2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Ford Expedition

The 2022 Ford Expedition underwent significant updates, showcasing a refreshed exterior with a new grille, headlights, and bumper at the front, and revised taillights and tailgate trim at the rear. Redesigned wheels were introduced across the model lineup, enhancing its visual appeal. In Canada, the Expedition was available with a standard four-wheel drive drivetrain and offered in XLT, Limited, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from just under $70,000 to over $95,000, excluding destination charges. The Timberline trim catered to off-road enthusiasts with features like all-terrain tires and suspension modifications. Inside, the Expedition boasted a redesigned dashboard housing the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, with the latter featuring a large 15.5-inch touchscreen. The Limited Stealth Edition, with its leather-lined interior and advanced tech, provided a luxurious experience despite some F-150 pickup-grade plastic trim.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid maintained a familiar appearance with minimal changes, introducing a new Cypress Green paint colour. The Highlander Hybrid was available in Canada with standard all-wheel drive and offered in various trims, including the base Hybrid LE and the top Limited trim with a Platinum package. The interior featured a super-sized design with large air vents, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and oversized climate control knobs. However, the cabin's mismatched textures and tones, along with reflections from the display, made it visually overwhelming. The Highlander Hybrid's interior quality was questionable, with controls feeling inexpensive and storage areas unlined, leading to potential noise issues. Despite these drawbacks, the Highlander Hybrid provided a quiet ride on the road, with Toyota focusing on noise reduction.

The 2022 Ford Expedition was powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 380 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 2,250 rpm. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering a towing capacity of up to 4,173 kg when properly equipped. The Expedition's fuel economy ranged from 12.9 to 13.9 litres per 100 kilometres in combined driving, though our observed fuel economy was 14.5 L/100 km. The Expedition excelled on highways, providing a comfortable and quiet ride, but its sport-tuned suspension and 22-inch wheels contributed to a sometimes harsh ride quality. Despite its size, the Expedition was surprisingly easy to park, thanks to excellent outward visibility and features like front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid combined a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine with two electric motor-generators, producing 243 combined horsepower. The electric motors assisted with acceleration and allowed for low-speed electric-only driving. However, the gas engine's 175 pound-feet of torque limited high-speed passing power, and towing capacity was capped at 1,588 kg. The Highlander Hybrid offered Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes, with a Trail mode for light off-road use. Its Predictive Efficient Drive system aimed to maximize fuel efficiency, but our observed fuel economy was 8.2 L/100 km, higher than the expected 6.7 L/100 km. The Highlander Hybrid's driving experience was uninspiring, with soft suspension tuning and a continuously variable transmission contributing to a lack of engagement.

The 2022 Ford Expedition excelled in interior space and comfort, offering easy access with available electric running boards. The cabin provided ample room for passengers, with power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second-row captain's chairs offered plenty of legroom, while the third-row seat provided outstanding leg support. Cargo space was generous, with 546 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,961 litres with both rear rows folded. The Expedition Max variant offered even more cargo capacity.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid accommodated seven or eight passengers, depending on the trim and configuration. Standard features included three-zone automatic climate control and heated front seats, with the Platinum package adding heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row captain's chairs. The third-row seat was best suited for occasional use, with limited comfort and accessibility. Cargo space measured 453 litres behind the third row, expandable to 2,387 litres with the second-row seats folded. The Highlander Hybrid's storage areas were unlined, and the centre armrest storage console design was unnecessarily complex.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured Ford's next-generation Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, with the latter offering a 15.5-inch touchscreen. Both systems included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a connected navigation system. The Sync 4A system had some quirks, such as accidental activation of the defroster function and issues with Apple CarPlay. The Expedition also offered an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV and Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 for easier trailer reversing.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid introduced new Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment systems, with an 8.0-inch touchscreen standard and a 12.3-inch display in the Limited trim. The system supported over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and various connected service plans. The Drive Connect service plan added an Intelligent Assistant and cloud-based navigation. The test vehicle included a head-up display and an 11-speaker JBL sound system. While the infotainment platform was user-friendly, the graphics could benefit from sharper contrast.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered three Ford Co-Pilot360 packages, with standard features including 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 lane-centring assist had some issues, such as steering the vehicle to the right side of the lane and issuing unnecessary warnings. Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving technology was available, providing autonomous steering on approved highways.

The 2023 Toyota Highlander Hybrid came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard, with higher trims adding parking sensors and a surround-view camera. The ADAS performed well, except for occasional confusion with lane markings. The Highlander Hybrid received excellent crash-test ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA.