*All information in this article has been revised and updated for the latest 2021-2022 models.
The 2021 Ford Expedition shows its presence on the road with its power, style, and towing capabilities, as well as offering plenty of space for passengers and cargo. The 2022 Dodge Durango is another large SUV to consider with improved towing capabilities and better estimated fuel economy than before. Will that be enough to stand against the Expedition? You can see for yourself at Brighton Ford.
Style/Passenger/Cargo and Towing Specs
If you are looking for a vehicle that can do it all, the Ford Expedition is for you. It has the capabilities of a truck but also the convenience and style of an SUV. Its base cabin boasts high-end premium materials and gives other luxury SUVs a run for their money. The Expedition can seat up to eight people comfortably, with three rows of seating. It has a standard body length of 20.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row. Folding those seats down, you can get a spacious 104.6 cubic feet. Not only can you travel in style and bring your gear, you can also tow your favorite recreation toys. When fully equipped with the trailer tow package, the Expedition has an impressive 9,300 pounds of towing capacity.
The 2022 Dodge Durango has gone almost a decade without a full redesign and doesn’t feature the modern, high-class interior of its rivals. It seats five people, with an optional third row in the base trim that will boost the capacity to seven. All other models come standard with the third row. If you opt for second-row captain’s chairs, that will take your seating down to six. The Durango has an average amount of cargo space, with 43.3 cubic feet behind the last two seats and 85.1 cubic feet with all rear seats folded down. When it's properly equipped with the Tow N Go package on top of the 5.7-liter V8 engine, it can tow up to 8,700 pounds.
Safety, Tech and Power
If you are looking for a great infotainment package, every Expedition comes standard with a user-friendly SYNC 3 infotainment system that includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay with an easy to use 8-inch touch screen. Other standard features include satellite radio, voice recognition, four USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Add to that an available premium B&O Sound System by Bang and Olufsen, HD Radio, and a rear-seat entertainment system and you’ll be set for your trip. Now standard in all models to keep you confident and connected on the road, is the Ford Co-Pilot360 with Blind Spot Information System, Pre-collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, and Adaptive Cruise with Stop-and-Go. Also standard for your protection is lane departure warning, lane keep assist, a rearview camera, and rear parking sensors.
The Durango has seen some comfort and technology tweaks besides standard features such as: satellite radio, voice recognition, remote start, four USB ports, heated seats and steering wheel, parking sensors and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Options include a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, satellite radio, a nine-speaker Alpine stereo or a 19-speaker Harman Kardon stereo, and a remote start. Add to that an available premium B&O Sound System by Bang and Olufsen, HD Radio, a rear-seat entertainment system and the Quicker Uconnect 5 infotainment system with an available 10.1-inch touch screen. A powered liftgate is now available on the GT model, as well. In terms of safety, available options include front and rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, automatic high-beam headlights, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist.
Fuel and Pricing and Power
Starting price for the 2021 Ford Expedition is $50,595 for the XLT and ranges to $76,150 for the Platinum Max edition with an estimated 17/23 MPG city and highway. With Expedition’s muscular engine, it doesn’t need a V8 to get its power. With its 3.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6 engine, it puts out 375 hp and 470 pound-feet of torque and it can rival most competitors. If you choose the Platinum trim, you will get 400 hp and 480 pound-feet of torque.
Starting price for the 2022 Dodge Durango is estimated at $33,000 and is expected to top out at $65,000. The Durango gets an average estimated 19/26 city and highway with its V6 engine. All-wheel drive will lower it to 18/25 city and highway. It comes equipped with a standard V6 engine with 295 horsepower and an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine will seem less powerful and doesn’t handle well when accelerating at higher speeds.
Overview
The 2021 Ford Expedition ranks high in the large SUV class and delivers nearly all of what you’d want from a large SUV. It's comfortable, classy, and full of performance from its impressive technology and upscale cabin to its towing capabilities. Come take a ride and your choice will be clear.