2022 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Honda CR-V

The 2021 Honda CR-V was often noted for its conventional appearance, blending seamlessly with other compact crossovers in the market. Its design was characterized by a few distinguishing features, such as the grille opening and some chromed plastic elements, but overall, it did not stand out in terms of exterior styling. The CR-V was available in seven colours, though many were variations of gray, black, and white, with only a few options like Obsidian Blue Pearl and Radiant Red Metallic offering a splash of colour. Inside, the CR-V offered a modern look with angular seat designs and a choice of materials depending on the trim level. However, competitors like the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson were often seen as having more distinctive styling, especially in mid-tier trims.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition underwent significant styling revisions, presenting a fresh look with a new grille, headlights, and bumpers. The rear also saw updates with revised taillights and tailgate trim. The Expedition was available in various trims, including the off-road-focused Timberline and the sporty Stealth Edition, which added unique design elements like black 22-inch wheels and red-painted brake calipers. Inside, the Expedition boasted a redesigned dashboard with advanced infotainment systems and luxurious features like leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated seats. The spacious cabin and thoughtful design made it a favourite for those seeking comfort and style in a full-size SUV.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 190 horsepower. It offered smooth and steady acceleration, taking about 8 seconds to reach 100 km/h. While not the fastest in its class, it was competitive with other crossovers. The CR-V featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available as an option. Its suspension setup provided decent handling and ride quality, though it lacked the engagement found in some competitors with conventional transmissions.

The 2022 Ford Expedition, on the other hand, was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. With a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Expedition offered impressive towing capabilities of up to 4,173 kg. The engine's power delivery was addictive, though it came at the cost of higher fuel consumption. The Expedition's driving dynamics were enhanced by features like a sport-tuned suspension in the Stealth Edition, though the ride could be harsh due to the large wheels and tires. Despite its size, the Expedition was surprisingly easy to park, thanks to excellent visibility and advanced parking aids.

The 2021 Honda CR-V was designed with practicality in mind, offering ample interior space for five passengers and their gear. It boasted over 100 litres more interior volume than the Toyota RAV4 and provided 1,065 litres of cargo space with the rear seats folded. Depending on the trim, the CR-V offered various tailgate options, including a hands-free power tailgate on higher trims. Roof rails were standard on most trims, adding to its versatility.

The 2022 Ford Expedition excelled in providing comfort and space, with easy access thanks to available electric running boards. The cabin offered generous room for passengers, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs provided ample legroom, while the third row offered good leg support but limited headroom for taller passengers. Cargo space was substantial, with 546 litres behind the third row and up to 2,961 litres with all rear seats folded. The Expedition Max variant offered even more cargo capacity for those needing extra space.

The 2021 Honda CR-V came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims offered enhanced audio systems and additional features like satellite navigation. Charging ports were plentiful, with USB and 12-volt outlets available throughout the cabin.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured Ford's next-generation Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, with options for a 12-inch or 15.5-inch touchscreen. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims offered premium Bang & Olufsen sound systems and advanced voice recognition. The Expedition also provided a dual-touchscreen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV, enhancing passenger entertainment options.

The 2021 Honda CR-V excelled in safety, earning a five-star NHTSA rating and an IIHS Top Safety Pick award. It featured the Honda Sensing suite of safety technologies as standard, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The only feature not standard on the base trim was blind spot monitoring.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered a comprehensive suite of safety features through the Ford Co-Pilot360 collections. Standard features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Expedition also offered Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving technology for enhanced highway driving.