2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2020 Ford Expedition

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, was a full-size SUV with a clean and somewhat understated design. While some might have found its styling to be on the dull side, this simplicity often allowed the vehicle to age gracefully, making it a long-term investment for those willing to spend on such a vehicle. The King Ranch edition of the Expedition stood out with its 22-inch aluminum wheels, mesh grille insert, LED headlights, and unique grey-painted lower exterior trim. The Star White metallic paint added a touch of elegance, although some design elements like the taillights and the roof C-pillar could have been improved for a more modern look. 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 downside for a vehicle in this price range.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee maintained its timeless appeal, even a decade after its initial release. The design was a perfect blend of rugged utility and upscale sophistication, with big wheels and flared fenders contributing to its balanced aesthetic. The Grand Cherokee's versatility was evident in its wide range of trims, from the affordable Laredo to the luxurious Summit, and the high-performance SRT and Trackhawk models. The Summit trim, in particular, offered a plush interior with premium leather, genuine wood, and real aluminum accents. However, despite its luxurious feel, the interior showed signs of aging, with outdated switchgear and non-flush panel fits indicating the need for a redesign.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by 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 ample power and a pleasant exhaust note. The Expedition's 4WD system was standard in Canada, offering a towing capacity of up to 4,173 kilograms for the standard model and 4,082 kilograms for the MAX version. Despite its size, the Expedition was surprisingly agile, with a tight turning radius and easily modulated brakes, although the steering was somewhat slow. The adaptive damping suspension on the King Ranch trim improved ride quality, but the large 22-inch wheels could make the ride feel busy on rough surfaces. Fuel consumption was rated at 14.1 L/100 km in the city and 10.6 L/100 km on the highway.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee came standard with a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine, producing 295 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, with an optional 5.7-litre Hemi V8 offering 360 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. The V8, equipped with cylinder deactivation technology, provided a satisfying rumble and a towing capacity of 3,300 kilograms. The Grand Cherokee's Quadra-Trac II 4WD system and Quadra-Lift air suspension enhanced its off-road capabilities, while the Selec-Terrain traction management system offered various driving modes. Despite its off-road prowess, the Grand Cherokee was responsive and quiet on the road, although the V8's fuel consumption was high at 14.1 L/100 km combined. The Grand Cherokee's tight turning radius and effective brakes made it easy to maneuver in various environments.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo capacity, and passenger comfort. The King Ranch trim featured power running boards for easy access, with comfortable heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. 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 generous, with 546 litres behind the third row in the standard model and 971 litres in the MAX version. Folding the seats expanded the cargo area to 2,962 litres in the standard model and 3,440 litres in the MAX.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit offered a luxurious interior with quilted and perforated leather seats and a heated steering wheel. The front seats provided eight-way power adjustment, while the rear seat, though comfortable, had limited legroom for taller adults. The optional rear-seat entertainment system could make the rear feel cramped, but large windows and a panoramic sunroof helped alleviate this. Cargo space was 1,028 litres behind the rear seat, with a maximum of 1,934 litres when the second-row seats were folded. The Grand Cherokee's interior storage was adequate, but the rear-seat entertainment system took up valuable space in the centre console bin.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured the Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. While easy to use, the system was sometimes slow to respond. FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system, and a rear-seat entertainment system were available. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist was a standout feature for those who frequently towed trailers.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Uconnect 4C with Nav system offered a nearly flawless user experience, with fast response times and pleasing graphics. It included navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's voice recognition technology worked well, and the Summit trim featured a 19-speaker Harman Kardon audio system. While the Grand Cherokee was "tech lite," it offered essential features and advanced driving assistance systems.

The 2020 Ford Expedition's size and weight contributed to its crash safety, with Ford Co-Pilot360 providing a suite of safety features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The Expedition earned 5-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, with a 4-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee received a five-star overall rating from NHTSA for 4WD models, but its performance in IIHS tests was less impressive, with "Marginal" and "Poor" ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact collisions. The Summit trim included a comprehensive suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The Grand Cherokee also offered parking assistance systems and a backup camera.