2021 Ford Expedition vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar

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 Dodge Grand Caravan, the plush and spacious Expedition promised comfort and luxury. However, the SUV's inability to accommodate all the luggage was a notable drawback. Despite its luxurious Platinum trim, which included features like Magnetic gray paint, 4WD, and a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package, the Expedition's cargo space fell short. The third-row seat couldn't hold all the luggage, forcing one passenger to carry a suitcase on her lap during the ride home. The Expedition's bold presence, with its chrome grille and 22-inch wheels, was impressive, but the lack of cargo space highlighted the practicality of minivans for such trips.

In contrast, the 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded class and elegance, capturing attention with its sleek design. The Velar's sporty yet sophisticated appearance, with its long wheelbase, trapezoidal roof, and signature Land Rover grille, made it stand out among luxury SUVs. The R-Dynamic trim added bronze accents and a more aggressive front bumper, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the Velar's cabin was stylish, though not as opulent as previous models. The all-black interior featured high-quality materials, with a polished black center stack and attractive seat patterns. Despite its compact size, the Velar's design and attention to detail made it a compelling choice for those seeking a luxury SUV with a distinctive look.

The 2021 Ford Expedition was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque in most trims, while the Platinum trim received a boost to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. This powertrain, 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 for easier trailer maneuvering. Despite its size, the Expedition handled well, though the ride quality was affected by the Platinum's 22-inch wheels. The FX4 Off-Road Package, available on XLT and Limited models, enhanced off-road capabilities, but the Platinum trim focused on on-road performance, achieving an average of 17.1 mpg.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, offering a lower center of gravity and lighter weight for improved handling. The base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four with 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The Velar's ride was smooth and controlled, with an optional air suspension providing a plush experience. The Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, but the Velar's street-focused design limited its off-road capabilities. The optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, delivered up to 395 hp and 405 lb-ft, offering high performance while reducing emissions.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with large, wide seats for all passengers, including adults in the third row. The independent rear suspension ensured a comfortable ride, and storage was plentiful. However, the regular-length model struggled with cargo space, offering only 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row. The Expedition MAX provided more room, with up to 121.5 cubic feet of cargo space, but still fell short of minivan capacities.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar prioritized style over space, with a tighter interior than midsize SUVs. The sleek design reduced headroom and visibility, and cargo space was limited to 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats. The Velar's design choices, such as the lack of a discrete parking brake control, were frustrating, but the Pivi Pro infotainment system improved usability. Despite its compact size, the Velar's luxurious design and features made it an attractive option for those valuing aesthetics.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured the aging Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen that felt small by modern standards. Despite its age, Sync 3 offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. The system's voice recognition was enhanced, but it required specific language for complex commands. The Expedition lacked the dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system, but it provided a range of connectivity options.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and logical arrangements. The system included a voice assistant, air quality monitoring, and advanced navigation features. The Velar's infotainment system was complemented by a 12-speaker Meridian stereo, LED headlights, and adaptive cruise control. The Velar's technology suite was comprehensive, enhancing the driving experience with modern features.

The 2021 Ford Expedition boasted a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, though its rollover-resistance rating varied between three and four stars depending on the drivetrain. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system, providing a robust safety package.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar scored well in European NCAP tests, with a five-star rating and a 93-percent score for impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features like 360-degree cameras and adaptive cruise control with steering assist enhanced safety, though U.S. crash-test ratings were unavailable.