2021 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum was a luxurious sight for a group of six weary travelers arriving at Los Angeles International Airport. Despite its plush and roomy interior, the Expedition struggled to accommodate all their luggage, forcing one passenger to carry a suitcase on her lap. The Platinum trim, the most luxurious in the Expedition lineup, featured Magnetic gray paint, 4WD, and a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package, bringing the total cost to $80,510. The power-deploying running boards and leather-lined cabin added to the comfort, but the lack of cargo space highlighted the utility of minivans for such trips.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda CR-V's design was more about function than form. Its styling was similar to other compact crossovers, with few distinguishing features. The CR-V was available in eight colors, though most were shades of gray, black, or white, with vibrant options limited to higher trims. The interior offered black, gray, and ivory cloth or leather, with more upscale materials in higher trims. While the CR-V's design was modern, it lacked the distinctive styling of competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, available in RWD or 4WD. The engine produced 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 Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology made maneuvering trailers easier. Despite its size, the Expedition offered impressive acceleration and a pleasant engine note. However, the ride quality suffered due to the Platinum's 22-inch wheels, though the adaptive damping suspension helped maintain stability.

The 2021 Honda CR-V, on the other hand, was not built for high performance. It featured a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, with a 0-60 mph time of about 7.8 seconds. The CR-V's continuously variable transmission (CVT) provided smooth acceleration but lacked engagement. FWD was standard, with AWD as an option. The CR-V's suspension setup was typical for its class, offering decent handling and ride quality. While not thrilling, the CR-V's performance was adequate for everyday driving.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with large, wide seats for all passengers and a leather-lined cabin. However, the regular-length model struggled with cargo space, offering 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expandable to 57.5 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Expedition MAX provided more space, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 121.5 cubic feet. Despite its generous cargo volume, the Expedition's high liftover height could be a challenge when loading heavy items.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed to fit five people comfortably and carry their gear. It offered 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Accessing the cargo area varied by trim, with the base models requiring manual operation, while higher trims offered power and hands-free tailgate options. Roof rails were standard only on the top Touring trim. Overall, the CR-V provided ample space for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a navigation system. Despite its age and occasional sluggishness, Sync 3 offered essential features like Amazon Alexa compatibility and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Expedition also had wireless smartphone charging and an optional rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Honda CR-V's base LX trim had a 5-inch screen with Bluetooth, while other trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SMS text messaging. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were plentiful, with the Touring trim adding a wireless phone charger. The CR-V's infotainment system was user-friendly and well-equipped for its class.

The 2021 Ford Expedition had a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, though its rollover-resistance rating was lower. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beam headlights. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control, semi-autonomous parking assistance, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. Standard safety features included a multi-angle rearview camera, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, road departure mitigation, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and auto high-beam headlamps. The EX trim and above added blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Honda's commitment to making advanced safety features standard across all trims set the CR-V apart from many competitors.