2020 Ford Expedition vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander presented a design that was subtly refined from its predecessor, with a few more degrees of slant in the tailgate glass and more pronounced creases on the body panels. The trapezoidal theme was evident in various elements, including the tailgate's license plate cutout and the grille. The vehicle featured projector-beam LED headlights across all trims, with the higher trims, Limited and Platinum, boasting prettier LED running lamps and new 20-inch alloy wheels. The interior of the Highlander was where it truly shone, with quality fit and finish, silver-painted accents, and a multi-layered dash. The colour palettes were pleasing, and the Limited trim offered a three-tone interior that was both rich and inviting. The Highlander's interior was noted for its attention to detail, rivaling even the Kia Telluride, though the exterior styling was considered less exciting.

The 2020 Ford Expedition, last redesigned in 2018, was a full-size SUV with a clean and somewhat understated design. The King Ranch model stood out with its 22-inch aluminum wheels, mesh grille insert, and LED headlights. The Star White metallic paint on the test SUV was striking, though some design elements like the taillights and roof C-pillar were less favoured. Inside, the Expedition King Ranch featured Del Rio leather and numerous King Ranch logos, though the presence of hard plastic in lower trims was a drawback. The cabin was spacious and comfortable, with heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Expedition's independent rear suspension contributed to a comfortable ride and ample interior space, making it a strong contender in the full-size SUV market.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) configurations. This engine delivered 295 horsepower and 263 pound-feet of torque, providing brisk acceleration and a smooth, quiet ride. The eight-speed automatic transmission made full use of the engine's power, though it required a heavy foot for a kickdown. The Highlander's steering was loose, and the suspension was soft, leading to a ride that was more about comfort than precision. Fuel efficiency was commendable, with the FWD model rated at 11.9 L/100 km in the city and 8.3 on the highway, while the AWD version had slightly different figures. The Highlander hybrid offered even better fuel economy, achieving as low as 6.7 L/100 km combined.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided ample power and a pleasant exhaust note. The 10-speed automatic transmission efficiently delivered power to the standard four-wheel-drive system in Canada. The Expedition's towing capacity was impressive, with the standard model capable of towing 4,173 kilograms. The adaptive damping suspension on the King Ranch trim offered a smooth ride, though the large wheels sometimes resulted in a busy ride on imperfect surfaces. The independent rear suspension improved ride quality and interior space, making the Expedition a strong performer in its class. Fuel consumption was higher than the Highlander, with the standard model rated at 14.1 L/100 km in the city and 10.6 on the highway.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander offered seating for eight, or seven with the second-row captain's chairs on the Platinum trim. The second-row seats were versatile, with generous legroom and easy access to the third row. The Highlander's ergonomics were praised, with easy ingress and egress and a comfortable seating height. Cargo space was generous, with 453 litres behind the third row, 1,359 litres behind the second, and 2,378 litres with both rows folded. The Highlander also featured practical storage solutions, including eight cupholders and two shelves integrated into the dash.

The 2020 Ford Expedition excelled in towing, cargo capacity, and passenger comfort. The King Ranch model featured power running boards for easy access, and the interior offered ample storage, including a dual glove compartment and a large bin under the centre armrest. The second-row captain's chairs provided first-class accommodations, and the third-row seat was genuinely comfortable for adults. The Expedition's cargo space was substantial, with 546 litres behind the third row in the standard model and 971 litres in the MAX version. With the third row folded, the Expedition offered 1,672 litres of space, expanding to 2,962 litres with the second row folded.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander's infotainment system was considered outdated, with low-resolution screens and a lack of onboard apps. The 12.3-inch touchscreen on the Platinum trim was not fully utilized, and the system's interface was less intuitive compared to competitors. However, the Highlander did offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, along with a 10-inch head-up display and a 7-inch display in the instrument cluster. The semi-automated driving system and adaptive cruise control were praised, and the JBL audio system on higher trims was decent.

The 2020 Ford Expedition's Sync 3 infotainment system was easy to use, though it lacked the modernity of the newer Sync 4 system. The 8-inch touchscreen was considered small for a vehicle of this size, but it included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Expedition also featured FordPass Connect with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, a navigation system, and an available Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist was a standout feature for those who frequently tow, providing a knob to control the trailer's direction.

The 2020 Toyota Highlander came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which included automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Highlander received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was awarded a 2020 Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.

The 2020 Ford Expedition featured Ford Co-Pilot360 as standard, offering forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, and lane-keeping assistance. Adaptive cruise control was optional. The Expedition received five-star ratings in NHTSA crash tests, with a four-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS had not tested the Expedition at the time of review.