2020 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Audi Q5

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, was a full-size SUV with a clean, albeit somewhat uninspiring, design. Its styling was considered timeless, appealing to those planning to keep the vehicle for many years. The King Ranch model stood out with its 22-inch aluminum wheels, mesh grille insert, LED headlights, and unique gray-painted lower exterior trim. The Star White metallic paint added to its appeal, though some design elements like the taillights and roof C-pillar were less favored. Inside, the King Ranch featured Del Rio leather in Mesa over Ebony, adorned with King Ranch logos, though the presence of hard plastic in lower trims was a drawback, especially given the vehicle's price point.

The 2021 Audi Q5 was a sharp-looking crossover SUV that embodied Audi's design language while maintaining its unique character. It featured an expressive front with LED headlights and a prominent Singleframe grille. The body had crisp character lines, and the rear boasted bold taillights, contributing to its modern and classy appearance. The plug-in hybrid version, with S-Line trim and enhancements, offered even more visual appeal. Inside, the Q5 was equally modern and uncluttered, with smartly grouped controls and high-quality materials like real wood and metal. The 10.1-inch touchscreen was well-placed, and the second row offered standard leather seating, ensuring a comfortable ride for all passengers.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. Despite lacking the traditional V8 rumble, the engine provided a pleasant exhaust note and ample power. A 10-speed automatic transmission efficiently managed the power, with rear-wheel drive standard and an optional four-wheel-drive system. The Expedition boasted a towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds with rear-drive and 9,200 pounds with 4WD. Its independent rear suspension improved ride quality and interior space, though the oversized wheels sometimes affected ride comfort. Fuel economy averaged 17.7 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV enhanced the driving experience with a combined output of 362 horsepower and 373 pound-feet of torque, thanks to its 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and electric motor. Weighing 4,665 pounds, it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds and achieved 65 MPGe combined. The seven-speed S Tronic automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive offered versatile driving modes, including electric-only and hybrid. The Q5's handling was sporty yet comfortable, with minimal body roll and powerful braking. Its fuel economy in gasoline-only mode was rated at 27 mpg combined, and the battery could be recharged overnight or in 2.4 hours with a Level 2 charger.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo, and passenger capacity. The King Ranch model featured power running boards for easy access, with comfortable heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs provided first-class comfort, and the third-row seat was spacious enough for adults on long trips. Cargo space was 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 104.6 cubic feet with the second row down. The long-wheelbase MAX version offered even more space, making it ideal for larger loads.

The 2021 Audi Q5 offered a well-balanced size, with 25.1 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row and 53.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The second row provided 37.8 inches of legroom, 37.7 inches of headroom, and 56.5 inches of shoulder room, accommodating two adults comfortably. The front seats were supportive and adjustable, with heating and ventilation available on higher trims. The interior featured smart storage solutions, including cupholders and cubbies, maintaining a clean and functional design.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured an 8-inch Sync 3 touchscreen infotainment system, which, while user-friendly, felt outdated compared to newer systems. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, FordPass Connect with a WiFi hotspot, and an optional Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist was a standout feature for towing enthusiasts, simplifying trailer maneuvering with a dashboard knob.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV boasted a 10.1-inch MMI touchscreen infotainment system, complemented by the Audi Virtual Cockpit Plus 12.3-inch instrument cluster. The system offered three customizable views and was paired with ambient interior lighting for a futuristic feel. The Prestige Package included navigation, which worked with the hybrid system to optimize efficiency. The Integrated Toll Module and a Bang & Olufsen 3D audio system were notable features, with wireless Apple CarPlay enhancing connectivity.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It received 5-star ratings from the NHTSA in most categories, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not tested the Expedition at the time of review.

The 2021 Audi Q5 PHEV shared many safety features with its gasoline counterpart, which received top ratings from the IIHS, except for headlights. The NHTSA awarded the gasoline model five stars, with PHEV ratings expected to match. Safety features included six airbags, Audi Pre Sense, electronic stability control, and available driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and a top-view camera system.