2021 Ford Expedition vs 2022 Ford Bronco

The look and feel of the 2021 Ford Expedition catered to those who prioritized a plush and roomy vehicle experience. The Platinum trim, in particular, was the most luxurious version in the lineup, which included trims from XL STX to King Ranch. The Expedition Platinum boasted an intricately detailed chrome grille, massive 22-inch machined-face aluminum wheels, and stylish brightwork that made it a head-turner. When a group of six surf-worn travelers arrived in Los Angeles, the spacious Expedition was a sight for sore eyes, although it struggled to accommodate all their luggage, highlighting its cargo limitations. Despite this, the power-deploying running boards, leather-lined cabin, and captain's chairs offered a comfortable ride.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco was known for its attractive retro styling and go-anywhere attitude. Available in seven distinct trims, including the off-road-ready Everglades, the Bronco returned with options that emphasized its off-road credentials, such as an intake snorkel and 35-inch Goodyear mud-terrain tires. The Bronco’s design was unapologetically utilitarian, featuring large recovery hooks, removable fender flares, and a full-size spare mounted to the tailgate. Inside, marine-grade vinyl upholstery and drain plugs allowed for easy cleanup after rugged adventures.

The 2021 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine delivered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with the Platinum trim pushing these numbers to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. The Expedition excelled in towing, with a capacity ranging from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds and featured Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology. However, its ride quality was compromised by the 22-inch wheels of the Platinum version, transmitting road bumps into the cabin despite its adaptive damping suspension.

The 2022 Ford Bronco offered a choice between a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, and a turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine with 330 hp and 415 lb-ft. The seven-speed manual transmission with a crawl gear was available for the four-cylinder engine, while a 10-speed automatic was offered for both engines. The Bronco was designed for off-roading, featuring short overhangs, low-profile bumpers, and a two-speed transfer case. Its performance off the pavement was remarkable, especially in the Everglades trim, which easily handled Michigan’s upper peninsula’s rugged terrain. It also impressed on the highway, offering stable, smooth rides and minimal wind noise.

The 2021 Ford Expedition was known for its comfort and utility but struggled with cargo capacity in its standard-length version. The regular Expedition provided 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.5 cubic feet with seats folded. The extended-length Expedition MAX offered more space with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum volume of 121.5 cubic feet. Despite its generous space, it still lagged behind minivans.

Conversely, the 2022 Ford Bronco's boxy shape resulted in ample interior space, with excellent headroom and legroom for passengers. The two-door hardtop Bronco offered 22.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 52.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The four-door hardtop increased these figures to 35.6 cubic feet and 77.6 cubic feet, respectively. Storage solutions included large armrest bins, netted door pockets, and an option for stowable doors fitting in the cargo area.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured the aging Sync 3 infotainment system, which included an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. It also offered a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and optional features like a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Bronco came equipped with the more advanced Sync 4 system, known for its quick responses and sharp graphics. It offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, paired with an available wireless charging pad. Discrete off-road enhancements like G.O.A.T. modes and forward-looking trail cameras further underscored its advanced technology.

The 2021 Ford Expedition’s heavy curb weight provided a safety advantage, although IIHS did not perform crash tests. The NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall crash-test rating but noted a three-star rollover resistance for RWD models and four-star for 4WD models. Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist.

The 2022 Ford Bronco included standard safety features like hill-start assist, hill descent control, and trailer sway control. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control and a surround-view camera system. The NHTSA gave the four-door Bronco a four-star rating for frontal crash protection, and both two- and four-door models received a three-star rollover rating. The IIHS rated the Bronco “Good” in most crash tests.