2020 Toyota Land Cruiser vs 2020 Ford Expedition

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was a vehicle whose design elements revealed their purpose over time. It wasn't flashy, but its subtle styling choices, like the dished hood, improved driver visibility and made practical sense. The fenders, slightly bulging from the sides, provided space for wheel travel and indicated the vehicle's width. The Land Cruiser Heritage Edition added a touch of retro flair with blackened trim, a unique grille, and bronze BBS wheels. Inside, it offered a luxurious experience with black perforated leather seating and a functional, albeit plain, dashboard. The center stack was filled with controls for various functions, and the instrument panel featured traditional analog gauges.

In contrast, the 2020 Ford Expedition was a full-size SUV with a clean, albeit somewhat boring, design that aged well. The King Ranch edition stood out with 22-inch aluminum wheels, a mesh grille, and LED headlights. Its Star White metallic paint added to its appeal, though some design elements like the taillights and C-pillar could have been improved. Inside, the King Ranch featured Del Rio leather and numerous King Ranch logos, though the presence of hard plastic was noticeable, especially in lower trims. Despite this, the cabin was spacious and comfortable, with a focus on practicality and storage.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was powered by a robust 5.7-liter V8 engine, delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission and full-time 4WD, making it capable of handling both urban and off-road environments. The Land Cruiser's suspension system and chassis geometry, including a Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System, provided excellent off-road capabilities with approach, departure, and breakover angles of 32, 24, and 21 degrees, respectively. Despite its size, the Land Cruiser offered a serene driving experience, with controlled body roll and a comfortable ride.

The 2020 Ford Expedition, on the other hand, was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and optional 4WD. The Expedition excelled in towing, with a capacity of up to 9,300 pounds. Its independent rear suspension improved ride quality and interior space. The adaptive damping suspension on the King Ranch trim provided a smooth ride, though the large wheels sometimes resulted in a busy ride on rough surfaces. The Expedition's fuel economy was slightly better than the Land Cruiser, averaging 17.7 mpg.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser offered a dual-purpose design, suitable for both city and off-road adventures. It featured standard skid plates, tow hooks, and mudguards, along with a roof rack. The three-row configuration provided ample space for families, with heated second-row seats and a split-folding third row. The interior boasted four-zone climate control and numerous cup holders. The Land Cruiser's towing capacity was 8,100 pounds, and its split tailgate design was both practical and charming.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in passenger and cargo space. The King Ranch trim featured power running boards for easy entry, and the interior was spacious and comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs provided first-class accommodations, and the third-row seat was genuinely comfortable for adults. The Expedition offered 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 104.6 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Expedition MAX variant provided even more cargo space.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser featured a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Toyota Premium Audio, including 14 JBL speakers and integrated navigation. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Enhanced Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system was a useful feature for off-road and urban driving.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came with an 8-inch Sync 3 infotainment system, which included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the system was easy to use, it sometimes lagged in response. The Expedition also offered FordPass Connect with a WiFi hotspot, a Bang & Olufsen sound system, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which was particularly helpful for towing.

The 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included features like pre-collision system, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. It also had 10 airbags and various safety systems, though it lacked crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. It received 5-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, providing reassurance of its safety in collisions.