2023 Ford Expedition
Overview
The Ford Expedition is a solid and all-around capable full-size—read that as “huge”—three-row SUV. It comes in two lengths, standard (humongous) and even more-humongous Max, and the lineup includes the Timberline model, which is well equipped for off-road excursions. Unlike its equally enormous rivals from GM and Stellantis—such as the Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Jeep Wagoneer—it does not offer a naturally-aspirated V-8 engine option. Instead, the Expedition is powered by Ford’s well-known twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, which develops up to 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque in the most powerful model. A quick-witted 10-speed automatic handles shifting duties for all 2023 Expeditions, and customers can choose between rear- or four-wheel drive setups. Despite foregoing a V-8, the Expedition still isn’t exactly fuel-efficient but it is quick: it can haul its considerable bulk up to 60 miles per hour in under five seconds when equipped with the Stealth Performance package. On top of that, it has a towing capacity of 9,300 pounds and can carry over 1,750 pounds of onboard payload. Ford has also outfitted the Expedition with all of the latest safety and connectivity devices, making it a reasonable, well-rounded option for buyers of XXL SUVs. That said, its interior’s compromised materials and trucky driving character put it at a disadvantage compared to its Chevy, GMC, and Jeep rivals.
What’s New for 2023?
The Expedition gets minor updates for the 2023 model year, including a new Iconic Silver exterior color option for Platinum models. Other color-related changes are black-painted fog lamp bezels for Special Edition models and a black onyx interior color combo for Timberlines. Timberline models also now come standard with the Trail 1 Pedal Drive feature.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
We think the middle-of-the-road Limited trim level on the regular-wheelbase Expedition is the one to get. Not only does it have a nice mix of standard features (leather-trimmed seats, a Bang & Olufsen stereo, and power-operated running boards), but it’s also available with an enticing performance option that should make the big rig better to drive. Opting for the Stealth Performance package brings a sportier suspension setup, a more powerful engine (440 hp versus 375), and distinct dark-colored exterior details, including 22-inch wheels. All-wheel drive–for those who need it–costs about $3000 extra.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Motivating the Expedition is a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 and responsive 10-speed automatic transmission that pair with rear- or four-wheel drive. The standard engine makes 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque but on Limited models that output is boosted to 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet. An even higher-output version is available on the Timberline trim and on the Limited with the Stealth Performance package that bumps those figures to 440 horses and 510 pound-feet. The Timberline model bolted to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds at our test track, besting the V-8–powered Tahoe Z71 by a whopping 2.4 seconds; the Stealth Performance model shaved off 0.2 seconds from the Timberline’s time. All Expeditions employ an independent rear suspension. While passengers are comforted by its soft ride, the driver is penalized by ungainly handling and imprecise steering feel. The Expedition can tow up to 9300 pounds, while the longer Expedition Max’s rating is capped at 9000 pounds.
More on the Expedition SUV
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
This class of hefty haulers certainly doesn’t help preserve fossil fuels. Ford claims its EcoBoost technology, that swaps a large naturally aspirated V-8 for a smaller twin-turbocharged V-6 is more efficient. But the Expedition doesn’t deliver on that promise. The EPA has yet to release its ratings for the 2023 model year, but we expect them to remain the same since none of the truck’s hardware has been altered. For reference, the rear-driver is rated at 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway; the all-wheel-drive version drops to 16 mpg city and mpg highway. Both the Expedition and Expedition Max delivered 20 mpg on our 75-mph fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen. For more information about the Expedition’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Expedition’s cabin materials and trim pieces get fancier from model to model, topping out on the Platinum trim, which is appointed with rich leather upholstery and massaging front seats. Both the regular Expedition and long-wheelbase Expedition Max have spacious interiors and—unlike some rivals—a third row that won’t torture adults. A three-seat bench is standard for the second row, but you can spec a pair of captain’s chairs if you’d like. The Max offers unbeatable interior cubby storage too. Every model has a power-folding third-row that can be controlled from the cargo area or back seats. Both second and third rows fold completely flat for a level floor, making it easier to load things.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
The Expedition comes standard with a huge 12.0-inch touchscreen that runs Ford’s Sync4 infotainment software. Along with the ability to accept over-the-air updates, it features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot is available, too, as is a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo and a rear-seat entertainment system. If the standard touchscreen isn’t big enough, the Expedition can also be fitted with a vertically oriented 15.5-inch unit, which can also be found inside the battery-electric Mustang Mach-E.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Along with an assortment of standard and optional driver-assistance technology, the Expedition offers two highly advanced pieces of equipment. The top-of-the-line Platinum model comes with Ford’s hands-free-driving feature called BlueCruise. The off-road-oriented Timberline trim features a Trail Turn Assist that gives the SUV a tighter turning radius by braking the inside rear wheel in sharp, slow-speed turns when the vehicle is in four-wheel drive mode and on soft surfaces. This useful feature is also found on the Ford Bronco. For more information about the Expedition’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist Available adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Ford provides a solid warranty on the Expedition, beating even Mercedes-Benz in the powertrain department. However, no complimentary scheduled maintenance is offered.
Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Ford Expedition Timberline
Vehicle Type: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 8-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $72,245/$82,060
Options: Equipment Group 501A (15.5-inch central portrait-oriented touchscreen with connected built-in navigation, Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker premium sound system with HD radio, 12.4-inch full digital instrument panel cluster, power open/close panoramic vista roof with sunshade, heated and ventilated front seats, heated power-fold sideview mirrors with turn signals and position memory, rain-sensing wipers, intelligent adaptive cruise, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intersection assist, reverse brake assist, 360-degree camera), $9220; 40/20/40 power-folding second-row bench with tip-and-slide, $595
ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 213 in3, 3492 cm3
Power: 440 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque: 510 lb-ft @ 2250 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.8-in vented disc/13.2-in vented disc
Tires: Goodyear Wrangler Territory AT/S
265/70R-18 116T M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 122.5 in
Length: 210.0 in
Width: 79.9 in
Height: 76.4 in
Passenger Volume: 172 ft3
Cargo Volume: 19 ft3
Curb Weight: 5832 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 5.1 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.8 sec @ 99 mph
100 mph: 14.0 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 6.0 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.2 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.9 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 113 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 216 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.65 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 18 mpg
2022 Ford Expedition Limited Stealth Performance 4×4
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $81,780/$86,360
Options: electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential, $1500; adaptive dampers, $995; heavy-duty trailer tow package, $795; 15.5-inch touchscreen, $795; Rapid Red Metallic paint, $495
ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 213 in3, 3496 cm3
Power: 440 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque: 510 lb-ft @ 2250 rpm
TRANSMISSION
10-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/multilink
Brakes, F/R: 13.8-in vented disc/13.2-in vented disc
Tires: General Grabber HTS 60
285/45R-22 114H M+S
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 122.5 in
Length: 210.0 in
Width: 79.9 in
Height: 76.4 in
Passenger Volume: 172 ft3
Cargo Volume: 19 ft3
Curb Weight: 5837 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 4.9 sec
100 mph: 13.2 sec
1/4-Mile: 13.7 sec @ 101 mph
120 mph: 20.6 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 5.8 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.0 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 3.6 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 124 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 183 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.75 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 17 mpg
75-mph Highway Driving: 22 mpg
75-mph Highway Range: 510 mi
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 18/16/22 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINED
More Features and Specs
