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2012
Ford Expedition

Starts at:
$36,530
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New 2012 Ford Expedition
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Owner reviewed vehicle score
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Owner reviewed vehicle score
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2WD 4dr XL
    Starts at
    $36,530
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Ethanol V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2WD 4dr XLT
    Starts at
    $39,140
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Ethanol V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4WD 4dr XL
    Starts at
    $39,430
    13 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Ethanol V8
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4WD 4dr XLT
    Starts at
    $42,040
    13 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Ethanol V8
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2WD 4dr Limited
    Starts at
    $45,270
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Ethanol V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2WD 4dr King Ranch
    Starts at
    $46,780
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Ethanol V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4WD 4dr Limited
    Starts at
    $48,170
    13 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Ethanol V8
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4WD 4dr King Ranch
    Starts at
    $49,680
    13 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Ethanol V8
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition 2012 Ford Expedition

Notable features

Trailer-sway control
310-hp V-8
Six-speed automatic
Electronic stability system with Roll Stability Control

The good & the bad

The good

Ride quality and highway stability
Third-row space
Steering feel and maneuverability
Power-folding third-row option

The bad

Fuel economy
Spongy brake-pedal feel
Faux wood trim
Tilt-only steering wheel

Expert 2012 Ford Expedition review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The Ford Expedition is a truck-based, full-size SUV that can carry up to eight people. It competes with the Chevrolet Tahoe, Toyota Sequoia and Dodge Durango. A longer version, called the Expedition EL, is about 15 inches longer and has a standard third row. It competes with the Chevrolet Suburban.

New for 2012
Spotter mirrors integrated into the side mirrors to show blind spots are now standard, and Limited and King Ranch models gain standard front park assist.

Exterior
The front features a squared-off four-bar grille and angular headlights, and the rear window can open independent of the liftgate. Regular- and extended-length Expeditions sport the same exterior styling. Exterior features include:

  • Standard capless fueling system
  • Standard fog lamps
  • Standard exterior keypad system
  • Standard heated mirrors
  • Standard 17-inch wheels
  • Optional rain-sensing wipers
  • Optional power moonroof
  • Optional power running boards
  • Optional 18- or 20-inch wheels
  • Optional power liftgate


Interior
The Expedition can seat up to eight in three rows of seats. The steering wheel, gauge clusters and climate controls are similar to those in Ford’s F-150 pickup truck. Thanks to an independent rear suspension, the third-row seat folds flat into the floor. A power-folding mechanism for the third-row seat is optional. The Expedition EL comes with a cargo organizer that divides the space to suit what is being carried. Interior features include:

  • Standard auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Standard power locks and windows
  • Standard leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Optional Sync multimedia system
  • Optional heated and cooled front seats
  • Optional power-folding third row
  • Optional navigation system
  • Optional DVD entertainment system


Under the Hood
When properly equipped, the Expedition can tow up to 9,200 pounds. Unlike the Tahoe and Suburban, which are available with heavy-duty payload ratings, the Expedition comes only as a regular-duty, half-ton truck. The sole powertrain is a flex-fuel engine that can run on E85. Mechanical features include:

  • Standard 310-horsepower, 5.4-liter V-8 with 365 pounds-feet of torque
  • Standard six-speed automatic transmission
  • Standard rear-wheel drive; optional four-wheel drive
  • Optional load-leveling air suspension

Safety
A trailer-sway control feature is standard and works in conjunction with the electronic stability system to detect trailer movement and apply braking, as well as reduce engine torque, to keep the vehicle in control. A standard MyKey system allows parents to impose vehicle restrictions on teen drivers. Parents can limit the vehicle’s top speed, add a persistent seat-belt reminder, limit the volume on the stereo to 44 percent of its maximum volume and have a chime activate at 45, 55 or 65 mph. A backup camera is optional. Standard safety features include:

  • Front-seat side-impact airbags
  • Side curtain airbags
  • Electronic stability system with anti-rollover technology
  • Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
  • Trailer-sway control

 

2012 Ford Expedition review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview

The Ford Expedition is a truck-based, full-size SUV that can carry up to eight people. It competes with the Chevrolet Tahoe, Toyota Sequoia and Dodge Durango. A longer version, called the Expedition EL, is about 15 inches longer and has a standard third row. It competes with the Chevrolet Suburban.

New for 2012
Spotter mirrors integrated into the side mirrors to show blind spots are now standard, and Limited and King Ranch models gain standard front park assist.

Exterior
The front features a squared-off four-bar grille and angular headlights, and the rear window can open independent of the liftgate. Regular- and extended-length Expeditions sport the same exterior styling. Exterior features include:

  • Standard capless fueling system
  • Standard fog lamps
  • Standard exterior keypad system
  • Standard heated mirrors
  • Standard 17-inch wheels
  • Optional rain-sensing wipers
  • Optional power moonroof
  • Optional power running boards
  • Optional 18- or 20-inch wheels
  • Optional power liftgate


Interior
The Expedition can seat up to eight in three rows of seats. The steering wheel, gauge clusters and climate controls are similar to those in Ford’s F-150 pickup truck. Thanks to an independent rear suspension, the third-row seat folds flat into the floor. A power-folding mechanism for the third-row seat is optional. The Expedition EL comes with a cargo organizer that divides the space to suit what is being carried. Interior features include:

  • Standard auto-dimming rearview mirror
  • Standard power locks and windows
  • Standard leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Optional Sync multimedia system
  • Optional heated and cooled front seats
  • Optional power-folding third row
  • Optional navigation system
  • Optional DVD entertainment system


Under the Hood
When properly equipped, the Expedition can tow up to 9,200 pounds. Unlike the Tahoe and Suburban, which are available with heavy-duty payload ratings, the Expedition comes only as a regular-duty, half-ton truck. The sole powertrain is a flex-fuel engine that can run on E85. Mechanical features include:

  • Standard 310-horsepower, 5.4-liter V-8 with 365 pounds-feet of torque
  • Standard six-speed automatic transmission
  • Standard rear-wheel drive; optional four-wheel drive
  • Optional load-leveling air suspension

Safety
A trailer-sway control feature is standard and works in conjunction with the electronic stability system to detect trailer movement and apply braking, as well as reduce engine torque, to keep the vehicle in control. A standard MyKey system allows parents to impose vehicle restrictions on teen drivers. Parents can limit the vehicle’s top speed, add a persistent seat-belt reminder, limit the volume on the stereo to 44 percent of its maximum volume and have a chime activate at 45, 55 or 65 mph. A backup camera is optional. Standard safety features include:

  • Front-seat side-impact airbags
  • Side curtain airbags
  • Electronic stability system with anti-rollover technology
  • Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
  • Trailer-sway control

 

Available cars near you

Safety review

Based on the 2012 Ford Expedition base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Overall rating
4/5
Combined side rating front seat
5/5
Combined side rating rear seat
5/5
Frontal barrier crash rating driver
3/5
Frontal barrier crash rating passenger
4/5
Overall frontal barrier crash rating
4/5
Overall side crash rating
5/5
Rollover rating
3/5
Side barrier rating
5/5
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
2/5
21.2%
Risk of rollover
Side barrier rating driver
5/5
Side barrier rating passenger rear seat
5/5
Side pole rating driver front seat
2/5
21.2%
Risk of rollover

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Fords and many non-Ford vehicles up to 10 years old with less than 150,000 miles
Basic
90-Day / 4,000-Mile (whichever comes first) Comprehensive Limited Warranty
Dealer certification
139-point inspection

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2012
    4.5
    Ford Expedition
    Starts at
    $36,530
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Ethanol V8
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2013
    4.9
    Ford Expedition EL
    Starts at
    $41,030
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    -
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2008
    4.8
    Lincoln Navigator
    Starts at
    $48,745
    -
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2014
    4.7
    Ford Expedition
    Starts at
    $38,535
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    -
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare

Consumer reviews

4.5 / 5
Based on 36 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.7
Interior 4.6
Performance 4.6
Value 4.6
Exterior 4.6
Reliability 4.7

Most recent

  • I regret selling mine.

    I regret selling mine. I keep multiple trucks at once and this is the most reliable one I ever had. In the last 5 years I've owned a Ram,Denali, Yukon SLT and a Suburban. My favorite truck was the Expedition.
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Excellent Large SUV

    Recently purchased this 2012 Expedition Limited and it has met all my expectations with a few added happy surprises. It has all the bells and whistles that you would expect with a Limited model and after almost 9 years they work perfectly. So far my only complaint is that the dashboard controls for radio, CD and climate are not intuitive and I have had to refer to the owners manual several times to operate them. It is a very comfortable and amazingly quiet ride and the engine performs beautifully. I look forward to years of pleasurable driving.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    17 people out of 17 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Very comfortable. Perfect family SUV

    The good; It's a great family SUV . Awesome 9100 lbs. tow rating with tow package. It gets 20 mpg highway at 75 mph and average 16 mpg city. The bad; The roof gutter rails tend to have a flaw on some vehicles. The caulk separates allowing water to get underneath causing a rust situation. The 5.4 V8 has had issues with the timing chain and components. Both these could result in expensive repairs. Overall, the Expedition EXL Premium is a comfortable vehicle for the city or the highway driving and also easy park. The cost to maintain is normal as long as you keep up with the recommended service.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    12 people out of 12 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best SUV that I have Owned so far.

    This Expedition is the Best that I have driven to date, it has met and surpassed all my needs, great mileage, comfortable, endless leg room great stereo equipment, sporty look,nice paint job, built for the Road.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Pretty good SUV.

    The vehicle rides very well considering the high mileage on it. Leg room and features are good as well. Nice leg room too for a guy my height.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Must drive this one

    This vehicle drove extremely well. It was smooth. A quiet ride. Roomy and clean. The seating was well planned. The front seats were easy to access everything, buttons, etc
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great Roomy Vehicle

    Nice and roomy with plenty of creature comforts for the entire family in any conditions. Nice to take road trips with, plenty of room for gear in any kind of adventure you like.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I love this SUV!

    This is my second Expedition, I like the size, power fold third row is fantastic! Love the Expedition. I would definitely recommend this vehicle, very comfortable.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Well worth the trade.

    This SUV is everything they said it was they even pointed out the flaws. Its perfect for me. Definitely got the comfort and the power for towing and four wheel drive.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best vehicle I've owned

    This car has everything I could want. Has the power to pull my 28 ft. travel trailer. While driving in total comfort plus room for passengers without them being cramped. Only complaint is gas mileage but is about what I expected and I knew it wasn't going to get 30 mpg. I get 15 to 16 in city and 18 to 19 on highway.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Its good to be back on top of the world

    This SUV was exactly what I was looking for, size, price and style. ready to hit the road, and paint the town. Watch out road cause here I come.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Most reliable car that I've owned. Very few issue

    Very nice ride, lots of leg room, love the air cooled seating. towing capacity and handling if very good. Very reliable, low maintenance, all around vehicle....
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2012 Ford Expedition?

The 2012 Ford Expedition is available in 4 trim levels:

  • King Ranch (2 styles)
  • Limited (2 styles)
  • XL (2 styles)
  • XLT (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2012 Ford Expedition?

The 2012 Ford Expedition offers up to 14 MPG in city driving and 20 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2012 Ford Expedition?

The 2012 Ford Expedition compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2012 Ford Expedition reliable?

The 2012 Ford Expedition has an average reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2012 Ford Expedition owners.

Is the 2012 Ford Expedition a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2012 Ford Expedition. 94.4% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.5 / 5
Based on 36 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.7
  • Interior: 4.6
  • Performance: 4.6
  • Value: 4.6
  • Exterior: 4.6
  • Reliability: 4.7

Ford Expedition history

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