Ford Expedition vs Toyota bZ

The 2025 Ford Expedition was a testament to the form-over-function design ethos, reminiscent of a modern school bus but with a more attractive aesthetic. Its slab sides and rectilinear silhouette ensured ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room, making it clear that this vehicle was designed for transporting people comfortably. Despite its functional focus, the Expedition featured stylish elements like horseshoe-shaped daytime running lights framing a bold grille, integrated headlights, and off-roading lamps on the Tremor trim. The blacked-out pillars and distinct character line added a touch of sophistication, while the split-gate tailgate design offered practical benefits for luggage management and seating when parked.

In contrast, the 2026 Toyota bZ presented a more refined and expressive design, especially with body-color trim options that improved its overall appearance. The interior boasted a cleaner dashboard and center console, enhancing the sense of quality and organization. The fabric seats in the XLE trim featured an upscale pattern, and the larger 14-inch center touchscreen integrated climate control functions, although the digital driver display's placement and information density were less than ideal. Overall, the bZ's design improvements made it a more appealing choice for those seeking a modern and stylish electric vehicle.

The 2025 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged “EcoBoost” 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque in its standard form. The Tremor trim, however, boasted a high-output version with 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, also available on the Platinum trim. Despite its hefty 5,794-pound curb weight, the Expedition's powertrain excelled on highways, offering a comfortable and quiet ride. The ten-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth shifts, and the multi-link rear suspension handled rough terrain with ease. The Tremor trim, with its increased ground clearance and off-road enhancements, performed admirably on challenging courses, although its size limited its hardcore off-roading capabilities. However, the Expedition's fuel economy was a downside, with 4WD models rated at 15/22/18 mpg.

The 2026 Toyota bZ offered a range of powertrain options, starting with a single electric motor and a 57.7-kWh battery pack producing 165 horsepower and 198 lb-ft of torque. The optional 74.7-kWh battery increased power to 224 hp and extended the range to 314 miles. Dual-motor models with the larger battery delivered 338 hp, with varying ranges depending on the trim. The bZ's charging capabilities were impressive, with compatibility with Tesla Superchargers and a CCS adapter for versatile charging options. Efficiency tests showed favorable results, with the bZ averaging 4.5 miles per kWh in Eco mode. However, the lack of one-pedal driving and the front wheelspin issue during acceleration were notable drawbacks.

The 2025 Ford Expedition excelled in towing capacity, with a maximum of 9,600 pounds, surpassing competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe. Inside, it offered generous cargo space, with 21.6 cubic feet behind the third row in the standard model, expanding to 108.5 cubic feet with all rear seats down. The Expedition MAX provided even more room. The minimalist interior design featured touch-sensitive trackpads and a touchscreen for climate controls, which some users found high-tech but potentially cumbersome.

The 2026 Toyota bZ, built on a skateboard-style EV platform, offered easy entry and exit with 8.1 inches of ground clearance. The interior featured comfortable seats with power adjustments, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. While it lacked a traditional glove compartment, it compensated with ample storage options, including a large bin under the center armrest. Rear passengers enjoyed good legroom, although foot space was limited. The bZ's cargo space was 27.7 cubic feet, expandable to 56.9 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2025 Ford Expedition featured a groundbreaking 24-inch driver information display, offering ample space for Google Maps projection and customizable widgets. The 13.2-inch touchscreen display, powered by a Google-based operating system, provided seamless integration with Google services. However, the Ford Connectivity Package was necessary for full functionality, requiring a subscription after the first year.

The 2026 Toyota bZ came equipped with a 7-inch digital driver display and a new 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display. While the driver display's placement and information density were challenging, the infotainment system was generally user-friendly. However, the lack of a home screen and low-contrast colors in daytime mode were drawbacks. The system supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with various connected service plans available.

The 2025 Ford Expedition came with a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Additional features like a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts were also standard. BlueCruise 1.4, a hands-free driving tech, was available on select trims, offering a 90-day trial before requiring a subscription.

The 2026 Toyota bZ featured Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including high-beam assist, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. Proactive Driving Assist added subtle braking and steering inputs for enhanced safety. The Limited trim offered additional features like Traffic Jam Assist and Advanced Park Assist. However, the adaptive cruise control's response was inconsistent, and the lack of a touch-sensitive steering wheel for driver monitoring was a drawback. The bZ received mixed safety ratings from the IIHS, with Good ratings for front-crash avoidance but Poor ratings for headlights.