2021 Jeep Cherokee vs 2020 Ford Expedition

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned for the 2018 model year, was a cleanly styled full-size SUV. While some might have found the styling boring, its clean design was expected to age well over time, making it a good long-term investment. The King Ranch model featured 22-inch aluminum wheels, a mesh grille insert, LED headlights, and exclusive gray-painted lower exterior trim, along with special front fender emblems. Dipped in Star White metallic paint, the test SUV looked impressive, though the taillight shape and roof C-pillar design were points of contention. Inside, the King Ranch boasted Del Rio leather in Mesa over Ebony, with numerous King Ranch cattle-brand logos. Despite the luxurious cabin, the presence of hard plastic, especially in lower trims, was disappointing for a vehicle in this price range.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's styling had mellowed since its debut. While the short grille opening and swept-back headlights were initially controversial, they had become more accepted over time. The exterior appearance varied significantly with trim levels, from the basic Latitude with 17-inch wheels to the 80th Anniversary Edition with 19-inch Granite Crystal wheels and painted lower body cladding. Jeep's expertise in roof design was evident with the Cherokee's optional panoramic sunroof. The Cherokee stood out in a crowded field of crossover SUVs, bearing a resemblance to the larger Jeep Grand Cherokee, especially from the front.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. The 10-speed automatic transmission delivered power to the rear wheels, with an optional four-wheel-drive system available. The Expedition offered 9.8 inches of ground clearance (9.7 inches for the MAX 4WD) and impressive towing capacities: 9,300 pounds with rear-drive and 9,200 pounds with 4WD. The driving experience was mostly pleasing, with the engine providing ample power and the 10-speed automatic ensuring smooth gear changes. The adaptive damping suspension on the King Ranch model helped manage ride motions, though the oversized wheels sometimes resulted in a busy ride. The independent rear suspension design improved ride and handling while conserving interior space. Fuel economy averaged 17.7 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee offered three engine options: a 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 180 horsepower, a 3.2-liter V6 with 271 horsepower, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The nine-speed automatic transmission from ZF was standard across all models. Acceleration was adequate, with the V6 and turbo-four engines achieving 0-60 mph times of around 7.2 and 7.4 seconds, respectively. The Cherokee Trailhawk model excelled in off-road capability, thanks to features like Jeep Active Drive Lock and Selec-Speed Crawl Control. The Cherokee was available in front-wheel drive to keep prices competitive, though most buyers likely opted for the four-wheel-drive versions.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled at towing, carrying cargo, and hauling people. The King Ranch model featured power running boards for easy access, comfortable heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs provided first-class accommodations, and the third-row seat was genuinely comfortable for adults. Cargo space in the standard-length Expedition 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 both rows folded. The long-wheelbase Expedition MAX offered even more cargo space.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee, positioned between the Renegade and Grand Cherokee, offered 26 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 55 cubic feet with the seats folded, placing it at the lower end of the compact SUV class. Passenger volume was competitive at 102 cubic feet. The interior layout was simple and businesslike, with trim levels significantly affecting the cabin's feel. The Latitude trim featured rubberized black plastic, while the Trailhawk offered suede seat inserts and contrasting stitching. The Latitude Lux trim added perforated Nappa leather upholstery for a more upscale appearance.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 3, which included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While Sync 3 was user-friendly, it occasionally lagged. Other highlights included FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, a navigation system, a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, a rear-seat entertainment system, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which simplified trailer maneuvering.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee's Uconnect infotainment system was available with 7-inch and 8.4-inch touchscreens, both offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The system was praised for its ease of use and minimal latency. The Cherokee also featured a 4G WiFi hotspot, Amazon Alexa integration, and remote start. The climate control interface was straightforward, with physical buttons and knobs for easy adjustments.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Expedition earned 5-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2021 Jeep Cherokee received top "Good" scores in IIHS crashworthiness categories but did not earn a Top Safety Pick award. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall safety rating. Standard safety features included lane departure warning, lane keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind spot monitoring. Adaptive cruise control was available only on higher trims.