Stepping things up a notch in the 2012 Ford Expedition trim lineup is the well-endowed XLT. This 8-passenger full-size SUV boasts 3 rows of seating and 108 cubic feet of cargo space, not to mention a potent V8 powerplant and rear-wheel-drive (RWD) scoot.
Standard exterior bling includes 18-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, molded side steps, a Class IV trailer hitch and wiring, and heated power-adjustable exterior mirrors, while cloth upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and simulated alloy accents adorn the cabin. Cruise control, full power accessories, power-adjustable pedals and tilt-wheel steering are bolstered by a universal remote garage door opener, with front and rear parking sensors helping drivers become instantly expert at parallel parking.
Bluetooth/SYNC AppLink infotainment also comes standard in this classy ute, as does a 160-watt stereo that boasts an MP3-capable single-CD player with 6 speakers, satellite radio, a USB port and rear-seat audio controls.
Options-wise, the 2012 Expedition XLT can be delivered with remote engine start, rear-seat DVD entertainment, second-row captain’s chairs, a load-leveling rear air suspension, HD radio, upgraded audio, memory for driver's settings and a power moonroof, not to mention leather-trimmed upholstery and a hard-drive-based navigation suite. A power-opening rear liftgate is also available to this lower-midlevel trim, as are heated second-row seats, a heavy-duty towing package and a 3.73 non-limited-slip rear axle.
Powering this big ute, meanwhile, is the standard (and only) 5.3-liter Flax Fuel V8 engine that mates with a 6-speed automatic transmission for 310 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque. Look for 9,200 pounds of towing capacity when properly equipped, while variable-valve-timed (VVT) mileage in this rear-wheel-drive-only (RWD) ute is estimated at 14 mpg city/20 highway.
Finally, besides sheer heft, this hefty hauler offers such standard safety features as 4-wheel antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags, 3-row head airbags, front fog/driving lights, a post-collision safety system and a remote antitheft alarm. Additionally, the 2012 Expedition XLT boasts Ford’s MyKey programmable speed and audio settings, as well as remaining eligible for available rain-sensing wipers and turn-signal-integrated mirrors.
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