2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vs 2022 Ford Expedition

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid borrowed styling elements from Toyota's Tacoma, featuring a trapezoidal grille and upright fascia that gave it a rugged look. However, its side profile introduced a swooping character line that added unnecessary visual weight, making it appear somewhat disjointed compared to more cohesive designs like the Kia Telluride. Inside, the Highlander Hybrid's asymmetrical dash and metallic styling element provided a unique but less jarring aesthetic. The infotainment touchscreen was positioned high for better visibility, but the interior materials, especially the light grey fabric in the Bronze Edition, were less impressive and prone to dirt.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Expedition underwent significant styling updates, including a new grille, headlights, and bumpers, giving it a fresh appearance. The Expedition offered various trims, including the off-road-focused Timberline and the sporty Stealth Edition. Inside, the Expedition featured a redesigned dashboard with the new Sync 4 and Sync 4A infotainment systems. The Limited Stealth Edition boasted leather seats and impressive tech, though some materials felt more utilitarian. The Expedition's spacious and comfortable cabin, combined with its updated tech, made it a standout in its class.

The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine producing 243 horsepower, paired with a CVT and standard FWD. It offered AWD through an electric motor for the rear axle. The Highlander Hybrid reached 60 mph in just over 8 seconds, with a smooth ride and quiet cabin, though the engine's drone during acceleration was noticeable.

The 2022 Ford Expedition featured a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 380 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. With a 10-speed automatic transmission, it offered 4WD as an option. The Expedition's towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds. Despite its size, the Expedition was easy to park and excelled on highways, though its ride quality could be harsh due to the sport-tuned suspension and large wheels.

The Highlander Hybrid's front seats were comfortable with ample adjustments, though the driver's armrest was awkwardly positioned. The second row offered generous space and versatility, while the third row was less accommodating, suitable mainly for children. Cargo space behind the third row was 16 cubic feet, expanding to 84.3 cubic feet with seats folded.

The Ford Expedition provided exceptional comfort and space, with power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats. The second row offered ample legroom and climate controls, while the third row featured power recline and USB ports. Cargo space was 19.3 cubic feet behind the third row, expanding to 104.6 cubic feet with seats folded.

The Highlander Hybrid came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, with a 12.3-inch option for higher trims. It included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration. The system was responsive, with physical buttons for ease of use. Higher trims offered navigation and a JBL audio system.

The Expedition featured Ford’s Sync 4 and Sync 4A systems, with a 12-inch or optional 15.5-inch touchscreen. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with options for premium sound systems. The Sync 4A system was sophisticated but had some quirks, such as accidental activation of controls and occasional connectivity issues.

The Highlander Hybrid received a five-star NHTSA rating and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick+. It included adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. However, some systems needed fine-tuning for smoother operation.

The Expedition offered Ford Co-Pilot360 packages, including forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-centering assist. Higher trims added features like a surround-view camera and rear automatic emergency braking. The lane-centering tech had some issues, but adaptive cruise control performed well.