2021 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid initially presented a bold and distinctive design, with its blunt and bulbous nose giving it an aggressive appearance. Over time, this look became more familiar, blending into the landscape of modern SUVs. The black windshield pillars created a floating roof effect, while the swollen haunches balanced the styling. However, the cartoonishly-flared quarter panels could overwhelm the design, even with 20-inch wheels. The interior offered a two-tone look with soft leather in higher trims, but the instrument-panel shroud felt cheap. The 12.3-inch touchscreen was prone to reflections, and the mix of illumination colors made the gauges appear busy.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum was a luxurious sight, especially after a long flight. Its intricate chrome grille and massive 22-inch wheels gave it a bold presence. Despite its size, the regular-length model struggled to accommodate both passengers and luggage, highlighting the utility of the extended-length MAX version. The interior, shared with the F-150, featured leather and some hard plastics, but overall, it justified the Platinum's price. The Expedition's design was both functional and stylish, offering comfort and utility for passengers.

The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid transitioned from a V6 to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, achieving 36 mpg in combined driving. With 243 horsepower, it offered adequate power but lacked excitement, especially on hilly terrain where the engine sounded strained. The steering felt lifeless, and the ride was soft, leading to unwanted body movement. However, it excelled in fuel efficiency, averaging 31.7 mpg during testing, though it fell short of expectations.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 375 horsepower, with the Platinum trim boosting it to 400 hp. It offered impressive towing capacity and acceleration, even with a full load. The adaptive damping suspension provided a stable ride, though the 22-inch wheels transmitted road shock. The Expedition's off-road capabilities were enhanced with the FX4 Off-Road Package, but the test vehicle focused on pavement performance, averaging 17.1 mpg.

The Highlander Hybrid Limited provided comfortable seating for the driver and front passenger, with heated and ventilated seats. The second-row bench seat increased capacity to eight but felt narrow. The third-row seat was uncomfortable, with limited legroom and headroom. Cargo space was decent, with 16 cubic feet behind the third row and a maximum of 84.3 cubic feet.

The Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with wide seats and a massage function for the front seats. The independent rear suspension ensured comfort, and storage was plentiful. Cargo volume expanded from 19.3 cubic feet to 104.6 cubic feet with seats folded. The Expedition MAX offered even more space, with a maximum of 121.5 cubic feet.

The Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The 12.3-inch touchscreen with JBL audio provided a good user experience, though sound quality varied. Driver Easy Speak and a video rearview mirror enhanced convenience, while the driver information display offered detailed data.

Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system, though aging, provided essential features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a navigation system. The 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system impressed, but the system's response time was sometimes slow. The available rear-seat entertainment system added versatility for passengers.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ offered comprehensive driver-assist features, including intersection support and emergency steering assistance. The Highlander earned a five-star NHTSA rating and was expected to achieve a "Top Safety Pick+" from IIHS.

The Ford Expedition, with its substantial curb weight, earned a five-star NHTSA rating but had a lower rollover-resistance rating. Ford Co-Pilot360 provided essential safety features, and adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims. The lane-keeping technology was effective without being intrusive.