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- Highs Huge interior, gutsy twin-turbo V-6 engine, can be ordered basic or luxe.
- Lows Cheap cabin materials, always feels absolutely massive, luxe trims are priced too high.
- Verdict Big, spacious, and handy, the Expedition is a workhorse but falls short of more appealing rivals.
Overview
If you're transporting a large family and towing a heavy trailer at the same time, there are few options outside of an Expedition that are as capable. Offered in both standard and long-wheelbase Max body styles, the Expedition offers three spacious rows of seating, plenty of room for cargo, and up to a 9300-pound towing capacity (when properly equipped). Under the hood is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 that drives either the rear or all four wheels through a 10-speed automatic transmission. If you're so inclined, Ford will happily sell you a luxury-equipped model that does its best to mimic the trappings of the mechanically similar Lincoln Navigator. The price tag for such an Expedition, however, renders its value questionable when compared with legitimately premium rivals. Driving dynamics are dull, too, and the 2020 Expedition always feels as massive as it is, which can cause some anxiety when navigating tight spaces or changing lanes in heavy traffic.
What's New for 2020?
Ford has added the King Ranch trim to the Expedition for 2020, which comes loaded with luxury items such as power-retractable running boards, 22-inch wheels, premium Del Rio leather upholstery, and real wood trim. All Expedition models now come standard with Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system and the company's Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assistance features, which includes automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Range-topping Platinum models receive a new 22-inch wheel design and leather upholstery that covers more of the cabin.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We'd exercise caution when shopping for an Expedition, as the more you spend the more the Expedition disappoints. The XLT model with the 202A package offers luxuries such as a foot-activated liftgate, remote start, heated and ventilated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. We would make one suggestion in the name of vanity: Swap the standard 18-inch wheels to a set of more attractive (and proportionally appropriate) 20-inch rollers to keep the Expedition XLT from looking too bargain-basement.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Expediting the Expedition is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 and responsive 10-speed automatic transmission that pair with rear- or all-wheel drive. The XLT and Limited models have a 375-hp version of the V-6, but on the top-tier Platinum it's tuned for 400 horsepower. While we haven't tested the base engine, it won't be any quicker than the 400-hp version we sampled on the short- and long-wheelbase models. All Expeditions employ an independent rear suspension that provides better ride and handling than the live-axle setups on Chevrolet and GMC alternatives. While passengers are comforted by its soft ride, the driver is penalized by ungainly handling and imprecise steering feel. Those who can afford the top-of-the-line Expedition owe it to themselves to check out the 10Best-winning Mercedes-Benz GLS-class for the best overall driving experience.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Expedition can tow up to 9300 pounds, 700 pounds more than the strongest Chevrolet Tahoe. The longer Expedition Max is capped at 9000 pounds—still more than every rival.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
This class of hefty haulers certainly doesn't help preserve fossil fuels. Ford claims its EcoBoost engine (a twin-turbocharged V-6) is more efficient than V-8s, but the Expedition doesn't deliver on that promise. The rear-drive Expedition is rated by the EPA at 17 mpg city and 24 highway; the all-wheel-drive version drops to 22 highway. Both the regular-length Expedition and the longer Expedition Max delivered 20 mpg on our 200-mile highway fuel-economy route. While the 420-hp Yukon Denali fell short, too, it matched the Ford's real-world results.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Expedition's interior has a square dashboard sporting large air vents and materials that improve with the trim level. Every Expedition also has 15 cupholders and a power-folding third-row seat. Our Platinum test vehicle featured niceties not available on lesser trims such as multicontour front seats with a massage function, leather door-trim accents, real wood on the center console, and a steering wheel wrapped in premium leather. While it is otherwise splendid inside, the cabin's cheap-looking plastics are flagrant fouls and unacceptable for the price. Both Expedition models have spacious interiors and—unlike most rivals—a third row that won't torture adults. While a three-seat bench is standard for the second row, a pair of captain's chairs is optional. With three rows of seats and two lengthy body styles, the Expedition and Expedition Max were made to haul people and property—lots of people and property. While we only tested the extended version, it had competitive carry-on capacity and unbeatable interior cubby storage. Every model has a power-folding third row that can be controlled from the cargo area or back seats. Both second and third rows fold completely flat for a level floor, making it easier to load cargo.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Expedition is an infotainment sanctuary, with numerous connectivity options and lots of available features. An 8.0-inch Sync 3 touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE mobile hotspot is standard; navigation plus real-time traffic and weather cost extra. A rear-seat entertainment system is available, but only on the Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum trims.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Overall Safety Rating (NHTSA)
The Expedition earned a five-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but it hasn't been evaluated by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. However, it has all the latest driver-assistance tech, including automated emergency braking as standard. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Available lane-keeping assist with lane-departure warning
- Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Ford provides the Expedition with a solid warranty that even beats Mercedes-Benz with longer powertrain protection. However, the Expedition isn't available with complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
