2022 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Chevrolet Trax

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax, based on the 2015 model, had received updates in 2017 and 2020, including the addition of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. By 2021, the Premier trim was dropped, leaving LS and LT trims. The LS featured 16-inch wheels, remote keyless entry, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3. The LT trim added heated mirrors, roof rails, and upgraded seats, with optional styling and driver assistance packages.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition underwent significant changes, including a new grille, headlights, and bumper. It offered trims from XL STX to Platinum, with prices ranging from $55,000 to $84,000. The new Timberline trim catered to off-road enthusiasts with 4WD and all-terrain tires. The Stealth Edition added black 22-inch wheels and other stylish features. Inside, the Expedition boasted a redesigned dashboard with Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, a 12.4-inch digital display, and luxurious leather seats.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a single engine option: a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder producing 138 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, available in FWD or AWD. While adequate for city driving, the engine struggled at highway speeds and was noisy. The Trax had a firm ride, tight turning radius, and was maneuverable in tight spaces, making it suitable for city dwellers. However, rivals like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30 offered more comfortable and enjoyable rides.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque (400 hp and 480 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel). The Stealth Edition Performance Package increased output to 440 hp and 510 lb-ft. The V6 engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offered impressive power and towing capacity (9,000 to 9,300 pounds). Fuel economy ranged from 17 to 19 mpg, with observed fuel economy at 16.2 mpg. The Expedition excelled in highway driving, offering a comfortable and quiet ride, though the sport-tuned suspension and large wheels contributed to a sometimes harsh ride quality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax provided respectable headroom and legroom in both rows, with supportive front seats but less comfortable rear seats. It offered 18.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, expandable to 48.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The front passenger seat folded flat for larger items. However, it lacked options for a power liftgate.

The 2022 Ford Expedition excelled in interior space and comfort. It featured power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a spacious center console. The second-row captain’s chairs offered ample legroom and climate controls. The third-row seat was comfortable but had limited headroom. Cargo space measured 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 104.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The Expedition Max offered even more cargo space.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax came with a 7-inch touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, two USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, and an available WiFi hotspot. The system had easy-to-follow menus and vivid graphics, complemented by hard buttons and dials.

The 2022 Ford Expedition introduced Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. Sync 4 included a 12-inch touchscreen, while Sync 4A offered a 15.5-inch touchscreen. Both systems featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect, and a connected navigation system. Higher trims added SiriusXM, HD Radio, wireless charging, and Bang & Olufsen sound systems. Sync 4A had an upgraded voice-recognition system and adaptive dashcard user interface. The Expedition also offered Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 and an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV.

The 2021 Chevrolet Trax received five stars from the NHTSA but lacked advanced safety features. It came standard with airbags and a backup camera. The LT Convenience Package added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, and rear parking sensors. However, it lacked forward-collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered comprehensive safety features through Ford Co-Pilot360 packages. The standard package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, driver monitoring, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, intersection assist, evasive steering assist, surround-view camera, rear automatic emergency braking, and Active Park Assist 2.0. The Expedition also offered BlueCruise hands-free driving technology.