2022 Jeep Wrangler vs 2021 Ford Expedition

The 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum truly showcased the luxury and bold presence that made it a standout in the full-size SUV market. After landing at Los Angeles International Airport, our exhausted group of six felt an immediate attraction to the plush, spacious SUV—complemented by its Magnetic gray paint and intricately detailed chrome grille. However, the Expedition's inability to fit all our luggage signaled a key shortcoming.

The Platinum trim represented the epitome of luxury for the Expedition model line, which started with the XL STX at $50,595 and peaked at Platinum with a $74,375 MSRP. Our test vehicle, equipped with 4WD, a Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package, second-row captain’s chairs, and an electronic limited-slip differential, totaled $80,510 including shipping from Ford’s Louisville, Kentucky, plant.

Upon unlocking the vehicle, power-deploying running boards provided a grand welcome reminiscent of a red carpet entrance. Despite its plushness, the Expedition’s space constraints meant one passenger had to carry a suitcase on their lap during the 40-mile suburban ride. This unfortunate experience underscored the unmatched practicality of minivans like the Dodge Grand Caravan we previously rented. However, minivans lacked the bold, commanding presence of the Expedition Platinum with its massive 22-inch aluminum wheels and tastefully applied brightwork.

Had we been provided with the extended-length Expedition MAX or a standard 40/20/40-split folding second-row bench seat, our cargo issues might have been avoided. After reaching our destination, the Expedition's leather-lined cabin—replete with luxurious fittings from the F-150 truck—offered a comfortable retreat for our six-person crew. However, the interior had its share of hard plastic materials, reminding us of the Expedition's roots. A Lincoln Navigator would have offered a more refined interior.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was an ode to ruggedness and adventure. Starting with the decision between a classic two-door or a practical four-door model, buyers then faced multiple engine choices, from a turbocharged four-cylinder to a gas V8, and even a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Our test vehicle, a High Tide special edition model based on the four-door Sport S trim, featured LED exterior lighting, a body-color hardtop, a Gorilla Glass windshield, and 35-inch tires as part of the Xtreme Recon package.

Jeep’s selection of robust off-road hardware, including a 1.5-inch suspension lift and extra storage solutions such as sand-and-slush floor mats, enhanced the Wrangler's rugged appeal. Our test model also sported Hydro Blue paint, accentuating its attractive design in various lighting conditions.

Inside, the Wrangler’s basic yet purposeful interior featured cloth upholstery, hard plastic, and rubber materials fitting for its adventurous persona. Its compact, close-to-dashboard driving position, akin to a classic off-roader, necessitated some adjustment while driving but contributed to the unique Wrangler experience. The interior’s practicality included floor drain plugs and robust materials, though the basic nature of amenities might leave some wondering about the expense of nearly $60,000.

The 2021 Ford Expedition boasted a 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbocharged engine and 10-speed automatic transmission, available in both RWD and 4WD configurations. The Expedition Platinum enjoyed an elevated performance with 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque, compared to the standard models’ 375 hp and 470 lb-ft. The towing capacity varied between 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, assuring excellent towing prowess. During our drives, the Expedition maintained impressive acceleration and a pleasant engine note, albeit lacking the V8’s robust rumble.

Though the adaptive damping suspension was standard on the Platinum trim, the ride quality was impacted by the 22-inch wheels, transmitting road shock into the cabin despite the 4-wheel independent suspension. The optional FX4 Off-Road Package on the XLT and Limited trims was tailored for off-road enthusiasts, yet our Platinum model excelled on pavement, recording an average of 17.1 mpg compared to the EPA’s combined rating of 19 mpg.

Meanwhile, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was propelled by a 3.6-liter V6 engine with eTorque mild hybrid electrification, generating 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The mandatory $4,000 eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time 4WD enhanced its adaptability, making it an ideal companion for inclement weather. Despite Jeep’s claim of 21 mpg in combined driving for an Unlimited eTorque V6, the Xtreme Recon Package's hefty tires and off-road fitment saw us averaging a mere 16.8 mpg across 435 miles.

Driving the Wrangler was an immersion in the elements, from hearing and feeling road imperfections to experiencing every sensation from an open-top drive. This Jeep required frequent stops at gas stations and exhibited traits like loud cabin noise, vague steering, touchy brakes, and a raw ride quality. Yet, it offered unparalleled off-road capabilities and an emotionally rich driving experience—qualities that endeared it deeply to its fanbase.

The 2021 Ford Expedition, despite failing to accommodate all our luggage, excelled in interior comfort and utility. The power-deploying running boards facilitated access to the spacious leather-clad cabin, where large, comfy seats even for the third-row passengers demonstrated Ford's commitment to space. The front seats boasted a massage function, however, earning sighs of envy from other occupants. The independent rear suspension guaranteed a smooth ride for all passengers.

For storage, the regular-length Expedition provided 19.3 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, expanding to 57.5 cubic feet with the seat folded down and 104.6 cubic feet behind the front seats. However, the high cargo floor’s liftover height could hinder ease of loading heavy items. Opting for the Expedition MAX increased cargo capacity significantly, with 34.3 cubic feet behind the third-row seat, 73.3 cubic feet with it folded down, and a maximum of 121.5 cubic feet.

Conversely, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide was not built for convenience. Its raised suspension and high step-in height posed a challenge, especially for shorter people who'd often find themselves brushing against the vehicle’s exterior. The manually adjustable driver’s seat frequently necessitated recalibration, contributing to the vehicle’s rugged yet somewhat inconvenient charm.

The Wrangler’s seats, while comfortable, were enveloped in durable cloth, with predominantly plastic and rubber materials shaping the interior. Front passengers contended with limited visibility at intersections and compromised rear views, offset by helpful reversing cameras and parking sensors from the Safety Group. Rear passengers averaged mixed feelings about entry and comfort, exacerbated by the High Tide's rear wheel wells and smaller door openings.

Cargo-wise, the Wrangler High Tide offered 31.7 cubic feet of rear space, expanding to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. The tailgate swing was heavy due to the attached 35-inch wheel, necessitating caution when opening.

The 2021 Ford Expedition’s Sync 3 infotainment system, with its 8-inch touchscreen, felt dated but was still user-friendly. Offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM, a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot, Amazon Alexa, and enhanced voice recognition for 2021, Sync 3 delivered essential features. Our test vehicle was equipped with a stellar 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless smartphone charging. However, it lacked the dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system available in all trims except the XL STX.

In contrast, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide, based on Sport S trim, included a relatively basic 7-inch touchscreen displaying Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. Although the larger 8.4-inch Uconnect system wasn't present in our test model, we didn’t miss much as Apple CarPlay met our streaming and navigation needs despite occasional wind noise affecting Siri.

Our High Tide Wrangler was, however, equipped with optional tech features such as remote engine starting, satellite radio, passive keyless entry, single-zone automatic climate control with air filtration, as well as heated seats and a heated steering wheel courtesy of the Cold Weather Group—extending the open-air driving season slightly.

With a curb weight of over 5,368 pounds, the 2021 Ford Expedition held a substantial safety advantage. Though the IIHS had not tested it, the NHTSA awarded it a five-star overall rating, with a rollover resistance rating of three stars for RWD and four stars for 4WD. Standard features under Ford Co-Pilot360 included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, semi-autonomous parking assistance, and a 360-degree surround-view camera system.

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide also emphasized safety through optional packages. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Yet, in terms of crash protection, the Wrangler left something to be desired.

NHTSA rated the Wrangler with a mediocre three-star rollover resistance, while the IIHS showed it tipping onto its side during crash tests, earning Marginal ratings in overlap crash and new side-impact tests. Standard headlights were rated Poor, with LED upgrades rated Marginal.