2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Ford Expedition

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling elements from Toyota's Tacoma pickup, notably its trapezoidal grille and upright fascia, giving it a rugged look that was popular among midsized SUVs. However, the side profile introduced a swooping character line over the rear wheel arch, reminiscent of the Toyota Supra and Sienna, which added unnecessary visual weight and made the Highlander appear somewhat bloated. The rear design echoed the trapezoidal grille, but the overall body felt disjointed compared to more cohesive designs like the Kia Telluride or Honda Pilot. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's interior was unconventional yet less jarring, featuring an asymmetrical dash with a metallic styling element that created a helpful storage tray. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned high on the dash, reducing driver distraction.

The 2022 Ford Expedition underwent several changes, including exterior styling revisions and updated infotainment technology. The front featured a new grille, headlights, and bumper, while the rear received revised taillights, tailgate trim, and a new bumper. Redesigned wheels were introduced across the model lineup. In Canada, the Expedition came standard with a four-wheel drive drivetrain and was available in XLT, Limited, and Platinum trims, with prices ranging from just under $70,000 to over $95,000. The Expedition Timberline trim catered to off-road enthusiasts with all-terrain tires, suspension modifications, and off-roading tech. The Stealth Edition packages added black 22-inch wheels and distinctive exterior trim. Inside, the Expedition boasted a redesigned dashboard with the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems, offering a large 15.5-inch touchscreen display and a 12.4-inch digital instrumentation display.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and hybrid system, producing 243 horsepower. It featured a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive, with an electric motor powering the rear axle for additional traction. Toyota estimated it could reach 100 km/h in just over eight seconds. The hybrid powertrain provided a quick but tepid response from a standstill, with the gasoline engine supplying more power as speed increased. The ride quality was soft, with the suspension effectively smoothing over road bumps, and the cabin remained mostly free of wind and road noise on the highway.

The 2022 Ford Expedition was equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine, producing 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The engine was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the powertrain could tow up to 4,173 kg. Fuel economy ranged from 12.9 to 13.9 litres per 100 km in combined driving. The Expedition's driving dynamics were enhanced by the Stealth Edition Package's sport-tuned suspension, although the ride quality could be harsh on uneven pavement. 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. On the highway, it provided a quiet and comfortable ride, making it ideal for long road trips.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid offered well-cushioned front seats with plenty of adjustments, although the driver's door armrest was slightly out of reach. Storage options were abundant, with a deep tray under the infotainment screen, a small shelf in front of the passenger, and a large centre armrest bin. The second-row seats were spacious, with captain's chairs that could slide and recline for added comfort. The third-row seat was less accommodating, suitable for occasional use by children. Cargo space behind the third row measured 453 litres, expanding to 1,370 litres with the seatbacks folded and 2,387 litres with the second row stowed.

The 2022 Ford Expedition excelled in interior comfort, with power-adjustable, leather-wrapped, heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain's chairs offered plenty of legroom and individual climate controls. The third-row seat provided outstanding leg support, although headroom could be tight for taller passengers. Cargo room behind the third row measured 546 litres, with the option to fold the seats for 1,627 litres of space. The Expedition Max offered even more cargo capacity, with 972 litres behind the third row and 3,439 litres with both rear rows folded.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid featured an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen available on the top trim. The infotainment system was quick to respond, with logically organized menus and physical shortcut buttons. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard, with wireless charging available on Limited and Platinum trims. Navigation and an 11-speaker JBL premium audio system were also standard on these trims.

The 2022 Ford Expedition introduced Ford's next-generation Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The standard Sync 4 system included a 12-inch touchscreen, while Sync 4A offered a larger 15.5-inch touchscreen with a single physical dial for stereo volume. Both systems featured wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, and a connected navigation system. Sync 4A added features like wireless smartphone charging and a choice of Bang & Olufsen premium sound systems. The Expedition also offered a dual-touchscreen rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA and was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS. Standard safety features included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, a blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. The adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist systems could use some fine-tuning, as they occasionally resulted in abrupt stops and resistance in the steering wheel.

The 2022 Ford Expedition offered three Ford Co-Pilot360 safety packages. The standard package included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The Co-Pilot360 Assist+ package added adaptive cruise control, lane-centring assist, and intersection assist. The Co-Pilot Assist 2.0 package, standard on the Platinum trim, included a surround-view camera system and rear automatic emergency braking. The Expedition also offered Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving technology for approved highways.