2021 Toyota Venza vs 2020 Ford Expedition

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, was a full-size SUV with a clean, albeit somewhat uninspiring, design. Its styling was considered timeless, appealing to those planning to keep the vehicle 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 to its appeal, though some design elements like the taillights and roof C-pillar could have been improved. 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 a drawback, especially given the SUV's price point.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Venza was a midsize SUV that drew comparisons to Lexus models due to its sleek design. It was shorter and lower than the RAV4 but shared the same wheelbase. The Venza was available in three trims—LE, XLE, and Limited—and offered a choice of seven paint colors. Standard features included LED lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a suite of safety and driver assistance technologies. The Venza's interior was unique, with premium appointments and a focus on comfort, especially in the Limited trim. It provided a spacious feel, though cargo space was less than some competitors.

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 towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds with rear-wheel drive and 9,200 pounds with 4WD. Its independent rear suspension improved ride quality and interior space, though the ride could be busy on imperfect roads. Fuel economy averaged 17.7 mpg, slightly below the EPA rating.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a hybrid system, producing a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. The electronically-controlled continuously-variable transmission (eCVT) provided smooth acceleration, though engine noise was noticeable. The Venza excelled in fuel efficiency, achieving an EPA-estimated 40 mpg on the highway, 37 mpg in the city, and 39 mpg combined. Its handling was confident, and the AWD system performed well, though it lacked the power of some competitors.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo capacity, and passenger comfort. The King Ranch's power running boards made entry easy, and the heated and ventilated front seats added to the comfort. The second-row captain's chairs provided first-class accommodations, and the third-row seat was genuinely comfortable for adults. Cargo space was generous, with up to 104.6 cubic feet available with seats folded.

The 2021 Toyota Venza offered practicality and comfort, with a unique interior design. The center stack featured premium materials and a well-organized layout. The Venza accommodated five passengers comfortably, with more headroom than the RAV4. Cargo space was 55.1 cubic feet with seats folded, sufficient for daily use but less than some competitors. The quick-flip rear seatbacks made arranging cargo space easy.

The 2020 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system, while user-friendly, was limited by its 8-inch touchscreen. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The available Bang & Olufsen sound system and rear-seat entertainment system added to the tech offerings. Pro Trailer Backup Assist was a standout feature for towing.

The 2021 Toyota Venza's infotainment system varied by trim, with the Limited offering a 12.3-inch touchscreen. The Entune system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. A nine-speaker JBL audio system was available, and Toyota's connected services provided additional functionality. The system's usability was not the best, but it offered a comprehensive suite of features.

The 2020 Ford Expedition came with Ford Co-Pilot360, offering adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and more. It earned 5-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, with a 4-star rollover rating. The ADAS features were effective and non-intrusive.

The 2021 Toyota Venza included Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with features like pre-collision warning, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with upgrades available. The safety features performed well, though lane-keeping assist kept the vehicle slightly to the right.