2022 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Honda Pilot

The 2021 Honda Pilot aimed to balance styling with reliability, safety, comfort, and performance. Despite efforts to enhance its rugged appearance with a 2019 refresh and a 2020 Black Edition, the exterior design remained polarizing. The Pilot was available in five trims in Canada, with AWD as standard. The Black Edition, fully loaded with exclusive black leather upholstery and red accents, offered a premium feel. However, the interior's minivan-like design and drab exterior did not appeal to everyone.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition underwent significant styling updates, including a new grille, headlights, and bumpers, giving it a fresh look. The Expedition was available in XLT, Limited, and Platinum trims, with 4WD as standard. The Stealth Edition added black 22-inch wheels and unique exterior trim, enhancing its visual appeal. Inside, the redesigned dashboard featured the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, with a large touchscreen display. The Expedition's interior was spacious and comfortable, with high-quality materials, although some plastic trim was reminiscent of the F-150 pickup.

The 2021 Honda Pilot featured a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. It was paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a torque-vectoring AWD system, providing a smooth and refined driving experience. The Pilot offered various driving modes and fuel-saving technologies, achieving an average of 10.9 L/100 km in testing. Its suspension provided a comfortable ride and agile handling, though off-road capability was limited by its ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2022 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission managed power delivery, with a towing capacity of up to 4,173 kg. The Expedition's fuel economy ranged from 12.9 to 13.9 L/100 km, with an observed 14.5 L/100 km during testing. While the Stealth Edition's sport-tuned suspension improved handling, it resulted in a harsher ride. The Expedition excelled in highway driving, offering a quiet and comfortable experience, though its size and weight affected urban maneuverability.

The 2021 Honda Pilot provided ample space for families, seating up to eight with a bench second-row seat. The Black Edition featured comfortable leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with optional second-row captain’s chairs. The third-row seat offered mid-pack comfort, while storage was abundant throughout the cabin. Cargo space was generous, with 524 litres behind the third row and up to 3,092 litres with seats folded.

The 2022 Ford Expedition excelled in interior space and comfort, with easy access via electric running boards. The test vehicle featured power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats, with a spacious second row offering climate controls and cupholders. The third-row seat provided excellent leg support, though headroom was limited for taller passengers. Cargo space measured 546 litres behind the third row, expanding to 2,961 litres with seats folded. The Expedition Max offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2021 Honda Pilot came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added navigation, wireless charging, and a premium audio system. The system was adequate but lacked some modern features, and voice recognition required specific prompts. The Touring trim included a rear-seat entertainment system with various connectivity options.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured the advanced Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, with a 12-inch or optional 15.5-inch touchscreen. Both systems supported wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with additional features like wireless charging and premium sound systems on higher trims. Sync 4A offered a sophisticated user interface and voice recognition, though it had some quirks. The Expedition also offered a dual-touchscreen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV and Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 for easier towing.

The 2021 Honda Pilot included Honda Sensing, a suite of ADAS features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. While effective, the system was not the most refined. The Pilot received favourable crash-test ratings, with a five-star overall rating from NHTSA and high scores from IIHS.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered Ford Co-Pilot360 safety features, including forward-collision warning and blind-spot monitoring. Higher trims added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and a surround-view camera system. The Expedition also introduced new features like intersection assist and evasive steering assist. While adaptive cruise control was smooth, lane-centring assist had some issues, particularly in heavy traffic.