2020 Ford Expedition vs 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was a stylish SUV that balanced between the sleekness of the Evoque and the boxiness of the traditional Range Rover. Its low roof and steeply-raked windshield gave it a unique profile, while the rounded front and slightly tapered rear added to its distinct look. Despite its stylish design, the Velar maintained the intimidating presence typical of Land Rovers, with a broad front end and elevated stance. The short overhangs not only contributed to its sporty appearance but also improved its off-road capabilities, offering up to 9.8 inches of ground clearance with the air suspension. The SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition added sportier elements like larger air intakes and quad exhaust tips, enhancing its aggressive look.

Inside, the Velar's interior was a departure from its 1969 predecessor, featuring high-quality leather and metal trim that exuded luxury. The cockpit-like design with a tall, sloping instrument panel and door panels created an immersive driving experience. However, the interior felt more like sitting in the vehicle rather than on it, which was a unique characteristic for an SUV. The Velar's design was more suited for urban environments, offering a blend of luxury and performance that appealed to those seeking a stylish yet capable SUV.

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, was a full-size SUV with a clean and somewhat understated design. While some might have found its styling boring, its simplicity promised longevity, making it a practical choice for long-term ownership. The King Ranch edition stood out with its 22-inch aluminum wheels, mesh grille insert, and exclusive gray-painted trim, adding a touch of elegance to its robust appearance. The Star White metallic paint further enhanced its visual appeal, although some design elements like the taillights and C-pillar could have been improved for a more modern look.

Inside, the Expedition King Ranch offered a luxurious cabin with Del Rio leather and King Ranch logos, providing a comfortable and upscale environment. The front seats were heated and ventilated, and the steering wheel was heated, ensuring comfort in various weather conditions. Despite the premium feel, the presence of hard plastics in lower trims was a drawback, especially given the SUV's price range. However, the Expedition's spacious interior, with its independent rear suspension, provided ample room for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families and those needing extra space.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar saw a significant performance boost with the introduction of the SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, which featured a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 550 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, allowed the Velar to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 177 mph. Despite its impressive power, the Velar's performance was not class-leading, with competitors like the BMW X3 M Competition and Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S offering quicker acceleration. The Dynamic Edition also included enhancements like bigger brakes, retuned suspension, and an active exhaust system, but it didn't fully transform the Velar into a performance SUV.

The Velar's aluminum platform provided a solid and refined driving experience, with the Dynamic Edition's upgrades adding speed and improved body control. However, the chassis felt less sharp compared to other performance SUVs, and the Velar's size made it less agile on tight roads. The rest of the Velar's powertrain lineup remained unchanged, with a base 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine producing 247 hp, and a 3.0-liter supercharged V6 available in two power outputs. The Velar also featured Land Rover's Terrain Response system and other off-road technologies, but its single-speed transfer case and road-focused tires limited its off-road capabilities.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This engine, coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided ample power and a pleasant exhaust note. The Expedition's towing capacity was impressive, with the standard model capable of towing up to 9,300 pounds with rear-wheel drive and 9,200 pounds with four-wheel drive. The MAX versions offered slightly less ground clearance but could tow up to 9,000 pounds.

Driving the Expedition was a mostly enjoyable experience, with the twin-turbo engine providing enthusiastic acceleration and the 10-speed automatic ensuring smooth gear changes. The SUV's adaptive damping suspension, standard on the King Ranch, helped manage ride motions, although the large wheels and tires sometimes resulted in a busy ride on rough surfaces. The Expedition's independent rear suspension improved ride quality and interior space, making it a comfortable choice for long journeys. However, its fuel economy was slightly below expectations, with an average of 17.7 mpg in real-world testing.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar was positioned between small and midsize luxury SUVs, offering a unique size that felt larger on the road but didn't translate to more interior space. Its avant-garde styling, with a chopped roof and limited side glass, created a claustrophobic feeling inside, and visibility was hindered by the tall hood. The Velar's cargo space was competitive, with 15.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 48.9 cubic feet with them folded, but it wasn't segment-leading. The rear bench seat had a 40/20/40 split-fold, adding versatility. Towing capacity was respectable, with the V6 and SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition models rated at 5,511 pounds, while the base four-cylinder model could tow 5,291 pounds.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo, and passenger capacity. The King Ranch edition featured power running boards for easy access, and the interior offered comfortable seating for all passengers, with 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 was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row in the standard-length model and 34.3 cubic feet in the MAX version. Folding the third row increased space to 57.5 cubic feet (73.3 in the MAX), and with the second row folded, the Expedition offered up to 104.6 cubic feet (121.5 in the MAX).

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar featured the InControl Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, with dual 10.0-inch touchscreens, a WiFi hotspot, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility. The upper screen handled smartphone, navigation, and media functions, while the lower screen managed vehicle settings and climate control. The system offered high-quality graphics and a well-organized menu layout, but its slow response times were a drawback. Additional tech included a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, and capacitive steering-wheel controls, which fit the minimalist cabin design but were prone to glare.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came with the Sync 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice-recognition technology. While Sync 3 was user-friendly, it sometimes lagged in response. The Expedition also offered FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, a navigation system, a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, and a rear-seat entertainment system. Pro Trailer Backup Assist was a standout feature, providing a knob on the dashboard to help steer the trailer in the desired direction, making towing easier for drivers.

The 2020 Land Rover Range Rover Velar lacked safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA, as low-volume luxury vehicles were not prioritized for crash testing. Standard safety features included automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and front and rear parking aids. Adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring were available as part of an option package. However, Land Rover's driver-assist tech offerings were less sophisticated compared to competitors, with only lane-keep assist available, while other automakers offered more advanced systems.

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, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The ADAS performed well during testing, providing smooth and accurate assistance without being intrusive. The Expedition received 5-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating, although the IIHS had not tested it at the time of review.