Ford Expedition

Overview: Is the Ford Expedition a Good SUV?

The Ford Expedition, a full-size SUV that has been a staple of Ford's lineup since 1997, offers a winning combination of spaciousness, capability, and comfort. When it launched the Expedition, the Blue Oval targeted the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.

This overview focuses on the more recent generations of the Expedition, including:

• Ford Expedition third generation: 2007-2017
• Ford Expedition fourth generation: 2018-Present

The elongated Expedition EL and Expedition MAX (the name varies by year), which take on the plus-sized Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL, are covered separately as different models.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Ford Expedition cars for sale.

Find a used Ford Expedition for sale near me.

Related: Here Are The Ford Expedition Years To Avoid

Key Features

The Ford Expedition offers:

• Full-size SUV body style
• Three-row seating for seven or eight
• 5.4-liter V8 or turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 (varying by year)
• Rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available four-wheel drive (4WD)
• Towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds when properly equipped
• Advanced driver assistance features and infotainment technology (varying by year)

Trims

The Ford Expedition is available in numerous trims, which have varied somewhat over the years but generally include the XL, XLT, Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum. Higher trims provide additional luxury features, premium materials, and advanced technology packages, allowing buyers to pick an Expedition that meets their specific needs and preferences.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

Step inside the Ford Expedition, and you'll find a cavernous and well-appointed interior that emphasizes versatility. The Expedition's cabin is designed to accommodate up to eight passengers, with ample head and legroom in all three rows. The available second-row captain's chairs provide additional comfort and convenience. Over the years, the Ford Expedition interior has gone more upscale to better compete with GM’s offering and reflect a more discerning customer.

Newer Expeditions feature an infotainment system centered around the user-friendly SYNC interface with a large touchscreen display, smartphone integration, and a premium audio system. These more recent models also come standard with a suite of advanced driver assistance features, including pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims offer even more safety tech, such as adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera system.

When it comes to cargo space, the Expedition truly shines, offering up to 121.5 cubic feet of storage with both the second and third rows folded down. Ford Expedition towing capacity reaches 9,300, depending on the model year and drivetrain.

Review: The Best Year for the Ford Expedition

How It Drives

Despite its size, the Ford Expedition delivers a smooth and confident driving experience thanks to its powerful and efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. This twin-turbocharged powerplant produces up to 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque in higher trims, providing ample grunt for merging, passing, and towing. This V6 replaced the lumbering 5.4-liter V8 that was standard through 2014. The Expedition's available four-wheel drive system and terrain management system help this SUV adapt to various driving conditions, from slippery roads to light off-road trails. While the Expedition's ride may not be as plush as some luxury SUVs, its independent rear suspension and available adaptive dampers provide a comfortable and composed ride.

Safety

The Ford Expedition has consistently performed well in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash tests. The third generation received a four-star overall safety rating, while the fourth generation earned a top five-star ranking.

Reviews

Ford Expedition reviews on Kelley Blue Book are mostly positive. The third generation ranks the highest with an average rating 4.6 out of 5, while the current edition has a 4.0 average score. Owners give both generations high marks for comfort, performance, and reliability.

Learn More: Ford Expedition Transmission Problems

Ford Expedition FAQs

What Ford Expedition is the biggest?

The Ford Expedition MAX variants (initially referred to as the Expedition EL in older models) offer the most interior space. Their extended wheelbase provides even more cargo room behind the third row, making them the largest Expeditions available.

What does Max mean on the Ford Expedition?

"MAX" denotes the extended-wheelbase versions of the Ford Expedition. These models are approximately 9 inches longer than the standard Expedition and offer additional cargo space behind the third row. The Expedition MAX is ideal for families who need maximum storage capacity without compromising passenger comfort.

Will Ford come out with a hybrid Expedition?

For now, there is no Ford Expedition hybrid. The current-generation Expedition is equipped with the efficient 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, which provides a good balance of power and fuel economy for a vehicle of its size.

Which is more reliable, the Chevrolet Tahoe or the Ford Expedition?

The Ford Expedition and the Chevrolet Tahoe have reputations for reliability, often ranking closely in various dependability studies. Ultimately, the reliability of an individual vehicle will depend on factors such as maintenance, driving habits, and environmental conditions. It's essential to research specific model years and consult vehicle history reports when considering a used Expedition or Tahoe.

What is the Ford Expedition price?

A new Ford Expedition has a starting MSRP of $56,000 to $80,000, based on the trim. CoPilot marketplace listings, show used Expeditions sell for $8,000 to $75,000, depending on age, condition, and equipment.

What are the popular trim levels for the Ford Expedition?

Trims availability varies by model year, but more recent grades include:

• Ford Expedition XL
• Ford Expedition XLT
• Ford Expedition Limited
• Ford Expedition King Ranch
• Ford Expedition Platinum

Is a Ford Expedition bigger than a Toyota Sequoia?

Yes, the Ford Expedition is larger than the Toyota Sequoia in terms of overall length and cargo capacity. The Expedition offers more passenger and cargo space, particularly in the MAX configurations, making it one of the largest SUVs in its class. The Sequoia, while still a full-size SUV, falls slightly short of the Expedition's interior dimensions.

Check out a used Ford Expedition for sale.