Ford Expedition Limited 4WD: heavy steering, hefty price tag

The Kentucky-built Expedition, the big guy of Ford’s SUV lineup, had a major makeover in 2017, from its imposing aluminum body down to its reworked steel frame. Based on Ford’s F-150 pickup platform, the Expedition is a massive vehicle, with the interior room expected of a full-size SUV. There’s plenty of space for adults, even in the third row. And for more room, Ford offers a “Max” version with an even longer wheelbase.

Despite its size, the Expedition runs on 6 cylinders rather than 8; a twin-turbo V6 is the sole engine offering. But it does the job, providing power for passing at freeway speeds and towing up to 9,300 pounds. A sophisticated (for a truck) independent rear suspension minimizes body roll and provides secure handling. Heavy steering and the sheer size of the Expedition make it a pain to park or maneuver in an urban parking lot, however. Weight-reducing aluminum bodywork and a 10-speed transmission reduce fuel consumption, but this big SUV is still a thirsty beast.

The Expedition abounds with fancy features, such as optional Sync 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, advanced safety systems, and Ford’s magical Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which makes the task of backing a trailer easy. But then, the Expedition should be well equipped, because this hefty vehicle also carries a hefty price tag, ranging from $53,000 to nearly $80,000.