2021 Ford Expedition vs 2020 Jeep Wrangler

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler was a distinctive presence on the road, characterized by its circular headlights, seven-slat grille, and boxy design. Its industrial look was further accentuated by exposed hinges and bolts, and the option to fold down the windshield and remove the doors. The removable top added to its rugged persona, making it more of a "recreational utility vehicle" than a typical commuter car. Inside, Jeep maintained a retro aesthetic with circular climate vents and gauges, embracing its ergonomic limitations to focus on utility and style. The Wrangler Unlimited offered various trims, from the basic Sport with manual windows to the upscale Sahara and the off-road-ready Rubicon, each catering to different preferences and needs.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum was the epitome of luxury in the Expedition lineup, offering a plush and spacious interior that was a welcome sight after a long flight. Despite its luxurious features, the Expedition struggled with cargo space when fully loaded with passengers, highlighting the utility of minivans for such tasks. The Platinum trim boasted a detailed chrome grille and massive 22-inch wheels, exuding a bold presence. While the regular-length model had limitations, the extended-length Expedition MAX provided ample space for both passengers and luggage, making it a more practical choice for larger groups.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited came with a base 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual or an optional 8-speed automatic transmission. A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine was also available, offering 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. The new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine delivered 260 hp and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque, enhancing its off-road capabilities. Despite its rough ride and road noise, the Wrangler excelled off-road, with features like locking differentials and a disconnecting sway bar. Fuel economy for the diesel engine was 22 mpg city, 29 highway, and 25 combined, though diesel costs and availability were considerations for potential buyers.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with the Platinum trim boosting these figures to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. Towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, and the Expedition offered Pro Trailer Backup Assist for easier trailer maneuvering. Despite its size, the Expedition provided impressive acceleration and a pleasant engine note. The ride quality was affected by the Platinum's 22-inch wheels, but the independent suspension kept it stable. The FX4 Off-Road Package added off-road capabilities, though our test model focused on on-road performance, averaging 17.1 mpg.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, a four-door variant, was popular for its versatility, with removable doors and a foldable windshield. The soft top could be retracted partially or fully, while the hardtop offered more protection. Cargo space was limited to 72 cubic feet with the rear bench folded, less than many less-capable SUVs. Despite its limitations, the Wrangler's unique features and off-road prowess made it a standout choice for adventure enthusiasts.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with power-deploying running boards and spacious seating for adults, even in the third row. The independent rear suspension ensured comfort, and cargo space expanded from 19.3 to 104.6 cubic feet with seats folded. The Expedition MAX offered even more space, with up to 121.5 cubic feet of cargo room. While generous, it still fell short of most minivans in terms of volume.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler offered a basic 5-inch touchscreen on the Sport and Sport S trims, with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. The Rubicon and Sahara featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Uconnect, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with an optional 8.4-inch system adding navigation and a premium audio system. The larger screen also provided real-time updates and a WiFi hotspot, enhancing the Wrangler's tech offerings.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system, though aging, provided essential features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. The 8-inch touchscreen was small by modern standards, but the system included Amazon Alexa compatibility and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Wireless smartphone charging was available, though the test vehicle lacked the rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler came with standard safety features like airbags, electronic roll mitigation, and a backup camera. Optional safety packages added rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control, addressing the Wrangler's sightline challenges.

The 2021 Ford Expedition boasted a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, though its rollover-resistance rating varied between three and four stars. Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system, enhancing safety and convenience.