2020 Ford Expedition vs 2019 Honda CR-V

The 2019 Honda CR-V was a versatile and appealing compact SUV, offering four trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, and Touring. It featured standard front-wheel drive with an optional all-wheel drive, except in Canada where AWD was standard on all trims except the base model. Prices ranged from $27,690 to $39,090, plus destination charges. The CR-V's design was generally well-received, with its rear styling considered upscale, though its front-end design was less popular. Inside, the CR-V boasted quality materials and a well-thought-out interior, despite some hard plastics. The two-tone tan-over-black interior treatment added a touch of elegance, making it feel like a good value for the money.

The 2020 Ford Expedition, a full-size SUV, was last redesigned in 2018 and featured a clean, albeit somewhat boring, design that aged well. The King Ranch model stood out with 22-inch aluminum wheels, a mesh grille insert, LED headlights, and exclusive gray-painted trim. The interior was luxurious, with Del Rio leather and King Ranch logos, though some hard plastics were present, especially in lower trims. The Expedition's independent rear suspension provided a comfortable ride and ample interior space, making it a strong contender in the full-size SUV market. However, the high price point made the presence of hard plastics less acceptable.

The 2019 Honda CR-V in Canada came with a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, producing 190 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 179 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 5,000 rpm. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), it offered a choice between FWD and AWD. The engine was responsive and provided satisfying acceleration, though it had some issues in cold weather and with battery reliability. The CR-V's driving dynamics were impressive, with a MacPherson strut front and multi-link double wishbone rear suspension, providing a composed ride and confident handling. The electric steering was light and effortless, and the braking system was reliable, even during mountain driving.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 lb-ft of torque at 2,250 rpm. A 10-speed automatic transmission powered the standard 4WD system in Canada. The Expedition's performance was robust, with enthusiastic acceleration and a smooth ride, thanks to its adaptive damping suspension. However, the oversized wheels sometimes resulted in a busy ride on imperfect pavement. The independent rear suspension improved handling and interior space, while the Expedition's towing capacity was impressive, with the standard model capable of towing 4,173 kilograms. Fuel consumption was higher, with a combined rating of 12.5 L/100 km.

The 2019 Honda CR-V offered a comfortable and spacious interior, though the lack of a height-adjustable front passenger seat was a drawback. The driver enjoyed a 12-way power adjustable seat, and heated front seats were standard in Canada. The rear seats provided ample space for passengers, with air vents and USB ports enhancing comfort. The CR-V excelled in cargo space, offering 1,110 litres behind the rear seats and 2,146 litres with the seats folded down, making it a practical choice for families.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in accommodating passengers and cargo. The King Ranch model featured power running boards, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs provided first-class comfort, and the third-row seat was genuinely comfortable for adults. The Expedition's independent rear suspension contributed to the spacious interior. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row in the standard model and 971 litres in the MAX version. With the seats folded, the Expedition offered up to 3,440 litres of cargo space in the MAX model.

The 2019 Honda CR-V came equipped with a range of infotainment and driver-assistance features. It included a 7-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration. The system also offered HondaLink connected services, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a premium audio system in higher trims. However, the infotainment system was criticized for its small screen size and lack of a tuning knob, and the voice recognition system was not user-friendly.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured the Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, which was considered outdated for a vehicle of its size and price. Despite this, Sync 3 was user-friendly, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Expedition also included FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, a navigation system, and an available Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist was a notable feature for those who frequently towed trailers.

The 2019 Honda CR-V was equipped with Honda Sensing, a suite of advanced safety features, on all trims except the base LX FWD. This included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. The CR-V received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA, though its headlight performance was rated as Acceptable.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which included forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Adaptive cruise control was optional. The Expedition received five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, with a four-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not tested the Expedition at the time of review.