2021 Ford Expedition vs 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee, despite its decade-old design, maintained a timeless appeal. It showcased traditional Jeep styling cues like a 7-slot grille and trapezoidal fenders, making it equally at home on rugged trails and at upscale venues. This versatility in appearance made it attractive to a diverse range of buyers. Prices for the Grand Cherokee started at $32,150 for the Laredo and went up to $52,495 for the Summit, with high-performance versions like the SRT and Trackhawk priced at $68,895 and $87,400, respectively. The tested Limited X model, priced at $53,275, featured a Slate Blue Pearl paint, a ventilated hood design, a sport-themed front bumper, and 20-inch aluminum wheels, giving it a mild-custom look.

However, the interior of the Grand Cherokee, especially in models priced over $50,000, was a letdown. While premium materials were used, they were applied over a foundation that lacked substance, with an overabundance of hard plastic. This was particularly disappointing in the more expensive variants, where the expectation for luxury was higher.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum was a sight for sore eyes after a long flight, offering plush and roomy accommodations. The Platinum trim, the most luxurious in the Expedition lineup, started at $74,375, with the test vehicle priced at $80,510. It featured Magnetic gray paint, 4WD, a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package, and second-row captain’s chairs. The Expedition’s power-deploying running boards and rear liftgate made loading easy, but it struggled to accommodate all the luggage for six passengers, highlighting the utility of minivans for such tasks. The Expedition Platinum, with its chrome grille, 22-inch wheels, and brightwork, had a bold presence. The extended-length MAX version would have been a better choice for carrying more cargo.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 295-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing satisfying acceleration and an EPA-rated 21 mpg in combined driving. However, the test vehicle managed only 19.4 mpg. For those seeking more power, three V8 engines were available: a 360-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8, a 475-hp 6.4-liter Hemi V8 in the SRT, and a 707-hp supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the Trackhawk, which could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Grand Cherokee offered various 4WD systems, with the Limited X featuring the Quadra-Trac II 4WD system. While it performed well off-road, its on-road dynamics were mixed, with excessive suspension movements and average steering and brakes.

The 2021 Ford Expedition, powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, with the Platinum trim boosting these figures to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. The Expedition’s towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, and it featured Pro Trailer Backup Assist for easier trailer maneuvering. The Expedition’s acceleration was impressive, even with a full load, and the 10-speed automatic transmission performed smoothly. However, the Platinum’s 22-inch wheels affected ride quality, transmitting road shock into the cabin. The Expedition’s FX4 Off-Road Package, available on XLT and Limited models, enhanced its off-road capabilities, but the test vehicle lacked this option. The Expedition averaged 17.1 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA rating of 19 mpg.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered seating for five and cargo space of 36.3 cubic feet behind the backseat, expanding to 68.3 cubic feet with the backseat folded. The front seats were heated and 8-way power-adjustable, but lacked ventilation. The backseat provided adequate comfort for children and adults, with rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. Interior storage was decent, with a handy tray in the center console and sizable door-panel bins, though the glovebox and center armrest bin were small.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with large, wide seats for all passengers, including adults in the third row. The test vehicle’s front seats offered a massage function, adding to the comfort. The Expedition’s independent rear suspension ensured a smooth ride, and storage for odds and ends was plentiful. Cargo space expanded from 19.3 cubic feet to 57.5 cubic feet with the third-row seat folded, and to 104.6 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Expedition MAX offered even more cargo 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 all seats folded.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee featured the Uconnect infotainment system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM satellite radio, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. A 4G LTE WiFi data plan was available, supporting up to eight devices. The test vehicle had a 9-speaker Alpine premium sound system, with a 19-speaker Harman Kardon system available in higher trims. Unique to Jeep’s Uconnect was the Off-Road Pages app, providing information for off-roading excursions.

The 2021 Ford Expedition’s Sync 3 infotainment system, though aging, remained user-friendly. It featured an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, FordPass Connect services, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and navigation. The test vehicle had a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium sound system and wireless smartphone charging. An available dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system offered additional entertainment options for passengers.

The 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered three collections of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS). ProTech I, standard on all trims, included a reversing camera, parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. ProTech II added low-speed forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights. Advanced ProTech II included full-speed forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, semi-autonomous parking assist, and rain-sensing wipers. The Grand Cherokee received a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and had poor ratings from the IIHS for small overlap frontal-impact tests and headlights.

The 2021 Ford Expedition, with a minimum curb weight of 5,368 pounds, had a safety advantage over most vehicles. It earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, though its rollover-resistance rating was three stars with RWD and four stars with 4WD. The Expedition came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, semi-autonomous parking assistance, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system.