2022 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design, but over time, its appearance became more familiar and less striking. Its blunt, bulbous nose and floating roof design gave it a unique look, though the exaggerated quarter panels could overwhelm the overall design. The Highlander Hybrid was available in several trims, with the Limited trim offering a luxurious interior with leather upholstery and a 12.3-inch touchscreen. However, some interior elements, like the instrument-panel shroud, felt cheap. The cabin featured a two-tone design with sensible controls, though reflections on the screen and busy gauge illumination were noted.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition underwent significant styling updates, including a new grille, headlights, and bumpers. The Expedition offered a range of trims, including the off-road-focused Timberline and the sporty Stealth Edition. Inside, the Expedition boasted a redesigned dashboard with the Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, the latter featuring a 15.5-inch touchscreen. The Limited Stealth Edition test vehicle included leather seats and impressive tech, though some materials felt reminiscent of the F-150 pickup. The Expedition's spacious cabin and tech features made it a standout choice for families.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. With 243 horsepower, it offered adequate power but lacked excitement, especially on hilly terrain where the engine sounded strained. The steering felt lifeless, though regenerative brakes were improved. The Highlander Hybrid excelled in fuel efficiency but sacrificed driving enjoyment, with noticeable body movement and a less engaging driving experience.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, producing 380 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Expedition's power was addictive, though fuel economy ranged from 17 to 19 mpg. The SUV's towing capacity reached up to 9,300 pounds. While the Stealth Edition's sport-tuned suspension improved handling, the ride could be harsh on uneven surfaces. Despite its size, the Expedition was easy to park and excelled on highways, offering a comfortable and quiet ride.

The Highlander Hybrid Limited provided comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with heated and ventilated leather seats. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt narrow for three adults. The third-row seat was cramped and uncomfortable for adults. Cargo space was decent, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The Ford Expedition offered exceptional comfort, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom, while the third-row seat offered good leg support but limited headroom. Cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 104.6 cubic feet with seats folded. The Expedition Max variant offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2021 Highlander Hybrid came with a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an 11-speaker JBL audio system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, though the sound quality varied. Features like Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror enhanced convenience.

The 2022 Expedition featured Ford’s Sync 4 and Sync 4A systems, with the latter offering a 15.5-inch touchscreen and advanced voice recognition. The Bang & Olufsen audio system provided good sound quality, though some quirks were noted. The Expedition also offered Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 and an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV.

The Highlander Hybrid included Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, with features like intersection support and emergency steering assistance. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering systems had room for improvement. The Highlander received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and was expected to achieve a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS.

The Expedition’s Ford Co-Pilot360 packages offered a comprehensive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and BlueCruise hands-free driving technology. While adaptive cruise control performed well, lane-centering assist had some issues. The Expedition’s safety tech aimed to enhance driving confidence, though some features required refinement.