The Ford Expedition remains a good choice for those who prioritize towing and hauling capabilities in an SUV with seating for eight passengers. Its strong, new powertrain and usable third-row also put it ahead of other offerings in this class of positively huge vehicles.
For 2015, the Expedition gets its first major revision since 2007. Aside from reworked front and rear styling, the most notable change happens under the hood. The old 5.4-liter V8 has been replaced by Ford's 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6, with 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. Inside, the dash is revised to accommodate MyFord Touch, and a new Platinum trim level is the top of the line with upscale appointments inside and out.
The Expedition XLT starts off at around $44,000, featuring the new 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6, a six-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. Other standard equipment includes SYNC, rear parking sensors, rear air conditioning, 4.2-inch center display, USB input, satellite radio, power-adjustable pedals, steering wheel audio controls, LED front fog lights, running boards and 18-inch alloy wheels. Equipment Group 201A adds leather upholstery, power front seats, a power liftgate, a power-folding third-row seat and heated side mirrors. Group 202A also adds heated and cooled front seats, MyFord Touch, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, memory settings for the driver's seat, pedal and mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control and the heavy-duty trailering package. Also optional is a backup camera, blind-spot warning system, navigation with Sirius TravelLink, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, second-row bucket seats, power sunroof and four-wheel drive.
Limited models add the heavy-duty towing package, leather seats, HD radio, a power-folding third row, MyFord Touch, heated first-and-second row seats, cooled front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a backup camera, woodgrain trim, forward sensing system, power steering wheel adjustment, a 110-volt power outlet, driver memory settings, rain-sensing wipers, a power liftgate, chrome trim and 20-inch wheels. Equipment Group 301A adds a moonroof, power running boards and navigation. Options include the four-wheel drive system, blind-spot monitoring and second-row bucket seats.
King Ranch versions boast Mesa Brown leather seats, special brown exterior trim, navigation with HD radio, blind-spot monitoring, keyless entry and start and special 20-inch alloy wheels. Four-wheel drive, second-row bucket seats and a power moonroof are options.
The new Platinum trim adds a 12-speaker Sony audio system, blind-spot monitoring, a moonroof, higher-quality leather trim and bright-finish 20-inch alloy wheels. Options include four-wheel drive, second-row bucket seats and an active dampening system for the suspension.
Expeditions get expensive quickly, so stick with the XLT and add leather and power amenities there.
