2021 Ford Expedition vs 2022 Genesis GV70

The 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum was a welcome sight for a group of six weary travelers arriving at Los Angeles International Airport. After a week in a rented Dodge Grand Caravan, the plush and spacious Expedition promised a more luxurious ride. However, the SUV's inability to accommodate all the luggage was a notable drawback. Despite its impressive exterior, featuring a chrome grille and 22-inch wheels, the Expedition's interior, while comfortable, was marred by hard plastic elements that reminded passengers of its utilitarian roots.

In contrast, the 2022 Genesis GV70 offered a unique blend of ruggedness and sleekness, with styling elements borrowed from other Genesis models. Its quad LED headlights and shield-shaped grille were complemented by a sloping roofline and ribbed detailing, giving it a muscular profile. The Sport Prestige model added character with its unique front fascia, 21-inch wheels, and dark chrome trim. Inside, the GV70's elliptical-themed interior, inspired by an airplane wing, was both minimalistic and luxurious, featuring a rotary gear selector and a variety of color options.

The 2021 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque in the Platinum trim. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided impressive acceleration even with a full load. The Expedition's towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, and it featured Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology for easier trailer maneuvering. However, the ride quality suffered due to the Platinum's 22-inch wheels, which transmitted road shock into the cabin despite the adaptive damping suspension.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 offered two engine options: a base 2.5-liter turbo-four with 300 horsepower and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 375 horsepower. Both engines came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The GV70's Sport+ drive mode and launch control hinted at a sporty character, but the chassis and steering lacked the sharpness of some competitors. The GV70 excelled in highway cruising, though its firm ride on 21-inch wheels detracted from the luxury experience.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with large seats and ample storage space. However, the regular-length model struggled to transport more than five people and their luggage simultaneously. The Expedition MAX offered more cargo space, with up to 121.5 cubic feet available. The independent rear suspension ensured comfort, but the high cargo floor liftover height was a consideration when loading heavy items.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 provided mid-pack interior space for its segment, with adequate legroom and good rear-seat visibility. Cargo space was 28.9 cubic feet with the rear seats up and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The daring interior design compromised storage space, but the GV70 included a covered storage cubby with USB ports. The front seats in the Sport Prestige model were heavily bolstered, offering heating, ventilation, and massage functions, though some controls were buried in touchscreen menus.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured the aging Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. While user-friendly, the system was sometimes slow to respond. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Expedition also offered a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, though it was not included in the test vehicle.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 boasted a 14.5-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The infotainment system's tile-based layout and glass rotary controller were highlights. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12-inch head-up display. The GV70 also featured a digital-key system, a fingerprint scanner, and a radar-based rear-seat monitor. Genesis Connected Services provided additional features like remote camera activation and driver profiles.

The 2021 Ford Expedition earned 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, and more. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2022 Genesis GV70 had not yet been rated by the IIHS or NHTSA. It came standard with lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and other safety features. Optional features included Highway Driving Assist 2 with lane-change functionality. The GV70's Highway Driving Assist impressed with smooth control inputs, though its lane-centering function struggled with curves.