2023 Jeep Wrangler vs 2022 Ford Expedition

Ford’s 2022 Expedition underwent significant changes that included exterior styling updates and enhanced infotainment technology. The front end revealed a new grille, headlights, and bumper, giving it a modern look. The rear featured updated taillights, tailgate trim, and a new bumper. Redesigned wheels were introduced across the Expedition lineup, rendering the vehicle more stylish.

The 2022 Expedition retained its XL STX, XLT, Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum trim levels, with a price range from just over $55,000 to just under $84,000, including the destination charge. An off-road friendly Timberline trim, priced around $72,500, added features like four-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, suspension modifications, increased ground clearance, and off-roading tech such as Trail Turn Assist.

The Stealth Edition packages available on Limited trims brought a mixture of blacked-out and body-color exterior trim, black 22-inch wheels, and prominent “EXPEDITION” lettering on the hood. The Stealth Performance Package added red-painted brake calipers. The Stone Blue Metallic test vehicle stood out and received several compliments.

Inside, the dashboard was redesigned to incorporate the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The latter came with a large 15.5-inch touchscreen display in portrait orientation. Also available was a 12.4-inch digital instrumentation display. The test vehicle’s MSRP was $80,155, which included 4WD, Stealth Package, and several other features.

Financially, the Expedition could feel like a significant investment, but its leather seats, soft padding, and impressive tech provided a luxurious experience. However, it still had some pickup-grade plastic trims and switchgear.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler JL continued its rugged brick-like design, emblematic of a take-no-prisoners stance. Available in both two-door and four-door Unlimited models, the Wrangler allowed drivers to remove the doors if they wished. Optional Dual-Door Group added half doors for better visibility while offering a feeling of security.

The Wrangler’s windshield folded down, and buyers could choose from various top options for open-air exploring. The wide fenders, seven-slot grille, round headlights, and exterior hood latches contributed to its classic Jeep look.

The tailgate swung out and rear glass lifted up, facilitating access to the cargo area. Jeep introduced limited-edition colors such as Reign (purple) and Earl (gray with aquamarine hints), adding unique flair.

Inside, the Wrangler featured easy-to-clean floor mats and seats, along with a straightforward dash, functional HVAC controls, and the iconic manual transfer case shifter. The vehicle was practical but lacked ambient lighting or massaging seats.

The 2022 Ford Expedition’s performance stemmed from its twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. Our test model, producing 380 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 lb-ft of torque at 2,250 rpm, wasn’t equipped with the high-output version. Equipped with the Stealth Edition Performance Package, the output could reach 440 hp and 510 lb-ft on 93-octane fuel.

The V6 engines drove the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission, with 4WD available. Fuel economy ranged from 17 mpg to 19 mpg in combined driving, and the towing capacity spanned from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds. While hauling capacity wasn’t tested, the twin-turbo V6 power was addictive, and its sound was pleasing despite its thirst for fuel, leading to an observed fuel economy of 16.2 mpg.

Driving dynamics were acceptable, but the Stealth Edition’s sport-tuned suspension didn’t quite eliminate the impact harshness and bounciness over imperfect roads. The 22-inch wheels and 285/45 tires were visually appealing but contributed to ride harshness. Adaptive damping from higher trims could have provided a smoother experience.

Despite its size, the Expedition was surprisingly maneuverable and easy to park, thanks to excellent outward visibility, front/rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system. It shone on highways, making long road trips comfortable but with some tire slap on certain pavements.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler specialized in off-road performance, sporting solid axles front and rear with optional differential lockers. Engine options included a standard V6 with 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 270 hp and 295 lb-ft. Both engines could be paired with an eight-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.

Torque enthusiasts favored the 3.0-liter Ecodiesel V6 with 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The go-fast Wrangler Rubicon 392, powered by a 6.4-liter V8, churned out 470 hp and torque, accelerating from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds. For eco-friendlier options, the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid offered 21 miles of all-electric range.

The 392 Wrangler equipped with full-time 4WD and an Off-Road Plus button was a dune-dominating monster capable of sprinting gracefully. Different Wrangler models housed varying off-road transfer cases, and our tester’s Selec-Trac low range was highlighted by a 48:1 crawl ratio.

However, on-road, the 392’s brakes and steering were subpar. Jeep hadn’t upgraded the brakes for the V8’s power, leading to alarming deceleration, and the steering was inconsistent. Less powerful trims fared better in managing their respective powertrains.

Comparatively, the new Ford Bronco’s independent front suspension offered more on-road comfort, though for serious off-roaders, the Wrangler still stood strong.

The 2022 Ford Expedition, with its power running boards, made entry and exit easy. Its spacious cabin offered ample room and a clear view for everyone. It featured power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated and ventilated front seats, plus a heated steering wheel. The large center console housed a huge storage bin, hidden cupholders, and a wireless smartphone charging pad.

Second-row seats, though a bit tight on toe room, were comfortable with their own climate controls and overhead vents. Third-row seats were also spacious enough, offering a power recline function, storage trays, and USB ports.

Cargo space was commendable, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with it folded (73.3 cubic feet in the Max), and 104.6 cubic feet with both rear rows down (121.5 in the Max).

Conversely, the 2023 Jeep Wrangler offered comfortable front seats. Heated seats came standard in the 392 or with the cold-weather package, while ventilated seats weren’t available. The rear seat fit three, but space was tight, and the rear doors were small, making ingress and egress challenging.

Storage was limited. The dash had no resting place for phones, and the glove box and center console were tiny. The Wrangler provided a dash bin, although it risked overheating items. Larger cargo space attained 72.4 cubic feet with rear seats folded, falling slightly short of the Bronco’s capacity.

The Wrangler’s hard top was versatile, with easily removable front panels. The soft top took more effort, especially in cold conditions. The Sky One-Touch power soft top was convenient, retracting in 17 seconds, and allowed partial open-air experiences. Plenty of charging points were available, including USB-A, USB-C, 12-volt outlets, and a 115-volt outlet.

In 2022, the Expedition was upgraded with Ford’s new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The Sync 4 boasted a 12-inch touchscreen display with physical controls, while Sync 4A, with a 15.5-inch screen, featured a single physical dial. Both systems supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect, natural voice recognition, and connected navigation with a 90-day trial.

Higher trims enhanced Sync 4 with SiriusXM radio, HD Radio, wireless charging, and premium Bang & Olufsen sound systems. Sync 4A offered upgraded voice recognition with an adaptive dash card user interface.

Despite some quirks, such as trouble restarting Apple CarPlay and occasional user-experience issues, the system was sophisticated. Additionally, the system accidentally activated the defroster function sometimes and locked the instrumentation panel when the seatbelt warning was active.

Ford's Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 simplified reversing with a trailer, making it easier to handle.

On the Jeep Wrangler, a standard 7-inch touchscreen running Uconnect was offered, with an 8.4-inch screen on higher trims like the tester. The Uconnect system initially seemed complex but revealed intuitive access to features and off-road pages, detailing power distribution, temperatures, GPS coordinates, and more. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were seamlessly integrated.

Jeep prioritized functional tech over luxury, offering a forward-facing camera for off-roading and four auxiliary switches for aftermarket additions. No digital key or extensive over-the-air updates were available, limiting to Uconnect system updates.

For the 2022 Expedition, Ford grouped its driving-assistance systems into various Co-Pilot360 packages. The standard package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and more. Limited trims added adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability and new intersection and evasive steering assist features. Higher trims like King Ranch and Platinum included surround-view cameras, rear automatic emergency braking, and Active Park Assist 2.0.

Road Edge Detection was introduced but not well-defined in packages, likely included in Assist+. Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving technology allowed autonomous highway driving under certain conditions.

The adaptive cruise control performed smoothly and efficiently, while lane-centering assist had reliability issues in heavy traffic. The system frequently failed to detect hands on the steering wheel and struggled to maintain lane position, particularly unnerving drivers adjacent to other vehicles.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler’s standard safety features included a rearview camera, electronic roll mitigation, and stability control. Higher trims like the 392 offered blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control as part of an option package. Lane-keeping assist wasn’t available.

Drivers could customize safety features, adjusting settings for blind-spot warnings and forward collision alerts.

The IIHS showed mixed ratings for crashworthiness, with headlights on some trims rated poorly. The NHTSA awarded the Wrangler 4 out of 5 stars for frontal crash tests and 3 out of 5 for rollover, with no side crash ratings.