We tested 4WD versions but didn't take them off-road. One look underneath at plastic gas tanks, cross pipes below frame level, GM's 16-degree approach angle, Ford's fixed side steps, and generally way too much open real estate between the wheels suggests you use 4WD on these for inclement weather, muddy roads, or slippery launch ramps and otherwise tow an old 4WD for real "off-road" use.
Pushbutton Central
Five or 10 years ago, Land Rover, BMW, and Mercedes were lambasted for having too many similar buttons on the console stack, but now that Ford and GM have a lot of features, these trucks have the same problem. Ten or 11 on the steering wheel (horns don't count), a few overhead, and 40 to 45 mostly on the center stack, all white-on-black (except for temperature), requires some familiarization. We can't name a winner here, but prefer the Ford simply because it has more functions (a nav system) and the pedal adjustment is located near the tilt wheel and not among five others that are lined up under the climate control.
Both have or offer features galore, up to cooled seats on the Ford and a rear camera available with Chevy's optional navigation system, and storage galore with the nod going to Chevy--a larger center console and six cupholders for the second row alone is something the Ford can't match. And we have to admit any GM pride in the new interior is well-placed, as every observer preferred the styling treatment and execution.
We've noted the Sub's superior instruments and the Ford has the same gauges, which are separated in rectangular chrome nacelles like those on a 1960s domestic with a horizontal speedo, and the larger two gauges have big chrome carved surrounds, all of which seem unnecessarily busy. Both trucks have dark red needles that often disappear in sunlight as they are deeply recessed, whether or not your sunglasses are polarized, and the Chevy's gauges aren't centered with the driver's seat.
Six-Guns
Any commercial fleet manager or owner/operator will tell you proper spec-ing has a lot to do with a truck's usefulness. We think GM's six-speed automatic should've been used first with smaller engines instead of the 400-horsepower 6.2-liter, while noting the Sub offers an optional engine and 3/4-ton version the Expedition doesn't. However, we work with what we get, and in this case, Ford's more flexible layout, towing and ride comfort, higher towing capacity and mileage, better value--a DVD player, moonroof, and navigation the Sub didn't have, for $25 less--and six-speed automatic beats Chevy's nicer interior, crisper handling, lighter base weight, and 6.0-liter V-8.
Things We Discovered