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- Highs Powerful V-6 engine aids hauling and towing, roomy interior, generous cargo space.
- Lows Ponderous to handle around town, interior luxury trails competitors, higher trims get pricey.
- Verdict Big, spacious, and handy, the Expedition is a capable workhorse, but it falls short of more appealing rivals.
Overview
Ford has been the dominant pickup-truck brand since the 1970s, but its F-150-based Expedition, first launched in the 1997 model year, remains second in sales to the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban. To keep competitive, for 2007 Ford ditched the Expedition’s solid rear axle for an independent rear suspension, allowing for a better ride and a foldaway third-row seat with much better cargo and packaging efficiency. The Expedition comes in two sizes, the standard 119-inch wheelbase model (competing with the Tahoe) and the Expedition Max with a 131-inch wheelbase (going head-to-head with the Suburban). Both are available with second-row captains’ chairs, to accommodate a total of seven passengers, or a second-row bench, for eight. A major update for the 2015 model year exchanged the Expedition’s thirsty 5.4-liter V-8 for Ford’s modern and more efficient, 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6.
What's New for 2017?
The 2017 Ford Expedition and Expedition Max mark the last of the third generation before the arrival of an all-new 2018 model, based on the new aluminum-intensive F-150. For this year, there are minor updates, starting with new continuously controlled dampers and 22-inch polished wheels added to the top-trim Platinum trim as standard equipment. There’s also a new Limited Appearance Package, with dark gray and black accents inside and out, 20-inch wheels painted in the color named “Magnetic,” and Magnetic-painted grille, mirrors, and liftgate trim.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- XLT: $48,320
- Limited: $57,240
- King Ranch: $61,810
- Platinum: $65,400
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Expedition is available with rear- or four-wheel-drive, and towing capacity is a claimed 9200 pounds. Dropping the old V-8 in favor of a quick and smooth 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 added 55 horsepower and 55 extra pound-feet of torque, for 365 horses and 420 pound-feet. With the torque peak lowered to 2500 rpm, the big SUV delivers “an endearing swell of thrust that seldom requires downshifts from the six-speed automatic transmission,” we said upon the updated model’s first test. The addition of electric power-assisted steering helped improve fuel mileage, but the tradeoff is virtually no steering feel or feedback. We praised the independent rear suspension as contributing to improved ride over rough pavement and better stability in bumpy corners. But there's no getting away from the Expedition's bulk when driving around town.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Expedition was upgraded with acoustic glass, improved door seals, and added noise insulation with the 2015 model year mid-cycle update, for a quieter, more comfortable ride. Four trim levels are available for both the Expedition and Expedition Max, from the popular family-oriented XLT and Limited, to the King Ranch with its western-themed interior, and topping out with the leather-trimmed Platinum edition. But any way you option it, the Expedition lags behind rivals in the luxury department. Like other truck-based large SUVs, the Expedition, at 77.2-inches tall, requires a two step-up effort to enter for most people, but its size pays off in generous cargo capacity, especially in the larger Max version.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Expedition comes with the Ford Sync infotainment system, which includes such standard features as a 4.2-inch display, Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, an auxiliary input, and a six-speaker stereo with satellite radio. Higher trims add an 8.0-inch touchscreen and a 12-speaker Sony audio system. Navigation is available as an option.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
For more information about the Ford Expedition / Expedition Max‘s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer's Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer's CPO program.
