some people need a big SUV maybe they've got a big family maybe they've got big
toys to haul if your life is big maybe you need a big SUV too like that Ford
Expedition right there the Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV
that looks the part long straight body lines and an imposing
headlight slash grille treatment give it a strong hulking presence that belies a
substantial drop in weight versus the previous Expedition like the f-150 the
Ford Expedition rides on a strong steel frame it features a light aluminum body
inside that aluminum body is space for up to eight passengers divided between
three completely un-cramped rows yes even the third row unlike the Chevy Tahoe the
Ford Expedition uses an independent rear suspension that allows a lower floor and
consequently more comfortable rear seat accommodations notice my feet are
nowhere near my butt with a wide pass-through and an integrated grab
handle reaching that spacious third row is no problemo a task made even easier
with optional automatic side steps and One-Touch second row seat releases
speaking of the second row these seats slide and recline you can move them
forward for access to the third row with the child seat installed and the center
seat slides really far forward giving fussy children easier access to their
Guardians upfront or fussy journalists easy access to empty seats
behind this rare but cool lift up rear window hides nearly 21 cubic feet of
luggage space expandable from the rear via standard powerful-fold 3rd row seats
second row seat releases are also available making it incredibly simple to
switch from people to cargo hauling mode all seats folded capacity
increases to one hundred and four point six cubic feet that's good but only six
cubic feet larger than the mid-size Chevrolet Traverse and the Traverse
actually offers more space behind the third row if you like to avoid being
upstaged by a midsize SUV the $2,700 pricier long-wheelbase Expedition Max
boasts 36 cubic feet behind the third row making it the superior choice for
hauling people and their stuff aesthetically speaking the interior has
an upscale vibe especially on the range-topping platinum trim check out
that stitching premium materials extend to the second row but in the back seats
hard plastic dominates on the functionality front the cabin provides a
massive lockable center console dual glove boxes five child seat latch points
intuitive knobs and switches 15 cupholders and lots of storage bins
front and center a basic Sync infotainment unit comes on the lowest
XLT trim but we suggest upgrading to the latest Sync 3 system that's standard on
all other trims sporting an eight-inch touchscreen smartphone integration by
way of apple carplay and android auto and a straightforward layouts Sync 3 is
a joy to use and now I will use it hmm turned up all the bass
or visceral joys can be found with the EcoBoost 3.5 liter v6 that moves all
Expeditions before decrying the lack of the v8 note the output figures go ahead
I'll wait
choose the Platinum trim and Ford dials those already stout figures up a touch
I mean really that should be enough power right to maximize that output ford
teamed the v6 with a 10 speed automatic transmission that's controlled with this
rotary knob and these gear selection buttons you might think the constant
gear changes of a 10 speed would be annoying but they actually just fade
into the background the result is smooth strong acceleration
for a large SUV the Ford Expedition is quite efficient supplementing that
efficiency is a defeatable engine start/stop system that saves gas when
you're stationary rear-wheel drive is standard but as you'd expect four wheel
drive is an option and a great way to exploit nearly ten inches of ground
clearance though at $3,000 it is pricey thanks to
an independent rear suspension the Ford Expedition rides with more
refinement than its truck-based chassis would suggest at the same time if you
hit a big bump like this one you will experience a fair bit of bounce but I
mean given its rugged capabilities the Ford Expedition drives pretty great where
are we? based on its size you might think tight maneuvers with the Expedition
would be tricky but that's really not the case okay yes it would be easier
with the Mini Cooper but you have a good sense from the driver's seat of the
vehicles dimensions and light steering though it could benefit from a quicker
steering ratio thanks to pretty easy to squeeze into
spots there's no need to fear the parking lot nonetheless a full-size SUV
is a great platform for for its excellent optional one-button automatic
parking technology nervous about squeezing in or out of that spot let the
car do the work tack on the optional 360 degree camera system and who knows how
much parking related carnage you'll prevent one thing people love when
driving an SUV is a commanding view of the road that's definitely true in the
Expedition at least been looking forward but when you look over your shoulder not
so good what's crazy I'm talking about my left
shoulder this super wide grab handle equipped
b-pillar is placed near the driver's head blocking much of the view left once
more technology intervenes an optional blind spot warning and lane keep assist
making it easier to stay in your lane or when you want move to another For a base
price just shy of 53,000 dollars a regular wheelbase rear-drive expedition
XLT trim includes six airbags USB ports in the first and second rows power
adjustable pedals backup sensors a backup camera with its own washer and
push-button start if you want passive entry that costs extra but this little
keypad does not that's not the code other added cost niceties include a foot
activated tailgate 22 inch wheels deeply-adjustable heated and ventilated
front seats a panoramic roof dual headrest rear seat entertainment 2nd row
captains chairs USB ports in the third row wireless phone charging full-speed
adaptive cruise control pre-collision warning with active braking and pedestrian
detection and a $1600 FX4 off-road package with an electronic limited slip
differential underbody protection and upgraded shocks
spend recklessly and you can spec an Expedition Max platinum trim to the tune
of $83,000 dollars lastly do you wanna tow good news the
expedition can tow a hefty 9,300 pounds but do so and you'll want
the heavy-duty trailer tow package bundles a heavy duty radiator integrated
brake controller and an electronic limited slip differential with Ford's Pro
Trailer backup assist a clever system whose knob controlled steering makes
backing of a trailer almost foolproof while well equipped in base form price
wise the Expedition and Expedition Max slot an above their most direct
competitors the Chevy Tahoe and its larger suburban sibling as well as the
Nissan Armada and Toyota Sequoia though perhaps a bigger question than price is
whether you need a full sized SUV at all be honest you plan to tow big loads or
venture offroad if not there are several midsize SUVs that while smaller offer
8-passenger seating for thousands less than an Expedition but if you really do
live big and you need a big SUV to match the Ford Expedition is a very capable
choice