Two prominent models dominate the conversation regarding full-size SUVs: the Toyota Sequoia vs Ford Expedition. Both vehicles offer impressive power, spacious interiors, and an array of features that cater to families, adventurers, and those who require the robust capabilities of a large SUV. Choosing between the Sequoia and Expedition can be challenging, given their numerous similarities and competitive offerings. However, distinct differences set them apart, and understanding these can help potential buyers make an informed decision.
This article compares the Toyota Sequoia and Ford Expedition, looking at factors such as performance, design, interior space, technology, safety, fuel efficiency, towing capacity, and price. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of which SUV might best meet your needs.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Toyota Sequoia vs Ford Expedition
Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia is Toyota’s full-size SUV, built to deliver power and comfort for both on-road and off-road adventures. Initially introduced in 2001, the Sequoia is based on the same platform as Toyota’s Tundra pickup truck. It offers three rows of seating, a powerful V8 engine, and a reputation for reliability. While the Sequoia has not seen a complete overhaul in recent years, it continues to hold its own in the competitive SUV market thanks to its rugged build and Toyota’s renowned quality.
Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition is Ford’s most considerable SUV, offering seating for up to eight passengers, advanced towing capabilities, and a luxurious interior. First introduced in 1996, the Expedition has evolved to remain competitive in the full-size SUV segment. With its recent redesign, the Expedition features a modern turbocharged engine, an upscale cabin, and cutting-edge technology. The Expedition is mainly known for its performance, space, and luxury combination, making it a popular choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Performance and Engine Options
Performance is critical to any large SUV, especially when considering towing capabilities, highway driving, and off-road adventures. Let’s explore how the Sequoia and Expedition compare in this regard.
Toyota Sequoia Performance
The Toyota Sequoia is powered by a 5.7-litre V8 engine, producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and is available with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). The V8 engine delivers a smooth and powerful driving experience, with ample acceleration even when fully loaded.
While the V8 offers strong performance, the Sequoia’s engine is relatively outdated compared to modern turbocharged engines found in competitors. As a result, the Sequoia’s fuel economy suffers, with an EPA rating of 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway, making it one of the less fuel-efficient SUVs in its class.
Ford Expedition Performance
The Ford Expedition, on the other hand, comes equipped with a 3.5-litre EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine. Despite its smaller size, this engine produces an impressive 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque in the standard model and up to 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque in the higher Platinum trim. The Expedition features a ten-speed automatic transmission, which helps improve fuel efficiency and provide smoother gear transitions.
The Expedition’s fuel economy is notably better than the Sequoia’s, with an EPA rating of 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway for rear-wheel-drive models. This improvement in fuel efficiency makes the Expedition a more economical option for long-distance driving.
Verdict: Performance
In terms of overall performance, the Ford Expedition takes the lead. Its EcoBoost engine offers more torque and horsepower while providing better fuel efficiency. The Sequoia’s V8 is powerful but outdated, with poorer fuel economy and fewer transmission options.
Interior Space and Comfort
One key reason buyers opt for a full-size SUV is the need for ample interior space, especially for larger families or those requiring significant cargo capacity.
Toyota Sequoia Interior
The Sequoia offers seating for up to eight passengers across three rows. The interior is spacious, with plenty of legroom and headroom for passengers in all rows, including the third row, which can comfortably seat adults. The Sequoia’s large windows contribute to excellent outward visibility, enhancing the driving experience.
The Sequoia’s cargo space is generous, with 120.1 cubic feet of total cargo capacity when the second and third rows are folded down. With all seats in place, the Sequoia still offers 18.9 cubic feet of space behind the third row, making it ideal for large families transporting plenty of luggage or gear.
However, Sequoia’s interior design feels dated compared to more modern SUVs. While it’s functional, the materials and layout lack the refinement found in newer competitors, including the Ford Expedition.
Ford Expedition Interior
The Ford Expedition also offers seating for up to eight passengers, with exceptional space and comfort in all three rows. One of the standout features is its available extended-wheelbase version, the Expedition MAX, which provides even more cargo space and legroom.
The Expedition’s interior feels more upscale and modern, with high-quality materials and a well-designed dashboard. In terms of cargo capacity, the Expedition offers 104.6 cubic feet of total cargo space with the second and third rows folded down and 20.9 cubic feet behind the third row, which is slightly more than the Sequoia in this configuration.
Verdict: Interior Space
While both SUVs offer impressive space, the Ford Expedition pulls ahead thanks to its more modern and luxurious interior. The Expedition MAX option adds even more practicality for those who need additional cargo space, making it a more versatile choice.
Technology and Infotainment
Modern SUVs are expected to come equipped with advanced technology and infotainment features, enhancing the driving experience and passenger comfort.
Toyota Sequoia Technology
The Sequoia comes standard with Toyota’s Entune infotainment system, which includes a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and a rearview camera. However, the system lacks some more advanced features that are now standard in the full-size SUV segment. For instance, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are unavailable, which is a significant drawback for tech-savvy buyers.
On the upside, the Sequoia does offer some helpful driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. Still, these features are not as comprehensive as those in newer SUVs.
Ford Expedition Technology
The Ford Expedition is more technologically advanced. It features the SYNC 3 infotainment system, which comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and multiple USB ports throughout the cabin. The interface is intuitive and responsive, making it easier for drivers and passengers to interact with the system.
Higher trims of the Expedition offer a premium Bang & Olufsen sound system, wireless charging, and even rear-seat entertainment systems, adding to the vehicle’s overall luxury and tech-forward feel.
Verdict: Technology
The Ford Expedition is the winner in this category, offering more advanced infotainment options and connectivity features than the Toyota Sequoia.
Safety Features
Both the Sequoia and Expedition come equipped with a wide range of safety features, but there are differences in standard offerings and optional upgrades.
Toyota Sequoia Safety
The Toyota Sequoia comes standard with Toyota’s Safety Sense P suite, which includes features like pre-collision warning, pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, and lane departure alert. While these features are helpful, the Sequoia lacks some more advanced safety technologies that are becoming standard in newer vehicles, such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which are only available as options on higher trims.
Ford Expedition Safety
The Ford Expedition has a more comprehensive suite of safety features, including the Ford Co-Pilot360, which offers lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims also provide additional features like adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, making it one of the safest vehicles in its class.
Verdict: Safety
The Ford Expedition has the edge in safety features, with a more advanced and comprehensive set of standard and optional technologies than the Sequoia.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel efficiency is an important consideration for large SUVs, given their size and weight. As previously mentioned, the Sequoia’s V8 engine is not known for its fuel efficiency, while the Expedition’s EcoBoost V6 offers better economy.
- Toyota Sequoia: 13 mpg city / 17 mpg highway
- Ford Expedition: 17 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
Verdict: Fuel Efficiency
The Ford Expedition is the clear winner in this category. It offers significantly better fuel efficiency, which can result in substantial savings over time.
Towing Capacity
Both the Sequoia and Expedition can tow large loads, making them suitable for towing trailers, boats, or other heavy equipment.
Toyota Sequoia Towing Capacity
The Toyota Sequoia offers a maximum towing capacity of 7,400 pounds, which is respectable but falls short of some competitors in the segment.
Ford Expedition Towing Capacity
When properly equipped, the Ford Expedition can tow up to 9,300 pounds, making it one of the best in its class for towing. The Expedition’s turbocharged engine and advanced towing features, such as the Pro Trailer Backup Assist, make towing easier and more efficient.
Verdict: Towing Capacity
The Ford Expedition wins in this category, offering a higher towing capacity and more advanced towing technologies than the Sequoia.
Price and Value
Price is always a key factor when choosing between vehicles. The Sequoia and Expedition come in various trims, offering different levels of luxury and features.
- Toyota Sequoia: Starting at around £55,000 for the base model, with higher trims exceeding £65,000.
- Ford Expedition: Starting at around £52,000, fully loaded models reach upwards of £70,000.
Verdict: Price and Value
While the Toyota Sequoia is slightly less expensive at the base level, the Ford Expedition offers better value, considering its superior technology, performance, and towing capabilities.
Conclusion
The Toyota Sequoia and Ford Expedition are formidable full-size SUVs, catering to slightly different audiences. The Sequoia is a reliable, no-nonsense SUV with a rugged feel, but it suffers from outdated technology, poorer fuel efficiency, and a lower towing capacity.
The Ford Expedition, on the other hand, offers a more modern driving experience with better performance, advanced technology, superior towing capability, and better fuel efficiency. It also has a more luxurious and refined interior, making it the best option for most buyers.
If you’re looking for a full-size SUV that combines power, comfort, and the latest features, the Ford Expedition is the clear winner in this comparison.