2020 Ford Expedition vs 2020 Honda CR-V

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, was a full-size SUV known for its clean styling, which some might have considered boring. However, this simplicity was expected to age well, making it a practical choice for those planning to keep their vehicle for many years. The King Ranch edition stood out with its 22-inch aluminum wheels, mesh grille insert, LED headlights, and exclusive trim, all accentuated by Star White metallic paint. Inside, the King Ranch featured Del Rio leather in Mesa over Ebony, with King Ranch logos throughout, although the presence of hard plastics, especially in lower trims, was a point of contention given the vehicle's price.

The 2020 Honda CR-V, part of the fifth generation since 2017, was a compact crossover with a familiar and fun design. Its curvy, car-like lines and resemblance to Honda's sedan lineup gave it a modern family transportation vibe. Inside, the CR-V's interior was a mix of textures and materials, with upscale touches like wood-look trim and leather upholstery in pricier models. However, these clashed with some low-quality plastics, reminding drivers that even the expensive CR-V was an upgrade of a commodity car rather than a premium product. The CR-V offered five trim levels, with AWD standard on all but the base LX, and featured a range of wheel sizes and seating options, including a panoramic moonroof on higher trims.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided power to all four wheels in Canada via a standard 4WD powertrain. The Expedition boasted a towing capacity of up to 4,173 kilograms and a ground clearance of 24.9 centimetres. Despite its size, the Expedition offered a surprisingly tight turning radius and easily modulated brakes, making it agreeable to drive in urban environments. However, the steering was slow, requiring effort when parking. The adaptive damping suspension on the King Ranch trim helped manage ride motions, though the oversized wheels sometimes led to a busy ride on imperfect pavement. Fuel consumption was rated at 14.1 L/100 km in the city and 10.6 on the highway.

The 2020 Honda CR-V featured a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine standard across all grades, producing 190 horsepower and 179 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a CVT, which, despite some CVTs' reputation for sluggishness, performed well in the CR-V, especially in Sport mode. The CR-V's car-like demeanor extended to its road manners, with nimble handling and a firm yet comfortable chassis. Its low curb weight, ranging from 1,521 kg for the FWD LX to 1,641 kg for the AWD Touring and Black Edition, contributed to its agility and fuel efficiency. The CR-V's fuel consumption was rated at 7.7 L/100 km combined for FWD models and 8.1 for AWD, placing it among the most efficient in its class.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo carrying, and passenger hauling. The King Ranch's power running boards facilitated easy entry, and the interior offered comfortable seating, especially in the front with heated and ventilated seats. The second-row captain's chairs provided first-class accommodations, and the third-row seat was genuinely comfortable for adults, thanks to the independent rear suspension. Cargo space was 546 litres behind the third row in the standard-length Expedition, expanding to 1,672 litres with the third row folded. The Expedition MAX offered even more space, with 971 litres behind the third row and 3,440 litres with all seats folded.

The 2020 Honda CR-V was known for its masterful packaging, offering a roomy cabin comparable to the Volkswagen Tiguan. The CR-V's excellent seating position and low cowl provided good visibility, while clever storage solutions, like the deep centre console bin, enhanced practicality. The rear featured a two-position load floor, allowing for 1,065 litres of cargo space in the Touring and Black Edition, and 1,110 litres in other grades. The CR-V's door pockets were also spacious, making it easy to store and access items.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Sync 3, which, while easy to use, was considered outdated compared to newer systems. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Optional features included a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, a rear-seat entertainment system, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which simplified trailer maneuvering.

The 2020 Honda CR-V's infotainment system, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen, was seen as lacking compared to competitors. It lacked hard buttons, making it challenging to operate, and even Apple CarPlay and Android Auto felt tacked on. However, the CR-V was equipped with plenty of USB ports, including a wireless phone charger in the Touring and Black Edition trims, allowing for convenient device charging.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came with Ford Co-Pilot360 as standard, offering features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Adaptive cruise control was optional. The Expedition earned 5-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2020 Honda CR-V included the Honda Sensing suite as standard, with features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. It earned five stars in NHTSA crash tests and a Top Safety Pick designation from IIHS, with LED headlights on higher trims improving nighttime visibility. A recall for a rear subframe issue affected only a small number of vehicles.