2021 Jeep Wrangler vs 2020 Ford Expedition

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, presented a clean and somewhat understated design that some might have considered boring. However, this simplicity was likely to age well, making it a practical choice for those planning to keep their SUV for many years. The King Ranch edition stood out with its 22-inch aluminum wheels, mesh grille insert, LED headlights, and unique gray-painted lower exterior trim. The Star White metallic paint added a touch of elegance, although the taillight shape and body-colored C-pillar were points of contention. Inside, the King Ranch featured Del Rio leather in Mesa over Ebony, adorned with King Ranch logos, though the presence of hard plastic in lower trims was disappointing for a vehicle in this price range.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic styling, reminiscent of a toy truck for adults, with circular headlights, a seven-slat grille, and exposed bolts and hinges. The Wrangler's design was unmistakable, with variations in fender styles, roof options, and other details depending on the trim. The interior was less about comfort and more about rugged charm, with upright seating and limited legroom. The Wrangler offered a range of trims, from the basic Sport to the off-road-ready Rubicon, each with its own set of features and styling cues. The Rubicon 392, in particular, was a standout with its Hemi V8 engine and distinctive raised hood.

The 2020 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter 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 offered a choice between rear-wheel drive and an optional four-wheel-drive system, with a towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds for the standard model. The adaptive damping suspension on the King Ranch trim helped manage ride motions, though the large wheels sometimes resulted in a busy ride. The independent rear suspension contributed to improved ride quality and interior space, though fuel economy was slightly below expectations at 17.7 mpg.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a diverse powertrain lineup, including a standard 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, available with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission. Other options included a mild-hybrid eTorque variant, a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6. The Rubicon 392 featured a 6.4-liter V8 engine with 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, transforming the Wrangler into an off-road powerhouse. The Wrangler's 4WD systems, including Command-Trac, Select-Trac, and Rock-Trac, provided varying levels of off-road capability, with the Rubicon offering front-and-rear locking differentials and a disconnectable front sway bar.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo capacity, and passenger comfort. The King Ranch trim featured power running boards for easy access, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs provided first-class accommodations, while the third-row seat was genuinely comfortable for adults, thanks to the independent rear suspension. Cargo space was generous, with 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row in the standard model and up to 121.5 cubic feet with the seats folded in the MAX version.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered a variety of roof options, including the zipper-less Sunrider soft-top and the Freedom hardtop with removable panels. The Rubicon 392 featured the Sky one-touch power top, providing a convenient open-air experience. The Wrangler's interior was functional, with limited storage but practical features like drain plugs for easy cleaning. Cargo space was 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded, though the design made it challenging to fit larger items.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Sync 3, which, while functional, felt outdated compared to newer systems. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, FordPass Connect with a WiFi hotspot, and an available Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist was a notable feature for those who frequently tow, simplifying trailer maneuvering.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler's base Sport trim had a basic 5-inch screen, but higher trims offered a 7-inch or 8.4-inch Uconnect screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Rubicon 392 included a color TFT screen in the instrument panel and an off-road camera for trail visibility. The intuitive radio toggles on the steering wheel added to the user-friendly experience.

The 2020 Ford Expedition's size contributed to its crash safety, earning 5-star ratings in NHTSA tests. It came standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assistance. The ADAS performed well, though the lane departure warning could be confused with road vibrations.

The 2021 Jeep Wrangler offered optional safety features like forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring, but lacked standard modern driver-assistance systems. A backup camera with dynamic guidelines was standard, and a live tire-pressure monitoring system was available, useful for off-roading.