2022 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Ford Bronco Sport

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was a compact crossover that aimed to capture the adventurous spirit of its larger sibling, the Bronco. It featured a modern retro design reminiscent of the Land Rover lineup, with short front and rear overhangs for improved off-road capability. The vehicle's tall fender wells and tucked-in body sides were crafted for trail driving, minimizing the risk of snagging on obstacles. The Bronco Sport's exterior was marked by bold "BRONCO" lettering on the grille and tailgate, with a modest Ford badge on the tailgate. The interior was rugged yet tasteful, with a unique design for the HVAC vents and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The trim levels offered a progression from cloth to leather-trimmed seats, with practical features like a rubberized cargo floor and second-row seat protector.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition underwent significant updates, including a refreshed exterior with a new grille, headlights, and bumpers. The model lineup included various trims, from the XL STX to the luxurious Platinum, with prices ranging from just over $55,000 to nearly $84,000. The Expedition introduced a new Timberline trim for off-road enthusiasts, featuring 4WD, all-terrain tires, and enhanced ground clearance. Inside, the Expedition boasted a redesigned dashboard with the latest Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, offering a 15.5-inch touchscreen display. The Limited Stealth Edition, priced at $80,155, included features like leather seats, a heavy-duty trailer tow package, and a 12.4-inch digital instrumentation display. Despite its high price, the Expedition impressed with its spacious cabin and advanced technology.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport offered two engine options, both paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The Base, Big Bend, and Outer Banks trims featured a 1.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged three-cylinder engine, producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. The Badlands and First Edition models were equipped with a more powerful 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 245 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. The Bronco Sport excelled off-road, thanks to its short wheelbase, independent suspension, and generous ground clearance. It also featured a terrain management system with up to seven G.O.A.T. modes, enhancing its off-road capabilities. On-road, the Bronco Sport was a competent performer, though the 1.5-liter engine could feel strained under pressure.

The 2022 Ford Expedition, on the other hand, was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The Stealth Edition Performance Package increased output to 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. The Expedition's V6 engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering a towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds. Despite its size, the Expedition was surprisingly easy to park, thanks to excellent visibility and parking sensors. On the highway, it provided a comfortable and quiet ride, making it ideal for long road trips. However, the Stealth Edition's sport-tuned suspension and large wheels contributed to a sometimes harsh ride quality.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was designed with active buyers in mind, offering clever features like a cargo space that could accommodate two 27.5-inch-wheel mountain bikes. Ford provided a catalog of over 100 accessories for transporting outdoor gear. The roof could support up to 150 pounds, and the vehicle could tow up to 2,200 pounds with the 2.0-liter engine. The cargo area featured a flip-up rear glass and an optional cargo management package with a slide-out work table and liftgate floodlamps. The front cabin offered ample storage compartments, though visibility could be challenging for taller drivers.

The 2022 Ford Expedition excelled in interior space and comfort, with power running boards for easy entry and exit. The test vehicle featured power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, along with a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and climate controls, while the third-row seat offered power recline and USB ports. Cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 104.6 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The Expedition Max offered even more cargo capacity, making it ideal for families and road trips.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport was equipped with the latest infotainment systems, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen with SYNC 3, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. FordConnect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system was available on higher trims. The terrain management system offered multiple drive modes, and trail control technology provided off-road assistance. Intelligent access with push-button start was included on all trims except the Base model.

The 2022 Ford Expedition introduced Ford's next-generation Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, with a 12-inch or optional 15.5-inch touchscreen. Both systems supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect, and a connected navigation system. Higher trims offered features like SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and premium Bang & Olufsen sound systems. The Expedition also featured Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 and an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV. However, the Sync 4A system had some quirks, such as accidental activation of the defroster function and occasional issues with Apple CarPlay.

The 2021 Ford Bronco Sport came standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of safety features, including pre-collision assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and a reversing camera. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and a voice-activated navigation system. All Bronco Sport models featured AWD and a terrain management system with traction control and electronic stability control.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered three Ford Co-Pilot360 packages, starting with a standard suite that included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and new features like intersection assist and evasive steering assist. The Co-Pilot Assist 2.0 package, standard on higher trims, included a surround-view camera system and rear automatic emergency braking. The Expedition also offered Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving technology, though the lane-centering assist system had some issues with accuracy and reliability.