Item: 2017 Ford Expedition
Author: Justin Cupler

Overview

While smaller SUVs have been all but replaced by car-based crossovers, the rigs with the most muscle still have a place on the American scene. Traditional SUVs like the Expedition are simply too capable and accommodating to ever be replaced by more "sensible" vehicles.

What's New for 2017

A full redesign is expected for 2018, so this is basically a waiting year. The Expedition sees minimal changes for 2017.

Choosing Your Ford Expedition

After a lifetime of V8 power, the Expedition switched to a turbocharged V6 engine in 2015. Fear not, the 3.5-liter puts out 385 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, enough for the Expedition to out-accelerate several V8 competitors. You can expect 18 mpg in combined city and highway driving, as good as it gets for this type of vehicle. All models come with a six-speed automatic transmission and heavy-duty towing package. Four-wheel drive with low-range gearing is available across the board. The Expedition can tow up to 9,200 pounds.

There's plenty of room for eight passengers and 108 cubic feet of cargo space with the back rows folded. The second row slides and reclines, and the third row folds neatly into the floor when not needed.

As in previous years, the Expedition is offered in four trim levels:

Second-row captain's chairs are available on all models, and the upper trims can get a rear entertainment system with dual screens. On the mechanical side, Ford offers an adaptive suspension system, automatic load leveling, and 22-inch wheels as standalone options.

CarsDirect Tip

Unless you're strictly interested in the Expedition's capability, we recommend skipping the XLT and going for the plusher Limited, which offers the best value in the line. The King Ranch and Platinum are certainly eye-catching, but come too close in price to Lincoln's Navigator for our taste.

Get your price on a Ford Expedition »

John Diether

Automotive Editor - June 20, 2016

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Expert Review

Expert Rating

Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Justin Cupler

Automotive Editor - March 09, 2017

Although it's a long way removed from its early 2000s heyday, the 2017 Ford Expedition remains a deeply popular choice among full-size SUV buyers in the US. And with its cavernous cabin, spacious cargo area, and potent powertrain, we can see exactly why buyers flock to it.

Pricing and Equipment

The Ford Expedition starts at $47,125 for the XLT trim with rear-wheel drive. Because this large SUV caters to more established buyers, we expect the most popular trim to be the Limited, which starts from $56,045. This midrange trim comes standard with:

Twenty-inch wheels
Heavy-duty towing package
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Power front seats with driver’s side memory
Twelve-speaker audio system

Buyers looking for a little more room – OK, maybe a lot more room – can opt for the EL model, which is 14.8 inches longer than the base model and has 24 cubic feet more cargo room with the third row upright. With this larger SUV comes a larger price tag that starts from $49,835.

All Expeditions use a 3.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque while returning 15 miles per gallon in the city and up to 21 mpg on the highway.

Performance Pros

A big SUV with a V6 engine may seem like a mismatch, but the turbocharged EcoBoost six-cylinder is up to the challenge, scooting the Expedition to 60 miles per hour in under six seconds.
Drives much smaller than it is at speed, thanks to its sharp electric power steering.
Adaptive suspension is smooth but still manages this land yacht well in the corners.

Performance Cons

A smaller engine doesn't do the big, heavy Expedition any favors at the pump.
Large footprint makes it a bit of a struggle to park.

Interior Pros

EL model has a roomy third row and 42.6 cubic feet of cargo room with the third row upright.
Front- and second-row seats are very comfortable.
The additional sound-deadening material helps keep the cabin quiet.
Plenty of features from top to bottom.

Interior Cons

Some hard plastics in the cabin.
Third row seats are not easy to access.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

This large SUV’s performance is nothing short of surprising. Not only does the turbocharged V6 launch it to 60 mph in hot-hatchback-like time, but the optional adaptive suspension is well-tuned to handle curves and still deliver a comfortable ride. This is an odd combination, given the Expedition's size.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

With a V6 engine that has “eco” in its name, one would expect great fuel economy. In EPA testing, however, the Expedition could only deliver up to 21 mpg highway with rear-wheel drive. Switch to four-wheel drive, and this drops to up to 20 mpg highway.

The Bottom Line

In its final year of production, the current Expedition remains a strong choice for larger families. It has plenty of features for any buyer, a potent powertrain, up to 9,200 pounds of towing, and fully loaded upper trim levels. But with an enormous redesign looming and a raft of newer, more impressive competitors, like the Chevrolet Suburban, the current Expedition is a difficult vehicle to recommend.

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Specs & Features

Highlights

Overall Crash Safety Rating

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque

3.5L V-6 / 365 HP / 420 ft.lbs.

Transmission

Standard: 6-spd SelectShift w/OD

Drive Type

Rear-wheel

Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined

15 / 21 / 18 Mpg

Passenger Capacity

8 / 7

Bumper to Bumper Warranty

36 Months / 36,000 Miles

Mechanical Specs

Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque	3.5L V-6 / 365 HP / 420 ft.lbs.
Drive Type	Rear-wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined	15 / 21 / 18 Mpg
Brakes	4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension	Double Wishbone
Rear Suspension	Independent Multi-link
Spare Tire And Wheel	Full-size Steel
Fuel Tank	28.0 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type	Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank	$107

Dimensions & Capabilities

Maximum Cargo Volume	108.3 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume	160 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length	206.5 "
Exterior Width	78.8 "
Exterior Height	77.2 "
Front Headroom	39.6 "
Rear Headroom	39.8 "
Front Legroom	41.1 "
Rear Legroom	39.1 "
Front Shoulder Room	63.2 "
Rear Shoulder Room	63.7 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight	5,562 Lbs. / 5,635 Lbs. / 5,568 Lbs. / 5,576 Lbs. / 5,517 Lbs. / 5,565 Lbs. / 5,582 Lbs. / 5,594 Lbs. / 5,566 Lbs. / 5,571 Lbs. / 5,575 Lbs.
Wheel Base	119 "
Turning Radius	20.4 '

Exterior Features

Door Count	4 Doors
Wheels	18.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum / 20.0 " Machined W/painted Accents Aluminum
Paint	Clearcoat Monotone / Metallic Monotone / Tri-coat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors	Dual Power Remote Heated Convex Spotter
Bumpers	Body-colored
Grille Moldings	Chrome
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust	Stainless Steel With Chrome Tailpipe Finish

Interior Features

Seating

Passenger Capacity	8 / 7
Seat Trim	Cloth / Leather
Front Seat Type	Bucket
Heated Front Seats	Driver And Front Passenger Heated-cushion, Heated-seatback
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls	8-way (6-way Power) / (8-way Power)
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls	4-way / (6-way Power) / (8-way Power)
Front Armrests	8-way (6-way Power) / (8-way Power)
Rear Armrests
Rear Seats	40-20-40 Split-bench / Bucket

Radio & Infotainment

Radio	Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Clock, Seek-scan / Siriusxm Am/fm/satellite, Seek-scan / Am/fm/hd/satellite, Seek-scan
Speakers	6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity

Convenience Features

Steering Wheel Type	Telescopic Tilt / Power Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control	Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise Control	With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof	Express Open
Rearview Mirror	Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window	Driver
Tinted Windows	Deep
Vanity Mirrors	Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry	Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets	3

Safety Features

Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags	Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags	Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag	Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners	Front
Anti-Lock Brakes	4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors	Rear
Security Systems	Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable	Securilock

Warranty

Bumper To Bumper Months Miles	36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months	60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months	60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation	60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2017 Ford Expedition for Sale

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