2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Ford Expedition

The 2022 Ford Expedition underwent significant updates, featuring exterior styling revisions and enhanced infotainment technology. The front of the vehicle showcased a new grille, headlights, and bumper, while the rear was updated with revised taillights, tailgate trim, and a new bumper. Redesigned wheels were introduced across the model lineup. The Expedition was available in various trims, including XL STX, XLT, Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum, with both standard and extended-length body styles. Prices ranged from just over $55,000 to nearly $84,000. A new Timberline trim catered to off-road enthusiasts, offering features like standard 4WD, all-terrain tires, and off-roading tech for around $72,500. The Stealth Edition packages, exclusive to the Limited trim, added black 22-inch wheels and distinctive exterior trim. Inside, the Expedition boasted a redesigned dashboard with the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, the latter featuring a 15.5-inch touchscreen. The test model, priced at $80,155, included options like 4WD, extra-cost paint, and the Stealth Package, offering a luxurious interior despite some F-150-grade plastic trim.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, priced from $41,995, offered minimal appearance changes, with a new Cypress Green paint color and standard power-folding exterior mirrors for Limited and Platinum trims. The Highlander Hybrid's design was characterized by exaggerated forms, with scowling headlights and flared rear fenders. Inside, the cabin featured large elements like a 12.3-inch touchscreen and oversized climate control knobs. However, the interior's mismatched textures and reflections from the display created a visually overwhelming experience. The quality of materials was questionable, with controls feeling inexpensive and storage areas unlined. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid excelled in road noise reduction, thanks to acoustic front window glass in higher trims. The SUV was quiet and civil on rough pavement, but the interior's overall quality left much to be desired.

The 2022 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque in the test vehicle. A high-output version was available, delivering 440 hp and 510 lb-ft with the Stealth Edition Performance Package. The engine drove the rear wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission, with 4WD as an option. Fuel economy ranged from 17 to 19 mpg in combined driving, with a towing capacity of 9,000 to 9,300 pounds. The Expedition's power was addictive, but fuel consumption was high, with an observed 16.2 mpg. The SUV's driving dynamics were generally impressive, though the sport-tuned suspension of the Stealth Edition Package resulted in a harsh ride. The Expedition excelled in highway driving, offering comfort and ease of parking with features like parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. The SUV's AWD system included a third electric motor for the rear wheels. The Highlander Hybrid's focus was on fuel economy, with a Predictive Efficient Drive system learning driving habits to maximize efficiency. However, the test vehicle returned 28.7 mpg, below the EPA's 35 mpg estimate. The Highlander Hybrid's performance was lackluster, with limited high-speed passing power and a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. The driving experience was uninspiring, with soft suspension tuning and a continuously variable transmission contributing to a dull ride. The Highlander Hybrid was best suited for city and suburban driving, offering a compliant ride and quiet highway performance.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered exceptional comfort and ease of access, with available power running boards. The interior provided ample space for passengers, with power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs offered plenty of legroom, while the third-row seat provided good leg support but limited headroom. Cargo space behind the third row measured 19.3 cubic feet, expandable to 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded. The Expedition Max variant offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, with most models featuring second-row captain's chairs. The interior included three-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated second-row seats. The third-row seat was best for occasional use, with limited comfort and access. Cargo space behind the third row measured 16 cubic feet, expandable to 48.4 cubic feet with the third row folded. The Highlander's storage areas were unlined, and the center console design was unnecessarily complex.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured next-generation Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, with the latter offering a 15.5-inch touchscreen. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, FordPass Connect, and a connected navigation system. Higher trims offered additional features like SiriusXM satellite radio and Bang & Olufsen premium sound systems. The Sync 4A system had some quirks, such as accidental activation of the defroster function and issues with Apple CarPlay. The Expedition also offered Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 for easier trailer reversing.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen standard and a 12.3-inch display for higher trims. The systems supported over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various connected service plans. The Drive Connect service plan offered advanced features like natural voice recognition and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and a JBL sound system, though the graphics could benefit from sharper contrast.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured Ford Co-Pilot360 safety systems, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and a surround-view camera system. The lane-centering assist had some issues, such as steering the vehicle to the right side of the lane and issuing unnecessary warnings. The Expedition also offered BlueCruise hands-free driving technology for approved highways.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Hybrids also had blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Limited and Platinum trims added parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The ADAS performed well in most situations, though it struggled with certain lane markings and rural roads. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from IIHS and NHTSA.