2021 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover had evolved significantly from its utilitarian roots, transforming into a symbol of luxury and sophistication. Initially designed as a rugged vehicle, it had become a status symbol, offering a range of upscale features such as heated, ventilated, and massaging seats wrapped in premium leather. The Range Rover's design, despite nearing a decade old, maintained a timeless appeal with its sleek lines and hallmark design cues. Inside, the cabin exuded luxury with its high-contrast, mid-century modern ambiance, although the infotainment system was not as advanced as newer models.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum was a sight for sore eyes after a long flight, offering a plush and roomy interior. As the most luxurious trim in the Expedition lineup, it featured a detailed chrome grille and massive wheels, giving it a bold presence. Despite its spaciousness, the regular-length model struggled to accommodate both passengers and luggage simultaneously. However, the Expedition MAX variant offered ample cargo space, making it a practical choice for larger families. The interior, while comfortable, included some hard plastic elements, reminding occupants of its utilitarian origins.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover offered a variety of powertrains, including a mild-hybrid turbocharged inline-six engine in the HSE Westminster edition, delivering 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It featured a flawless eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive with a two-speed transfer case, ensuring its off-road capabilities. The adaptive air suspension provided a smooth ride, although the SUV's weight and tall center of gravity affected its handling on winding roads. The EPA estimated a combined fuel economy of 20 mpg, but the test vehicle averaged 18.5 mpg.

The 2021 Ford Expedition, equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, produced 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque in the Platinum trim. It offered impressive towing capabilities, ranging from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, and featured Pro Trailer Backup Assist technology. The Expedition's ride quality was affected by its 22-inch wheels, but its independent suspension kept it stable on the road. The FX4 Off-Road Package enhanced its off-road capabilities, although the test vehicle did not include this option. The Expedition averaged 17.1 mpg on the evaluation loop, slightly below the EPA's combined rating of 19 mpg.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured an air suspension with a kneel mode for easier access, though shorter passengers still found entry challenging. The front seats were luxuriously comfortable, but the second row lacked support and adjustability. Storage space was limited, with a small refrigerated center console and minimal cargo capacity. The clamshell-style tailgate revealed just 25 cubic feet of luggage space, expanding to 59.8 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with power-deploying running boards and spacious seating for all passengers. The independent rear suspension ensured comfort, and storage was plentiful. The regular-length model offered 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded. The Expedition MAX provided even more room, with up to 121.5 cubic feet of cargo space. However, the high liftover height could be a challenge when loading heavy items.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover featured a fully digital instrumentation and infotainment system with three displays. The InControl Touch Pro Duo system, while advanced, was not entirely intuitive and could be distracting while driving. The Range Rover included a head-up display, though it was not visible with polarized sunglasses. The SUV also offered a waterproof Activity Key wristband and an iGuide smartphone app for added convenience.

The 2021 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system, though aging, remained user-friendly with an 8-inch touchscreen. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The test vehicle featured a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless smartphone charging. An available rear-seat entertainment system offered dual screens and various connectivity options, though it was not included in the test vehicle.

The 2021 Land Rover Range Rover came standard with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. Optional packages added features like adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system. The HSE Westminster Edition included the Drive Pro and Park packages, though the adaptive cruise control was slow to respond in certain situations.

The 2021 Ford Expedition earned 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 Ford Co-Pilot360 features included forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a semi-autonomous parking system, though a more advanced driving system was not available.