2022 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often criticized for its lack of distinctive styling, blending in with the sea of compact crossovers on the market. Its design was marked by a few unique features, such as the grille and some chromed plastic elements, but overall, it didn't stand out in terms of exterior aesthetics. The color palette offered limited vibrant options, with most choices being shades of gray, black, or white, and the more interesting colors were restricted to higher trims. Inside, the CR-V provided a modern look with angular seat designs and a choice of cloth or leather upholstery, depending on the trim level. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson offered more distinctive styling, especially in mid-tier trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition underwent significant exterior styling revisions, presenting a fresh look with a new grille, headlights, and bumpers. The rear also received updates with revised taillights and a new bumper. The Expedition offered a range of trims, including the off-road-focused Timberline and the sporty Stealth Edition, which added unique design elements like black 22-inch wheels and red-painted brake calipers. Inside, the Expedition featured a redesigned dashboard with advanced infotainment systems, including the optional Sync 4A with a large 15.5-inch touchscreen. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with power-adjustable, leather-wrapped seats and a heated steering wheel, making it a standout in terms of luxury and technology.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was not known for its thrilling performance but rather for its smooth and steady acceleration. It was equipped with a 190-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine across all trims, providing a 0-60 mph time of about 7.8 seconds. The CR-V featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which offered a less engaging driving experience compared to competitors with conventional automatic transmissions. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The CR-V's handling and ride quality were decent, with a unitized body structure and a suspension setup common in its class.

The 2022 Ford Expedition, on the other hand, boasted a more powerful performance with its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the Expedition offered both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive options. Fuel economy ranged from 17 to 19 mpg in combined driving, and the SUV could tow between 9,000 and 9,300 pounds. The Expedition's driving dynamics were impressive, with a sport-tuned suspension in the Stealth Edition, although the ride could be harsh due to the large 22-inch wheels. Despite its size, the Expedition was surprisingly easy to park, thanks to excellent visibility and advanced parking aids.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed with practicality in mind, offering 102.9 cubic feet of passenger volume and 75.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The CR-V's cargo area was accessible through a manual or power tailgate, depending on the trim level. Roof rails were only standard on the top-tier Touring trim, limiting options for carrying additional gear on the roof.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition excelled in interior space and comfort, with power running boards for easy access. The Expedition's cabin was spacious, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats, and a large center console for storage. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom, while the third-row seat offered power recline and USB ports. Cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 104.6 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. The Expedition Max variant offered even more cargo capacity, making it ideal for families needing extra space.

The 2021 Honda CR-V offered a basic 5-inch color screen in the base LX trim, while higher trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The audio system varied by trim, with the Touring trim offering a 300-watt system with a subwoofer. Charging ports were available throughout the cabin, with a wireless phone charger included in the Touring trim.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured Ford's next-generation Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, with the latter offering a 15.5-inch touchscreen and advanced voice recognition. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a Wi-Fi hotspot and connected navigation. Higher trims offered premium Bang & Olufsen sound systems, although some users reported issues with high-volume fidelity. The Expedition also offered an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV, and advanced trailer backup assist technology.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA overall crash test rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies as standard across all trims, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base LX trim was blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered a comprehensive suite of safety features through its Ford Co-Pilot360 collections. The standard package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added features like adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Expedition also offered Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving technology on approved highways, although some users found the lane-centering assist to be less reliable in certain conditions.