FORD EXPEDITION: A full-sized SUV that can take you and your loved ones anywhere
PROS:
CONS: The driving experience isn't as smooth as rivals and the V6 has a low fuel efficiency.
VERDICT: Drivers in need of lots of space and impressive towing capacity should test drive the Expedition to ensure it meets all their needs.
Does it have any competitors or rivals?
Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, Nissan Armada, and GMC Yukon
What's interesting about the Expedition?
- The MAX versions of Expedition trims provide increased legroom and cargo space.
- Only the XL STX comes standard with five seats, while all other trims come with either seven or eight-passenger seating.
- The Expedition lineup receives interior restyling that will impress drivers already familiar with this vehicle.
- Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driver-assist system is available for most trim levels.
How about the prices and trims?
The price jumps are noticeable when comparing the XL STX base trim at $52,080 and the top-tier trim, Platinum MAX, which costs $79,765. Enticing packages and options can significantly increase these prices as well. For example, opting for all-wheel drive increases the cost by $3,000.
The standard 3.5-liter V6 engine gets paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. While this powertrain generates 380 horsepower and has a 9,300-pound towing capacity, the Limited and Timberline trims have an optional engine that pushes the horsepower to 400 and 440, respectively. Moreover, MAX versions can only tow 9,000 pounds.
Which one do we recommend?
Though so many options are available, we recommend choosing the Limited trim, which costs $65,295 without any extras. Drivers can opt for the more potent engine and a few extra safety programs such as BlueCruise without adding too much more money. Most shoppers will likely feel satisfied with the standard features.
What about its availability?
The Expedition is available at most local Ford dealerships. Check their websites for information about available inventory.
What about its performance and handling?
- The Expedition has a history of smooth handling thanks to its build, mainly due to the independent rear suspension.
Though the Expedition has better handling than similarly-built SUVs, it can still feel unwieldy because of its size; it's doubly so if you're driving a MAX version.
- The Expedition is off-road ready, and if that's your primary reason for wanting to purchase it, we recommend taking a closer look at the Timberline trim since it has a higher ground clearance.
- In terms of performance, the standard V6 offers plenty of oomph to get you wherever you need to go, be it in the city or the country.
One of the more disappointing features of the Expedition is the low fuel efficiency. The standard engine paired with RWD only gets 17/23 mpg in the city/highway. Shoppers that add AWD will see the highway mpg reduce to 22. Opting for any MAX version reduces these numbers to 16/21 mpg in the city/highway. While some might argue that no one purchases such a vehicle for its fuel efficiency, these numbers are still low for today's standards.
How’s the interior?
Cabin Space
One of the reasons anyone would consider such a sizable vehicle like the Expedition is its spaciousness. The second and third rows come with a 40/20/40- and 60/40-split, respectively. We recommend adding the sliding feature to these rows if you plan to haul lots of people or cargo to increase the ease of getting in and out of the vehicle. Second-row captain's chairs are also available. The MAX's extra legroom does wonders for the third row if you ride around with many tall adults.
Unlike other vehicles in Ford's lineup, the interior of the Expedition doesn't have that cheap, plastic look, and we're grateful to see it. If you're looking for ultimate luxury, check out the Platinum: it includes a massage feature and high-end leather upholstery. Visibility can be an issue for drivers due to the large windshield pillars in the front and how long the vehicle is when reversing. Thankfully, a backup camera and an optional 360-degree camera system provide much-needed assistance.
Infotainment and connectivity
All trims come with Sync 4, Ford's most recent infotainment system that is relatively easy to use. A 12-inch screen comes standard on most trims, though the Kind Ranch and Platinum get equipped with a 15.5-inch display. Surprisingly, the center console includes several buttons that may take some getting used to, primarily if you're used to a touchscreen for everything. A Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and plenty of charging ports are available throughout the cabin. Our choice trim, Limited, comes with a wireless charging pad, a 12-speaker sound system (instead of six), and a built-in navigation program.
LIKES: The buttons give the Expedition a bit of a retro feel that is more stylish than outdated.
DISLIKES: If you plan on taking many road trips with family members, consider adding a rear-seat entertainment system, but it's pricey.
How about the technology and features?
Another reason we like the Expedition is the long list of safety programs that come standard to ensure you see everything you need to when driving such a large vehicle. A few of those programs include a blind-spot monitoring system, cross-traffic alert, trailer coverage, and a lake-keeping system. A hands-free, foot-activated liftgate comes standard on all trims except the XL and XLT.
LIKES: A leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls comes standard across the board. The cargo area includes various helpful elements to ensure you keep everything organized.
DISLIKES: Active noise control is only standard on Timberline, Platinum, and Platinum MAX.
Quick Quirks: While the cargo area is slightly smaller than rivals, plenty of storage compartments throughout the cabin compensate for this minor shortcoming. |
Some additional features:
- Strapping in child seats is a breeze compared to other large SUVs.
- The interior is tranquil considering how powerful the engine is, even on highways.
A tri-zone climate control system gets included, and rear climate controls for the second and third-row ensure everyone feels as warm or cool as possible.
How's the exterior?
The Expedition is a large SUV so that you wouldn't expect much from its exterior beyond its size. However, Ford has taken care to have various standard and optional elements to give this vehicle a personality. If drivers want to crank that up, consider adding the Stealth Performance package that adds aggressive touches to the exterior. The Timberline has a higher ground clearance than other trims, making it slightly more intimidating.
What warranty and safety does it offer?
Expeditions come with a long list of safety features and the only one we would consider adding is BlueCruise. The warranty program is minimal as well:
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rates this model five out of five stars.
- All trims include programs such as lane-keeping assistant, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision monitoring, and many more.
- Limited warranty for 36,000 miles or three years.
- Powertrain warranty for 60,000 miles or five years.
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance not included.
Are there any incentives and rebates for the Expedition?
Ford offers incentives to U.S. military personnel, veterans, college students, recent graduates, and first responders. Some franchise dealerships may offer additional incentives, rebates and manager's specials. Get in touch with your local Ford dealer to learn more.
