2020 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, was a full-size SUV with a clean, albeit somewhat boring, design. This simplicity, however, contributed to its timeless appeal, making it a good long-term investment. The King Ranch variant stood out with its 22-inch aluminum wheels, mesh grille insert, LED headlights, and exclusive gray-painted lower exterior trim. The Star White metallic paint on the test model looked impressive, though the taillight shape and body-colored C-pillar were points of contention. Inside, the King Ranch featured special Del Rio leather in Mesa over Ebony, adorned with King Ranch logos, which sparked mixed reactions from passengers. Despite the luxurious feel, the presence of hard plastic, especially in lower trims, was disappointing for a vehicle in this price range.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Highlander was anything but boring. Its design stood out with wide headlights, a long hood, and an assertive trapezoidal grille. The character line along the side, reminiscent of the Supra sports car, and Lexus-like taillights added to its distinctive look. The Highlander XSE trim introduced a sportier front end, suspension tuning, and 20-inch wheels with black accents, though it didn't match the performance of a Ford Explorer ST. The Limited trim, just below the Platinum, featured chrome roof rails and accents, giving it an upscale appearance. Inside, the Highlander excelled with near-flawless fit and finish, tan leather seats, and attractive wood details, emphasizing comfort and luxury over sportiness.

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 ample power and a pleasant exhaust note. The Expedition offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with an optional four-wheel-drive system. It boasted a towing capacity of 9,300 pounds with rear-drive and 9,200 pounds with 4WD, while the MAX versions could tow up to 9,000 pounds. The adaptive damping suspension on the King Ranch trim improved ride quality, though the 22-inch wheels sometimes made the ride busy on imperfect pavement. The independent rear suspension design enhanced ride and handling, as well as interior space. Fuel economy averaged 17.7 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options. While not a performance powerhouse, the Highlander provided smooth and predictable operation, suitable for family use. The XSE trim added sportier suspension tuning, including higher-rated springs, retuned shock absorbers, and a rear stabilizer bar, enhancing driving excitement without compromising comfort. The Highlander measured up well against competitors like the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Honda Pilot, though it fell short of the Ford Explorer ST in terms of performance.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo capacity, and passenger comfort. The King Ranch trim featured power running boards for easy access, 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, thanks to the independent rear suspension. 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 the second row folded. The Expedition MAX offered even more space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 121.5 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander prioritized driver and passenger comfort, with shelves ahead of the front seats for storage and a wireless charging pad in higher trims. Second-row passengers enjoyed ample legroom, with seats that moved forward and backward to balance space between rows. The third-row seats could accommodate adults, though with some compromise in comfort. Rear-seat climate control vents were positioned on the ceiling, which was a unique design choice. Cargo space behind the third row was 16 cubic feet, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.3 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 3, which, while easy to use, was sometimes slow to respond. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, a navigation system, and an available Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. The rear-seat entertainment system with dual screens and Pro Trailer Backup Assist were notable highlights, especially for those who frequently towed trailers.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander offered an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen available on the Limited trim and standard on the Platinum trim. Both systems were user-friendly, though the navigation system struggled with points of interest. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across the lineup. The 12.3-inch screen was bright and responsive, though it only displayed certain apps in full width. The JBL audio system provided good sound quality, and the inclusion of volume and tuning knobs was appreciated.

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 ADAS performed well, with smooth and accurate operation. The Expedition earned 5-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not tested the Expedition at the time of the review.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ (TSS 2.5+), which included automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and intersection support, road-sign assist, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, lane-tracing assist, and automatic high beams. The Highlander received a 5-star rating from NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS.