Big SUVs still have a place in a world of more efficient crossovers. While large and a bit more raw and rugged than the crossovers, the Ford Expedition has learned some new tricks lately.
The Expedition has moved away from the usual V-8 engine you’ll find in these huge SUVs. Now a twin turbo V6 provides more than enough power to haul the family and even tow a good sized trailer. It is a bit easier on fuel consumption also but not as good as smaller crossovers.
Its large size takes a bit of time to get used to. The ride has improved and it seems less trucklike overall, except for on harsher road surfaces.
The Expedition delivers the space you expect in big a ute. If you need even more space, there is a longer version with added room behind the third row.
The standard version worked great for a family of five on a road trip. The seats are comfortable and the Limited trim level comes with heated and ventilated leather seats and the heated steering wheel is always welcomed on a cold early morning. Second row seats are also heated and offer a lot of head and leg room. The third row is very usable and more so than the competition, thanks to the rear suspension design.
The optional Panoramic vista roof lets in a ton of light and brightens the interior nicely.
Cost: $63,015; as tested $70,240
MPG: 17 MPG City; 24 MPG Highway. I managed 19.7 in 605 miles of mixed driving.
Options: $2,555 equipment group 301A; $395 premium paint; $3,955 Texas edition package; $225 second row inflate belts
Safety: Reverse sensing system; 360-degree camera system; enhanced active park assist with parallel park, park out assist; Ford Co-Pilot360; adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go; SOS post-crash alert system; blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert with trailer tow monitoring; pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking
Things to know: The Ford Expedition is large and spacious but it’s not as rough around the edges anymore. The Limited trim level and higher come with power deployable running boards.
Pros:
- The Expedition has room for eight
- Twin turbo V6 and 10-speed automatic make for a good combo of power and economy
- A quiet and comfortable cruiser
Cons:
- Commands a high price that can get higher with upper trim levels
- Not as fuel efficient as a three-row crossover
- Big and wide might be hard to maneuver for some drivers in smaller spaces
