2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar vs 2022 Ford Expedition

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar exuded a sense of luxury and sophistication that was hard to match. Its design was a testament to Land Rover's ability to blend elegance with a sporty demeanor, drawing inspiration from the larger Range Rover's iconic silhouette. The Velar's exterior was a masterclass in design, with its long wheelbase, short overhangs, and signature Land Rover grille. The vehicle's sleek lines and flush door handles contributed to its streamlined appearance, while the R-Dynamic trim added a touch of aggression with bronze accents and a darkened grille. Inside, the Velar's cabin was a blend of high-quality materials and modern technology, featuring a polished black center stack and a trio of sharp screens that provided a sophisticated user experience.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition underwent a series of updates that enhanced its exterior styling and infotainment technology. The new grille, headlights, and bumper gave the Expedition a fresh look, while the redesigned wheels added a touch of modernity. The Expedition was available in various trims, including the off-road-focused Timberline and the sporty Stealth Edition. Inside, the Expedition boasted a spacious and comfortable cabin, with power-adjustable leather seats and a redesigned dashboard housing the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The Expedition's interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering ample storage space and user-friendly technology, making it a strong contender for families and road trip enthusiasts.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar shared its chassis with the Jaguar F-Pace, resulting in a driving experience that was both agile and refined. The Velar's base engine was a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, producing 247 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. While the base engine offered average performance, the optional 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system elevated the Velar's capabilities. Available in two states of tune, the inline-six produced 340 hp and 354 lb-ft of torque in the base S and R-Dynamic models, while the R-Dynamic HSE boasted 395 hp and 405 lb-ft, thanks to an electric supercharger. The Velar's Terrain Response system offered six driving modes, but its street-focused design limited its off-road prowess.

The 2022 Ford Expedition, on the other hand, was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque in the standard configuration. The engine was mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive as standard and four-wheel drive available as an option. The Expedition's powertrain was capable of towing between 9,000 and 9,300 pounds, depending on the model and equipment. While the Expedition's sport-tuned suspension in the Stealth Edition improved handling, it also contributed to a harsher ride quality. Despite its size, the Expedition was surprisingly easy to park, thanks to its excellent visibility and advanced parking aids. On the highway, the Expedition excelled, offering a comfortable and quiet ride, making it an ideal choice for long road trips.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's interior was a study in style over substance. While the exterior design was undeniably attractive, it came at the cost of interior space. The Velar's cabin was tighter than most midsize SUVs, with limited headroom for rear-seat passengers and reduced visibility due to thick B-pillars and small rear windows. Cargo space was also limited, with just 16 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 49 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Velar's design choices extended to its controls, with a confusing parking brake system that required consulting the owner's manual. However, the Pivi Pro infotainment system was a highlight, offering a cleaner interface and improved functionality.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample room for passengers and cargo. The Expedition's cabin was designed with practicality in mind, featuring power-adjustable leather seats, a wide console with hidden storage, and a wireless smartphone charging pad. The second-row captain's chairs provided plenty of legroom, while the third-row seat offered power recline and USB ports. Cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 57.5 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 104.6 cubic feet with both rear rows down. The Expedition Max variant offered even more cargo space, making it an excellent choice for families and those who frequently carry large loads.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar's Pivi Pro infotainment system was a pleasant surprise, offering a simplified layout and improved functionality. The system featured a voice assistant, a PM2.5 air filter, and a heated windshield, among other features. The navigation system was intuitive, with the ability to suggest traffic detours and automatically begin directions for commuting. The Velar also offered a 360-degree camera system and an off-road mode that displayed the vehicle's surroundings on the main screen. Standard features included LED headlights, automatic high beams, and a 12-speaker Meridian stereo.

The 2022 Ford Expedition, on the other hand, was equipped with Ford's next-generation Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The standard Sync 4 system featured a 12-inch touchscreen, while the optional Sync 4A offered a larger 15.5-inch display. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, natural voice recognition, and a connected navigation system. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless smartphone charging, and premium Bang & Olufsen sound systems. The Expedition also offered a dual-touchscreen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV, as well as Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 for easier trailer maneuvering.

The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Velar had not been crash-tested by U.S. agencies, but it performed well in the European New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), scoring five stars and a 93-percent score for front and side impact tests. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic sign recognition. Optional features included a 360-degree camera system and adaptive cruise control with steering assist.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered a comprehensive suite of safety features through its Ford Co-Pilot360 collections. The standard package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, and new features like intersection assist and evasive steering assist. The Co-Pilot Assist 2.0 package, standard on higher trims, included a surround-view camera system and rear automatic emergency braking. The Expedition also offered Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving technology, which allowed for semi-autonomous driving on approved highways.