While the 2022 Wagoneer doesn’t have a Jeep badge, it does give the brand another way to compete in the SUV game. And it compares well to some of the industry’s heavy hitters like the Chevrolet Tahoe. But there’s another SUV that competes heavily with the Tahoe: the Ford Expedition. However, if you’re looking for a road-trip-mobile, compared to the Expedition, the Jeep Wagoneer might be the better choice.

How much does the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer cost compared to the 2021 Ford Expedition?

Ford cut the Expedition’s price tag a bit for the 2021 model year. The base model, the XL STX, now starts at $49,995. Next is the $52,180 XLT, followed by the $61,575 Limited. Then there’s the $72,735 King Ranch, while the range-topping model is the $73,775 Platinum. And all of these prices are before destination and other fees.

As for the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer, initially, Stellantis will only offer it in pre-configured trims. And the true base trim, the $57,995 4×2 Series I, won’t be available initially. Instead, when the Wagoneer arrives in dealerships in the second half of 2021, the base model will be the $67,995 Series II 4×2.

Both the Jeep Wagoneer Series II and Series III will be available with RWD or 4WD. They also have respective sub-trims: Standard and Premium for the Series II, and Off-road and Premium for the Series III. With 4WD, the Jeep Wagoneer Series II starts at $70,995. As for the Series III, the Premium 4×2 starts at $72,995; the 4×4 version starts at $75,995. The Series III Off-Road, though, is only available with 4WD.

So, broadly speaking, the Jeep Wagoneer is a bit more expensive than the Ford Expedition. However, it’s worth pointing out that, while the Expedition comes standard with RWD, equipping it with 4WD costs about $3000. Plus, although the XL STX is significantly cheaper than a Wagoneer Series I, it also has fewer seats. As such, matching the Wagoneer’s eight-passenger seating capacity means stepping up to the Expedition XLT.

The Jeep Wagoneer can out-tow and out-carry the standard 2021 Ford Expedition

Speaking of capacity, the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer has more of it than the 2021 Ford Expedition. As in, it has more rear cargo space and more cargo space overall, The Drive reports. And while the extended-wheelbase Expedition Max reverses this, there’s also an extended-wheelbase Wagoneer on the horizon, Roadshow reports. So, here, we’ll focus on the standard-wheelbase models.

In terms of their powertrains, the two SUVs are fairly equal. The 2022 Jeep Wagoneer is only available with a mild-hybrid-equipped 5.7-liter V8 rated at 392 hp and 404 lb-ft linked to an eight-speed automatic. Ford is working on a hybrid Expedition, Motor1 reports, but it won’t arrive until 2022.

For now, the Expedition has a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 rated at either 375 or 400 hp—depending on the trim—and a 10-speed automatic, Car and Driver reports. In 375-hp form, the Expedition has 470 lb-ft of torque, while the 400-hp version makes 480 lb-ft, MotorTrend and Car and Driver reports.

The Ford Expedition is 500-600 pounds lighter than the Jeep Wagoneer, Autoblog reports. And considering it makes more torque, you might expect that it can tow more. But that’s not the case. The 2021 Expedition maxes out at 9300 pounds—and with 4WD, that drops to 9200 pounds, MT reports. The 2022 Wagoneer, though, can tow up to 10,000 pounds, Car and Driver reports.

What about off-roading and road-tripping?

For off-roaders, the Ford Expedition offers the FX4 package. This adds multiple metal skid plates, an electronic limited-slip differential, and all-terrain tires. Plus, off-road shocks, a 360° camera system for obstacle-spotting, and a chin spoiler for improving the approach angle, Car and Driver reports.

However, in standard form, the Jeep Wagoneer has better approach and departure angles, Automobile and Edmunds report. Plus, although it comes standard with RWD, the Wagoneer offers three different 4WD systems, MT reports. And if you go for the Series III Off-Road model, you get the same features as the Expedition FX4, plus adjustable air suspension, Car and Driver reports.

As far as road-trip features, the Jeep Wagoneer has several advantages. Even in Series II Standard form, it comes with Nappa leather, a 10.1” center touchscreen, wireless charging, navigation, and a 10.25” digital gauge cluster. And stepping up to the Series II Premium nets you a 10.25” front-passenger screen, parking assist, a heads-up display, a 360° camera, dual second-row 10.1” screens, and on 4×4 models, Amazon Fire TV. Plus, in this configuration, the Wagoneer has 11 USB ports sprinkled throughout the cabin.

Admittedly, the 2021 Ford Expedition offers similar features on its higher trims. But to equip the Expedition to Wagoneer Series II Premium level requires stepping up to the King Ranch trim, Autotrader reports. And even then, it has smaller screens overall, and fewer USB ports. Plus, the King Ranch only seats seven.

Admittedly, the Expedition Limited’s 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system is an upgrade over the Wagoneer’s standard 9-speaker Alpine system. But if you go for a Series III Wagoneer, you get an “audiophile-grade” 19-speaker McIntosh system, Car and Driver reports. However, the Expedition Platinum has something the Wagoneer Series III lacks—massaging front seats.

Is the 2022 Jeep Wagoneer worth the upcharge over the 2021 Ford Expedition?

It’s worth pointing out that the Ford Expedition is getting an interior upgrade for 2022. And besides improving the current plasticky design, the SUV is also getting a larger center touchscreen. So, your buying decision may change soon.

Equipping a 2021 Ford Expedition Limited to 2022 Jeep Wagoneer Series II Premium 4×2 levels puts the SUVs fairly close in price. So, in terms of value, they’re about even. And ultimately, if you’re trying to pick between them, take them for a test drive.

Still, if you want to save a bit of cash, the Expedition does start at a lower price. But if what you’re after is towing and hauling in luxury, the Wagoneer has the edge over the Expedition.

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