2022 Toyota Highlander vs 2021 Ford Expedition

In the past, the 2021 Ford Expedition made quite an impression, especially in its Platinum trim. Arriving at Los Angeles International Airport after a tiring redeye flight from Maui, the plush, spacious Expedition Platinum greeted us. Its opulent trim, marked by an intricately detailed chrome grille and 22-inch machined-face aluminum wheels, radiated class and presence. The fully-loaded Platinum model with Magnetic gray paint, 4WD, and a host of additional features tallied up to $80,510. Despite these luxurious elements, the Expedition's standard-length model fell short in cargo capacity, forcing one unlucky passenger to carry her suitcase on her lap for a 40-mile ride. The Expedition MAX could have easily remedied this issue with its enhanced cargo space, subjecting none to discomfort.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Toyota Highlander showcased a modern, slightly aggressive front-end design, complemented by flared fender arches and a distinctive window layout that belied its actual spaciousness. The XSE trim melded exterior sportiness and internal sophistication. The Highlander XSE flaunted unique stylings and an eye-catching optional bold red leather package against a sedate navy blue exterior. Its 20-inch alloy wheels, revised bumpers, ambient lighting, and a sport-tuned suspension demonstrated a blend of aesthetic appeal and practical comfort. The leather seats and cabin layout offered practicality and flair, making the Highlander appear equally luxurious without compromising on utility.

The 2021 Ford Expedition boasted a powerful twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine. This engine provided 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque in most trims, while the Platinum trim saw an increase to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission facilitated smooth power delivery to either RWD or 4WD systems. This powertrain enabled the Expedition to tow between 9,000 and 9,300 pounds depending on the configuration. Despite its impressive power, the 22-inch wheels on the Platinum trim somewhat compromised ride quality due to increased road shock transmitted into the cabin. Without the FX4 Off-Road Package, our Expedition's capabilities focused more on smooth rides on paved roads, where it averaged 17.1 mpg. The EPA rated the 4WD model at 19 mpg combined.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Highlander featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generated 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque. Its eight-speed automatic transmission sent power to FWD or the available AWD, giving it decent responsiveness. The Highlander's pickup from a standstill wasn’t as lively as some rivals, but it excelled at cruising and highway speeds, offering plenty of power for overtakes. The XSE trim came equipped with a sport-tuned suspension, which enhanced its handling by reducing body roll while maintaining a comfortable ride. Capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, the Highlander’s performance was well-balanced for its class, emphasizing comfort over brute strength.

In terms of cargo capacity, the 2021 Ford Expedition exhibited versatility. However, the standard-length model's inability to handle six passengers and their luggage was highlighted, suggesting a preference for the longer Expedition MAX. With the regular model, the cargo space measured 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and maxing out at 104.6 cubic feet. The Expedition MAX provided more room, offering 34.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 73.3 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 121.5 cubic feet with all seats down. The third-row capacity and abundant storage made the Expedition practical despite its drawbacks in standard length configurations.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander offered commendable cargo space, albeit less than the Expedition MAX. With all rows in use, it provided 16 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 48.4 cubic feet with the second-row seats used, and 84.3 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. The Highlander’s folding mechanism for the seats was user-friendly, featuring quick-release latches and pull-straps. Additionally, trims above the base L included power liftgates, with Limited and Platinum trims offering hands-free power liftgates. The Highlander's cabin layout featured numerous practical storage solutions and an ergonomic design, accommodating various family needs and daily utility.

The 2021 Ford Expedition’s tech centered around the slightly aging Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. Despite its dated feel, Sync 3 remained easy to use, offering features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, FordPass Connect, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, and navigation. The voice recognition system had improved, but still required specific commands for more complex requests. Our test vehicle had a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless charging pad, enhancing the overall experience. However, it lacked the available rear-seat entertainment system, which could be equipped in all trims except the base XL STX.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander came standard with a WiFi hotspot, five USB ports, and an 8-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Its system balanced modern technology with hard buttons for ease of use, a blend becoming rare as automakers move toward screen-centric controls. Our XSE model featured a wireless charging pad and both USB and USB-C ports for added convenience. Higher trims could upgrade to a 12.3-inch touchscreen, although its usability was slightly less efficient. Additionally, an 11-speaker JBL premium stereo system enhanced the audio experience in premium trims, contributing to the Highlander’s tech-savvy appeal.

Safety-wise, the 2021 Ford Expedition carried a noticeable heft with a minimum curb weight of 5,368 pounds. It garnered a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, although its RWD variant scored only three stars in rollover resistance, which increased to four stars for the 4WD model. Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 ensured essential safety features such as forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. Higher trims included adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and a semi-autonomous parking system, enhancing its safety credentials.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander shone with its standard Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward collision avoidance, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, traffic-sign recognition, and automatic high beams. Higher trims featured blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Optional advanced safety features like front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a surround-view monitor, a head-up display, and adaptive headlights provided incremental safety enhancements. Although the lane-departure assist at times felt overly sensitive, it demonstrated Toyota’s commitment to active safety technologies.