Need a full-size SUV that flaunts all the bells and whistles, including 4-wheel drive (4WD), go-anywhere traction? Check out the 2012 Ford Expedition King Ranch 4WD. This flagship trim boasts 8-passenger seating in 3 rows, 108.3 cubic feet of total cargo room and Ford’s Control Trac on-demand 4WD system, which offers electronic hi-lo gear selection, auto-locking hubs and 3 driver-selectable 4WD settings for instantaneous switching from rear-wheel drive (RWD) to 4WD, depending on surface and road conditions.
This top-shelf titan, of course, flaunts a ton of standard appearance features, like a power-opening rear liftgate, 18-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack and side rails, step running boards, a heavy-duty towing package and heated power-adjustable outside mirrors with a new-for-2012 blind-spot indent. Cabin features, meantime, include upgraded premium leather upholstery, heated power-adjustable front seats, heated and reclining second-row seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and leather, simulated wood and simulated alloy cabin accents.
Further standard comfort and convenience bling includes tri-zone climate control, full power accessories, cruise control, tilt-wheel steering, front and rear parking sensors, a rear-view camera, universal remote garage door opener, power-folding third-row seatbacks and driver's memory settings.
Techno goodies, meanwhile, include Ford’s touted SYNC AppLink infotainment bolstered by Bluetooth hands-free calling, as well as a 340-watt stereo system flaunting an MP3-capable single-CD player, 7 speakers, satellite radio, a USB port and separate rear audio controls.
Options again include remote engine start, rear-seat DVD entertainment, a power moonroof, hard-drive-based navigation, HD radio, second-row captain’s chairs (reducing passenger capacity to 7), a self-leveling rear suspension and/or, for some extra towing oomph, a 3.73 non-limited-slip rear axle.
The only engine offered to the 2012 Expedition lineup, meanwhile, is a variable-valve-timed (VVT) Flex Fuel 5.3-liter V8. Mated with the standard 6-speed automatic transmission, this potent powerplant puts out 310 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque, good enough to haul up to 9,200 pounds of trailer when properly equipped. Fuel economy in the King Ranch 4WD, however, drops to 13 mpg city/18 highway.
Finally, besides its sheer heft, this high-end ute boasts such standard safety features as 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags and 3-row head airbags. Further safety equipment includes front fog/driving lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, a post-collision safety system, a remote antitheft alarm and Ford’s MyKey programmable speed- and audio-limiting system for some easement of parental concern when sis or junior takes the King Ranch for an evening spin.
