There are a wide range of Expedition trims to choose from, eight in all, and every one features the new 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost with 365 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque paired to a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission. There's no option for a V8 in the mix.
The base Expedition is the XLT, which starts at $44,585 and is also offered as the XLT EL with a longer wheelbase. Standard features on the XLT include manual air conditioning, rear auxiliary climate control, power windows and door locks, illuminated entry lighting, power-adjustable foot pedals, a reverse-sensing system, and rear-view camera. There’s also a 110-volt AC power outlet, leather-wrapped manual tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, and cruise control.
There's also seating for 8 passengers with standard front cloth bucket seats, a 40/20/40-split bench second row that folds flat, and a third-row 60/40-split bench that also folds flat. Available options include leather-trimmed first and second rows with a 10-way power driver’s seat and 6-way power passenger seat, power liftgate, and power-folding third row. A second option package builds on the first with the addition of a heavy-duty trailer towing package, heated and cooled front seats with a 10-way power-adjustable passenger seat, and a 12-speaker Sony audio system.
Infotainment comes through the Sync with MyFord Voice voice-activated system. It features a 4.2-inch center display with AM/FM/SiriusXM satellite radio, a single-disc CD player, USB port, and AppLink.
Outside there are chrome exhaust tips, LED front fog lamps, quad-beam reflector headlamps, running boards, front tow hooks on 4-wheel-drive (4WD) models, black luggage-rack side rails, and a liftgate with flip-up glass. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard with AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and traction control. Optional Control Trac 4WD is available. Trailer sway control is also standard for towing up to 9,200 pounds with an integrated trailer brake controller available as a part of the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.
The long-wheelbase XLT EL keeps standard features the same, but adds a few additional option packages. The XLT Premium package includes dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, a premium AM/FM stereo with single-CD player and subwoofer, leather-wrapped shift knob, and woodgrain interior trim accents.
The Limited turns many optional features standard and adds more luxurious packages. The heavy-duty trailer-towing package becomes standard, as does perforated leather-trimmed heated and cooled front bucket seats, HD Radio, a power liftgate, and second-row heated outboard seats. Dual-zone climate control, woodgrain trims, a leather-wrapped power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, remote start, and forward sensing system are all standard on the Limited.
Optional features include a power moonroof, power deployable running boards, blind-spot information with cross-traffic alert, and voice-activated navigation with HD radio. The infotainment system gets an upgrade to Sync with MyFord Touch featuring an 8-inch touchscreen and 2 USB ports and optional dual headrest DVD systems. The Limited EL adds only the longer wheelbase this time without any additional features.
The King Ranch, also available as an EL long-wheelbase model, comes with its own special trims including Mesa Brown leather seats, Caribou-color lower bodyside cladding and wheel-lip moldings, King Ranch exterior badges, power deployable running boards, and a power moonroof. Front seats have three levels of heating and cooling, and the King Ranch logo is emblazoned on the seats and center armrest, while second-row reclining bucket seats are optional. The steering wheel and shift knob have matching Mesa Brown leather.
At the top of the lineup is the all-new Platinum, which starts at $59,370 along with the Platinum EL at $62,020. These pretty much take every optional feature, except the King Ranch badging and trims, and make them standard. Your few optional choices include all-weather floor mats, dual headrest DVD systems, second-row reclining bucket seats, and the Control Trac 4WD system.
The most distinctive thing about the Expedition is its size. This is a large SUV with running boards that aren’t just for looks, but a necessity for climbing inside. It easily holds 8 people with plenty of room for cargo, and it looks good, but its age does show. The exterior is not as modern and slick as that of many competitors.
Inside, it's comfortable and appealing, especially in the King Ranch edition we tested, but it needs an update. It feels a little like a new old SUV in need of some refinement, better trims, and more modern styling. It’s a shame given how well this car serves its purpose of carrying 8 people and cargo that the style doesn’t keep pace with function.
