2021 Land Rover Range Rover vs 2020 Ford Expedition

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, presented a clean and straightforward full-size SUV design. While some might have found its styling to be on the dull side, this simplicity often aged well, making it a practical choice for those planning to keep their vehicle for many years. The King Ranch edition of the Expedition 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 a touch of elegance, although the taillight shape and the body-colored roof C-pillar were points of contention. Inside, the King Ranch featured Del Rio leather in Mesa over Ebony, adorned with King Ranch cattle-brand logos, which sparked mixed reactions. Despite the luxurious feel, the presence of hard plastic, especially in lower trims, was a drawback, particularly given the SUV's price point.

In contrast, the 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved from its rugged origins to a symbol of luxury. With a starting price of $92,000, it offered a wide range of powertrains and personalization options, with the potential to reach a staggering $250,000. The HSE Westminster special edition, priced at $106,715, featured a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine and standard paint and wheels. Despite its age, the Range Rover's design remained timeless, with hallmark features like blacked-out windshield and roof pillars. Inside, the Range Rover exuded luxury with its Ivory-color interior and mid-century modern ambiance. However, the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, while comprehensive, was not as intuitive as newer systems, requiring patience and familiarity to navigate effectively.

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. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided a smooth and powerful driving experience. The Expedition offered a choice between rear-wheel drive and an optional four-wheel-drive system, with a towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds for the standard model. Its independent rear suspension contributed to improved ride quality and interior space, although the oversized wheels sometimes resulted in a busy ride on imperfect roads. Fuel economy averaged 17.7 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The eight-speed automatic transmission and electric motor assistance ensured smooth acceleration. Standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case and Terrain Response 2 traction control maintained the Range Rover's off-road prowess. The adaptive air suspension provided a comfortable ride, although the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity affected handling on winding roads. Fuel economy was rated at 20 mpg combined, with an observed average of 18.5 mpg during testing.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo capacity, and passenger comfort. The King Ranch edition featured power running boards for easy access, with comfortable heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs offered first-class accommodations, and the third-row seat was genuinely comfortable for adults, thanks to the independent rear suspension. Cargo space was ample, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 104.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover's air suspension included a kneel mode for easier access, although shorter passengers found entry challenging. The front seats were decadently comfortable, but the second row lacked thigh support and adjustability, resulting in an uncomfortable seating position. Storage space was limited, with a maximum cargo capacity of 59.8 cubic feet. The clamshell-style tailgate and suspension kneel function aided loading, but overall luggage volume was restricted.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured an 8-inch touchscreen with the Sync 3 infotainment system, which, while user-friendly, lacked the modernity of newer systems. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, FordPass Connect with a WiFi hotspot, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist was a standout feature for towing enthusiasts.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, though comprehensive, was not entirely intuitive, requiring setup and familiarity. The Range Rover included a head-up display, touch-sensing steering wheel controls, and an Activity Key wristband for convenience. The iGuide smartphone app served as a digital owner's manual.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, a suite of advanced driving assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. It received 5-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover included basic safety features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, with optional packages for additional driver aids. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, which performed well, although the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.