2021 Ford Expedition vs 2022 Land Rover Range Rover

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 comfortable ride. 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's redesign was more evolutionary than revolutionary, maintaining its familiar broad, rounded face and large expanses of sheet metal. The most significant change was at the rear, with new thin LED taillights integrated into a darker trim element. The Range Rover emphasized its size, especially in the long-wheelbase version, which added eight inches in length. Inside, the cabin was simplified with fewer buttons and a larger touchscreen, giving it a modern look. The materials were of excellent quality, with premium leather and rich wood trim elements. The Range Rover's solid feel and quiet cabin made it a standout in the luxury SUV segment, offering a more refined interior than competitors like the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7.

The 2021 Ford Expedition was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The engine produced 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque in most trims, but the Platinum trim received a boost to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. The Expedition's towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, and it featured Ford's Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology for easier trailer maneuvering. Despite its size, the Expedition impressed with its acceleration, even when fully loaded. However, the ride quality suffered due to the Platinum's 22-inch wheels, which transmitted road shock into the cabin. The Expedition's off-road capabilities were enhanced with the FX4 Off-Road Package, but our test vehicle did not include this option.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover offered two powertrains: the base P400 with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine and a 48-volt mild hybrid component, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The P530 option featured a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine, delivering 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD. The P400 powertrain provided effortless acceleration, with Land Rover estimating a 0-60 mph time of 5.8 seconds. The Range Rover's handling was surprisingly agile for its size, with well-managed body roll and a calm, composed driving experience. The standard rear-wheel-steering made maneuvering easier, and the Range Rover's off-road capabilities were impressive, thanks to the Terrain Response system.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with large, wide seats for all passengers, including adults in the third row. However, the regular-length model couldn't transport more than five people and their luggage simultaneously, making the long-wheelbase Expedition MAX a better choice for larger groups. The Expedition's independent rear suspension ensured comfort, and storage space was plentiful. With the third-row seat folded, cargo volume expanded from 19.3 to 57.5 cubic feet, and the maximum volume behind the front seats was 104.6 cubic feet. The Expedition MAX offered even more space, with up to 121.5 cubic feet of cargo room.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover provided ample space in the first two rows, enhanced by large windows and a panoramic sunroof. Front seats were cushioned for long-distance comfort, with available massage functions. Storage options included two glove boxes, a wireless charging pad, and a large center console bin. The second row offered power recline and sliding adjustments, with climate controls and USB-C charge ports. The optional third row was accessible with a button, though headroom was limited for adults. Cargo space behind the third row was 17.1 cubic feet, expanding to 43.1 cubic feet with the seats folded. The split tailgate and air suspension height adjustment made loading cargo easier.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured the Sync 3 infotainment system, which, despite its age, offered a user-friendly interface. The 8-inch touchscreen was small by modern standards, and the system could be slow to respond. However, it included features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The test vehicle had a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless smartphone charging. An available dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system was not included in our test vehicle.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover boasted a larger 13-inch touchscreen with the new Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering sharper graphics and quicker responses. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a wireless charging pad. The Meridian audio system delivered impressive sound quality, with an optional 35-speaker upgrade available. Other tech features included Amazon Alexa integration, remote automated parking, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and remote control via a smartphone app.

The 2021 Ford Expedition had a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, though its rollover-resistance rating was lower with RWD. Standard safety features included Ford Co-Pilot360, with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and more. Adaptive cruise control and a semi-autonomous parking assistance system were available on higher trims.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover had not been crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included frontal collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera system. While adequately equipped, some rivals offered additional safety features not available on the Range Rover.