The notion of a moneyed millennial may seem about as ironic as a special-edition vehicle that’s actually special … and, yet, here we are. With the 2022 Ford Expedition, the Blue Oval is offering two new special trims that — as opposed to so many that just add, for example, aggressive appearance without accompanying aggressive performance — make good on their respective promises. Meanwhile, both editions are purpose-built to appeal to an allegedly youth-obsessed, financially stressed, and image- and eco-conscious generation now getting long in the tooth, finding its financial footing, reproducing and shopping for gas-guzzling full-size SUVs. Hey, what can ya say: It’s like raaaiiin on your wedding day …
Related: 10 Biggest News Stories of the Month: Toyota RAV4 Prime, Tesla Model Y Sold Short by Cheap Charging
Cars.com reviewer Aaron Bragman took a quick spin in each of these new Expedition incarnations — the powered-up Stealth Performance Package and off-road-ready Timberline trim — and assures us all that both versions of the behemoth eight-seat SUV deliver.
The blacked-out Stealth Performance model makes the most of the 440 horsepower and 510 pounds-feet of torque produced by the high-output version of the Expedition’s twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 engine, providing robust acceleration without compromising cruising comfort. If it’s ruggedness you seek, however, you may want to branch out to the Timberline trim, which does the Stealth’s power output one better with legitimate off-pavement prowess courtesy of all-terrain tires, skid plates, tow hooks, standard four-wheel drive, higher ground clearance and Trail Turn Assist technology.
Sound good, millennials? Just don’t expect, um, a “free ride when you’ve already paid,” as both can exceed a decidedly unironic 80 grand real quick, depending on the particulars. For the full recounting of Bragman’s Expedition experience, follow the link below to the No. 2 news story on this week’s countdown of most popular articles.
Running out of juice just behind the Expedition is a vehicle at the other end of the size and efficiency spectrum: the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric. Returning for the current model year with updated styling and upsized infotainment screens, the Kona Electric remains a desirable all-electric subcompact SUV — but nobody’s perfect. In this week’s third-place finisher, we tick off the things we like and the things we don’t. In the plus column are user-friendly controls, a highly competitive starting price, a pleasant driving experience, a respectable slate of standard safety features, 258 miles of driving range and fast charge times. Points come off the board, however, for cramped rear-seat room, no all-wheel-drive option and very limited geographic availability.
For our full rapid-fire roundup of the pros and cons of the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric, follow the link below to the No. 3 news story of the past week.
Beyond that, we’ve got headlines on the Subaru WRX, Honda CR-V, Chevrolet Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, Toyota Corolla and more — so don’t stop reading till the digits double. Here are the top 10 news stories Cars.com readers couldn’t get enough of in the past week:
1. Electric Cars With the Longest Range
2. 2022 Ford Expedition Quick Spin: Chasing Millennials, On- and Off-Road
3. Is the 2022 Hyundai Kona Electric a Good SUV? Here Are 5 Pros and 3 Cons
4. 2022 Subaru WRX Review: Party of One
5. What Are the Best New and Used Cars for Teens?
6. 2023 Honda CR-V: Honda Promises More Adventure, Versatility From New SUV
7. How Long Does It Take to Order a Car?
8. Which SUVs, Minivans and Sedans Have the Most Cargo Space?
9. Fire Sale: Chevrolet Cuts 2023 Bolt EV, EUV Prices by Thousands
10. Refreshed 2023 Toyota Corolla Gains Hybrid AWD, New Tech Features
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
