuel

Fuel Type: 
Premium Unleaded
Regular Unleaded
Fuel Economy City USA: 
15.00mpg
16.00mpg
Fuel Economy HWY: 
20.00mpg
22.00mpg
Engine type: 
Petrol/Gas
Petrol/Gas

Engine and Performance

Valves: 
32
24
Cylinders: 
8
V
6
V
Engine Size/Displacement: 
4.60L
3.50L
Torque: 
329ft-lbs
at 3 500rpm
350ft-lbs
at 3 500rpm
Horsepower: 
301hp
at 5 500rpm
365hp
at 5 500rpm
Cam Type: 
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Turning Circle: 
41.40Feet
40.00Feet

Convenience

Cruise Control: 
yes
yes
Door Pockets: 
yes
yes
Cupholders: 
yes
yes
Overhead console: 
yes
yes
Seatback Storage: 
yes
yes
Power Steering: 
yes
yes
Parking sensors: 
no
yes
Steering Wheel Tilt: 
yes
yes
Telescopic steering wheel: 
yes
yes
Rear View Camera: 
yes
yes
Front view Camera: 
no
yes
Side view Camera: 
no
no
On steering wheel: 
Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel
Transmission, cruise and audio controls on steering wheel
More in Convenience: 
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
Roadside Assistance
Destination Download*
Destination Download*
Universal remote transmitter (for garage door, security system, etc.)
Destination guidance (also Turn-by-Turn Navigation)*
Adjustable pedals

Exterior Dimensions

Length: 
192.10in
198.30in
Width: 
74.20in
78.90in
Height: 
73.80in
71.00in
Ground Clearance: 
8.10in
7.80in
Front Track: 
62.40in
Rear Track: 
62.40in
Wheel Base: 
109.80in
112.80in

Interior Dimensions

Front Head Room: 
38.00
41.40
Rear Head Room: 
40.40
40.60
Front Leg Room: 
41.70in
42.90in
Rear leg room: 
34.10in
39.50in
Front Hip Room: 
56.50in
57.30in
Front Shoulder Room: 
55.40in
61.50in
Rear Hip Room: 
55.20in
56.80in
Rear Shoulder room: 
57.30in
61.00in

Weights and capacites

Cargo Capacity: 
64.70cu.ft
81.70cu.ft
Maximum Towing Capacity un-break: 
6500lbs
5000lbs
Cargo Capacity with Seats in Place: 
11.60cu.ft
21.00cu.ft
Angle of Approach: 
21.00degrees
15.60degrees
Angle of Departure: 
23.00degrees
20.90degrees
Curb Weight: 
5179.00lbs
4901.00lbs

Instruments

External Temperature Display: 
yes
yes
Clock: 
yes
yes
Trip computer: 
yes
yes
Techometer: 
yes
yes
Compass: 
yes
yes

Power Features

Power windows: 
yes
yes
Remote Keyless doors: 
yes
yes
More Power Features: 
Reverse tilt dual mirrors provides curb view when vehicle in reverse
2 one-touch power windows
Heated mirrors

Seats

Rear Seat Collapsible: 
yes
yes
Front Seats Features: 
Multi-level heating passenger seat
8 -way power driver seat
Multi-level heating driver seat
Height adjustable driver seat
Premium leather
Bucket front seats
Height adjustable passenger seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support
8 -way power passenger seat
8 -way power driver seat
Bucket front seats
Height adjustable passenger seat
Multi-level heating driver seat
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
8 -way power passenger seat
Height adjustable driver seat
Leather
Multi-level heating passenger seat
Passenger seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Rear Seats Features: 
Split-folding rear seatback
Reclining rear seats
Power folding split-bench third row seats
Rear ventilation ducts with fan control
Folding with storage center armrest
Folding center armrest
Rear ventilation ducts with fan control
Power folding split-bench third row seats
Split-folding rear seatback

Suspension

Front Suspension: 
Front stabilizer bar
Front stabilizer bar
Rear Suspension: 
rear stabilizer bar
Rear stabilizer bar
Suspension Info: 
Front independent suspension
Four-wheel independent suspension

Comfort

Interior air Filtration: 
yes
yes
Climate Control: 
yes
yes
More Comfort Features: 
Heated steering wheel
Electrochromatic inside rearview mirror
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Turn signal in mirrors
Leather and wood steering wheel
Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
Leather steering wheel
Turn signal in mirrors
Heated steering wheel
Front and rear air conditioning

Entertainment

DVD player: 
no
no
AM/FM Radio: 
yes
yes
Satellite radio: 
yes
yes
Video monitor: 
no
yes
More Entertainment: 
Mast antenna
3 Months of provided satellite radio service
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
Adjustable speed sensitive volume control
9 total speakers
USB connection
Auxiliary audio input and USB with external media control
Memory card slot
Surround audio surround audio (discrete)
Sony premium brand speakers
390 watts stero output
1 subwoofer(s)
12 total speakers
6 Months of provided satellite radio service
Sony premium brand stero system

Exterior Features

Sunroof: 
yes
no
Rear defogger: 
yes
yes
More in Glass and Roof: 
Privacy glass
Variable intermittent rain sensing wipers
Intermittent rear wiper
Roof rack
Remote sunroof operation
Privacy glass
Rear window wiper
Variable intermittent wipers
Roof rack
Alloy Wheels: 
yes
yes
Wheel size: 
18 x 7.5
20 in
Wheels more: 
Fullsize matching spare tire
All season tires
Underbody mounted spare tire
Underbody mounted spare tire
All season tires
Null spare wheel
Temporary spare tire
Wheel Dimensions: 
Width: 
265.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
60
Diameter: 
R18
Width: 
255.00millimeters
Aspect Ratio: 
50
Diameter: 
R20

Safety Features

ABS: 
yes
yes
Front head airbags: 
yes
yes
Rear head airbags: 
yes
yes
Dual front side-mounted airbags: 
yes
yes
Emergency braking assist: 
yes
yes
Traction control: 
yes
yes
Child seat anchors: 
yes
yes
Front brakes: 
Front ventilated disc brakes
Front ventilated disc brakes
Stability control: 
yes
yes
Rear brakes: 
rear ventilated disc brakes
rear ventilated disc brakes
Rear door child safety locks: 
yes
yes
Daytime running lights: 
yes
yes
Engine immobilizer: 
yes
yes
Front fog lights: 
yes
yes
Dusk sensing headlamps: 
yes
yes
Auto delay off headlamps: 
yes
yes
Front headrests: 
yes
yes
Rear headrests: 
yes
yes
Tire pressure monitoring: 
yes
yes
More Safety Features: 
Post-collision safety system
Airbag Deployment Notification*
Glass Breakage Sensor
Stolen Vehicle Tracking/Assistance
LED headlamp
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Dual front and dual rear side-mounted airbags
Post-collision safety system
Airbag Deployment Notification*
BLIS Plus Inflatable Rear Seatbelt Package
Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Warning w/Brake Support
Rear height adjustable headrests
Rear center 3-point belt
Passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Dual front with head protection chambers side-mounted airbags

Options

Packages: 
Preferred Accessory Package
Driver Support Package w/Mark Levinson Premium Audio
Equipment Group 401A
Equipment Group 400A
Exterior Options: 
Door Edge Guards
Wheel Locks
Exhaust Tip
Paint Protection Film
Tow Hitch w/Ball Mount
18" F-Sport Wheel Upgrade
Roof Rack Crossbars
Running Boards
P265/45ZR20 Summer Only Tires
Splash Guards
Dual Panel Moonroof
License Plate Bracket
Rear Bumper Protector
Wheel Lock Kit
Interior Options: 
Cargo Mat
Mark Levinson Audio
Cargo Net
Smart Access Key Gloves
Rear Seat Entertainment System (RSES)
Wireless Headphones
All-Weather Floor Mats
2nd Row Bucket Seats w/Power-Assist Fold
Cargo Shade
Smokers Kit w/Element
Deep Tray-Style All-Weather Floor Mats
Rear Cargo Well Protector
DVD Headrests
2nd Row Console

Colors

Interior Colors: 
Color: 
Black, leather
#313131
Ecru, leather
#BFB9A6
Sepia, leather
#514C49
Color: 
Medium Light Camel, cloth
#9A9789