2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs 2022 Ford Expedition

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe made a statement with its distinctive sound and appearance. Aside from a "4xe" badge and sky blue accents, it closely resembled a regular Wrangler, with the power port being the main differentiator. When the battery was sufficiently charged, the Wrangler 4xe operated silently, save for the pedestrian notification system, which drew attention as it navigated through Yosemite National Park. The interior maintained the classic Wrangler look, with added soft-touch materials and unique PHEV-related displays. Despite its rugged simplicity, the Wrangler 4xe offered more comfort than previous models, though luxury was not its forte.

The 2022 Ford Expedition underwent significant updates, including a refreshed exterior with a new grille, headlights, and bumpers. The interior featured a redesigned dashboard with the latest Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The Expedition offered various trims, including the off-road-focused Timberline and the sporty Stealth Edition. Our test vehicle, a Stone Blue Metallic Limited Stealth Edition, boasted a sophisticated interior with leather seats and advanced tech, though it retained some truck-like elements. The Expedition's spacious cabin and impressive technology made it a strong contender in the full-size SUV market.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 17-kilowatt-hour battery, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. It offered three powertrain modes: Hybrid, Electric, and e-Save, allowing drivers to optimize performance and efficiency. The Wrangler 4xe could travel an estimated 21 miles on electric power alone, with a total range of 370 miles. During testing, it achieved 20.8 mpg in hybrid mode and 19.1 mpg overall. The Wrangler 4xe's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its upgraded 4WD system, making it a versatile choice for adventure seekers.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured a 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, offering a smooth and powerful driving experience. The Expedition's fuel economy ranged from 17 to 19 mpg, with a towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds. While the Stealth Edition's sport-tuned suspension improved handling, it also contributed to a harsher ride. The Expedition excelled on highways, providing a comfortable and quiet ride, though its size and weight affected its agility in urban environments.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe's interior was designed for practicality, with high door sills and grab handles aiding entry and exit. The driving position offered excellent visibility, while the rear seats provided adequate space and amenities for passengers. Cargo space was limited, with 27.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Wrangler's swing-out tailgate and flip-up rear window added to its charm but could be inconvenient in tight spaces.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with power running boards for easy access. The front seats were power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated, with a large center console for storage. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom and individual climate controls, while the third-row seats offered power recline and USB ports. Cargo space measured 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 104.6 cubic feet with all seats folded. The Expedition Max variant offered even more cargo capacity, making it ideal for families and road trips.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe featured an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation. While intuitive, the system showed signs of aging in terms of responsiveness and graphics. The Wrangler's PHEV-specific displays provided useful information, and the Alpine sound system delivered adequate audio quality, though wind noise could be an issue on highways.

The 2022 Ford Expedition boasted the latest Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, with touchscreen displays ranging from 12 to 15.5 inches. The systems offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Expedition's Bang & Olufsen audio system provided good sound quality, though some quirks with Apple CarPlay and voice recognition were noted. The Expedition also offered advanced features like Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 and an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe offered advanced driving assistance systems through the Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group packages. These included blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. The Wrangler received mixed safety ratings, with a four-star frontal-impact rating from NHTSA and a Marginal rating for small-overlap frontal-impact protection from IIHS.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured Ford Co-Pilot360 safety systems, with packages offering forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and more. The Expedition also introduced new features like intersection assist and evasive steering assist. While the adaptive cruise control performed well, the lane-centering assist had some issues, particularly in heavy traffic. The Expedition's safety technology aimed to enhance driver confidence, though some features required refinement.