2021 Toyota Venza vs 2020 Ford Expedition

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 grey-painted lower exterior trim. The Star White metallic paint added to its appeal, although 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, with King Ranch logos throughout. Despite the luxurious feel, the presence of hard plastic, especially in lower trims, was a downside for a vehicle in this price range.

The 2021 Toyota Venza, slightly shorter and lower than the RAV4, was often compared to a Lexus in terms of design. Its elongated profile and grille resembled the Lexus LF-1 Limitless concept, giving it a premium look. Available in three trims—LE, XLE, and Limited—the Venza offered a choice of seven paint colours. Standard features included LED headlights, dual chrome-tipped exhaust, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The interior boasted a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch infotainment screen. The XLE and Limited trims added features like a 12.3-inch screen and a digital rearview mirror. The Venza's design and features made it a stylish and practical choice for those seeking a refined SUV experience.

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 24.9 cm of ground clearance, with the MAX version slightly lower at 24.6 cm. Towing capacity was impressive, with the standard model pulling 4,173 kg and the MAX 4,082 kg. Despite its size, the Expedition handled well in urban environments, thanks to its tight turning radius and adaptive damping suspension. Fuel consumption was rated at 14.1 L/100 km city, 10.6 highway, and 12.5 combined, with the MAX slightly higher.

The 2021 Toyota Venza featured a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a lithium-ion battery pack and electric motors, producing a combined 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque. The e-CVT transmission allowed for smooth acceleration, though engine noise was noticeable during acceleration. The Venza's handling was confident, with its AWD system providing stability. Fuel efficiency was a standout feature, with ratings of 5.9 L/100 km city, 6.4 highway, and 6.1 combined, making it more economical than competitors. Toyota's hybrid powertrain came with a 10-year/240,000-km battery warranty and an eight-year/160,000-km component warranty, adding to its appeal.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo, and passenger capacity. The King Ranch's power running boards made entry easy, 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. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,672 litres with it folded, and 2,962 litres with the second row down. The MAX version offered even more space, making it ideal for those needing maximum cargo capacity.

The 2021 Toyota Venza was practical and stylish, with a unique cabin design featuring premium appointments. The centre stack housed climate and infotainment controls, while the deep centre console offered ample storage. The front and rear seats were comfortable, with the Venza providing more headroom than the RAV4. Cargo space was 816 litres, sufficient for daily use but less than some competitors. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats made arranging cargo easy, and the Venza's overall spaciousness was appreciated during testing.

The 2020 Ford Expedition's 8-inch Sync 3 infotainment system was user-friendly but felt outdated compared to newer systems. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, along with FordPass Connect and a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist was a notable feature for those who frequently towed, making trailer manoeuvring easier.

The 2021 Toyota Venza offered an 8-inch infotainment system in the LE trim, with a 12.3-inch screen in the XLE and Limited. The Entune system was functional but not the most intuitive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a six-speaker audio system. The XLE and Limited featured a nine-speaker JBL system. Toyota connected services included Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect, enhancing the Venza's tech offerings.

The 2020 Ford Expedition's size contributed to its crash safety, with Ford Co-Pilot360 providing features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning. Adaptive cruise control was optional. The Expedition earned 5-star ratings from the NHTSA, though the IIHS had not tested it.

The 2021 Toyota Venza came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including pre-collision warning, lane-departure alert, and adaptive cruise control. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with upgrades available. The Venza earned a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS and a 5-star rating from the NHTSA.