2020 Ford Expedition vs 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, maintained a timeless appeal with its classic 7-slot grille, trapezoidal wheel arches, and a variety of aluminum wheel designs. The attention to balance, proportion, and detail was evident, making it a visually appealing choice. The Limited X trim, priced at just over $50,000, featured a performance vented hood, unique 20-inch wheels, and special leather seats, adding to its upscale appearance. However, the interior was marred by hard plastic panels, a squeaky door panel, and a loose center console lid, which detracted from the overall build quality.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, offered a clean and somewhat understated design that aged well. The King Ranch model stood out with its 22-inch aluminum wheels, mesh grille insert, and LED headlights. Inside, the Expedition King Ranch boasted Del Rio leather seats and numerous King Ranch logos, providing a luxurious feel. Despite some hard plastic surfaces, the cabin was spacious and comfortable, especially in the front seats, which were heated and ventilated. The Expedition's design was practical and functional, making it a solid choice for those seeking a full-size SUV with a touch of elegance.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 producing 295 horsepower. For those seeking more power, there were options like the 360-hp 5.7-liter V8, the 425-hp 6.4-liter V8 in the SRT, and the Trackhawk's 707-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8. The 8-speed automatic transmission powered the rear wheels, with three 4WD systems available depending on the trim. The Limited X test vehicle featured the Quadra-Drive II system, providing excellent off-road capabilities. However, the Grand Cherokee's fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 18.3 mpg during testing. Despite its robust acceleration and decent handling, the brakes struggled during long descents, highlighting the need for upgraded braking systems in higher-performance models.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth power delivery, and the Expedition's towing capacity was impressive, with the standard model capable of towing up to 9,300 pounds. The Expedition's ride was generally comfortable, thanks to its adaptive damping suspension, although the oversized wheels sometimes resulted in a busy ride on rough surfaces. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality and interior space, making the Expedition a strong performer in its class. Fuel economy was slightly better than the Grand Cherokee, with an average of 17.7 mpg during testing.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, as a midsize SUV, provided adequate space for a family of five. The power-adjustable and heated front seats were comfortable, but the hard plastic front-seatback panels were uncomfortable for rear passengers. Storage space was limited, with small door-panel bins and a center console storage bin. Cargo space was also on the smaller side, offering 36.3 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 68.3 cubic feet with the seats folded.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in terms of interior space and comfort. The King Ranch model featured power running boards for easy access, and the front seats were both heated and ventilated. The second-row captain's chairs provided first-class accommodations, and the third-row seat was genuinely comfortable for adults, thanks to the independent rear suspension. Cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row in the standard model and 34.3 cubic feet in the MAX version. With the third row folded, the Expedition offered 57.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 104.6 cubic feet with the second row down.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the Laredo trim, with an upgraded Uconnect system available in higher trims. This system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. The voice recognition system was effective, and the 9-speaker Alpine audio system provided good sound quality. Higher trims offered a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system for an enhanced audio experience.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured an 8-inch touchscreen with the Sync 3 infotainment system. While it lacked the latest Sync 4 technology, Sync 3 was user-friendly, offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Expedition also included FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, a navigation system, and an available Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist was a standout feature for those who frequently tow, making trailer maneuvering easier.

The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a range of driver-assistance features, including blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. However, its safety ratings were concerning, with a Marginal rating for small-overlap frontal-impact protection for the driver and a Poor rating for the front passenger from the IIHS. The 3-star rollover resistance rating further highlighted its safety shortcomings.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems. These included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Expedition performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning 5-star ratings in every category except for a 4-star rollover resistance rating. The ADAS features were smooth and effective, enhancing the overall safety of the vehicle.