2021 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia, despite its age, offered a robust presence with its large silhouette and subtle design updates from 2018. The Nightshade Special Edition added a touch of modernity, but the interior still reflected its mid-2000s origins with a multi-tiered dash and a small 7-inch touchscreen. While the front seats were bulky, they provided comfort, though tall drivers found headroom limited. The second row, however, offered ample space and comfort. The Sequoia came in various trims, from the entry-level SR5 to the off-road-focused TRD Pro and the luxurious Platinum.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Expedition Platinum presented a luxurious and spacious experience, ideal for families needing comfort and utility. Despite its inability to carry more than five people and their luggage simultaneously, the Expedition excelled in comfort with wide seats and a leather-lined cabin. The independent rear suspension ensured a smooth ride, and the Platinum trim added a touch of luxury with features like massaging front seats. The Expedition MAX version offered even more cargo space, making it a versatile choice for larger families.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia featured a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. This setup provided strong acceleration, though it lagged in fuel economy. The Sequoia's truck-like driving dynamics, with its soft suspension and strong brakes, appealed to those who appreciated a robust driving experience. However, its towing capacity of 7,400 pounds fell short compared to competitors like the Ford Expedition, which could tow up to 9,300 pounds.

The 2021 Ford Expedition, equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivered 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with the Platinum trim boosting these figures to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. The 10-speed automatic transmission ensured smooth acceleration, even with a full load. The Expedition's towing capacity ranged from 9,000 to 9,300 pounds, and it featured Pro Trailer Backup Assist for easier trailer maneuvering. While the ride quality was slightly affected by the Platinum's 22-inch wheels, the adaptive damping suspension and independent suspension provided a stable and comfortable ride.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia boasted a spacious cabin with nearly 19 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 120 cubic feet with all seats folded. Despite its age, the Sequoia offered practical features like a power-retractable rear window and ample storage options, though newer SUVs had better space utilization.

The 2021 Ford Expedition excelled in comfort and utility, with power-deploying running boards and wide seats for all passengers. The regular-length model offered 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 104.6 cubic feet with seats folded. The Expedition MAX provided even more space, with up to 121.5 cubic feet available. However, the high cargo floor liftover height was a consideration when loading heavy items.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. While the system was dated, it was user-friendly with simple menus and large buttons. The test model's 9-inch screen still felt small on the large dash, but the system's simplicity was appreciated.

The 2021 Ford Expedition featured the Sync 3 infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen. Though aging, it offered modern features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The system's user interface was friendly, but response times were sometimes slow. The test vehicle included a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and wireless charging, though it lacked the available rear-seat entertainment system.

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia was equipped with Toyota Safety Sense-P, offering features like forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. While it lacked advanced tech like lane-keeping assist, it provided a comprehensive suite of safety features. However, it scored four out of five stars in the NHTSA's rollover test.

The 2021 Ford Expedition earned a five-star overall crash-test rating from the NHTSA, though its rollover-resistance rating was three stars with RWD and four stars with 4WD. Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. Higher trims offered adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system, enhancing safety and convenience.