Vehicle Overview
The Ford Expedition is a truck-based, full-size SUV that can carry up to eight people. The SUV comes in XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited and King Ranch trim levels. 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 2011
There are no significant changes for 2011.
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 occupants across 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 on lower trims and standard on higher ones. 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, the Expedition comes only as a half-ton truck. The sole powertrain is a flex-fuel engine that can run on E85.
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 speed chime activate at 45, 55 or 65 mph. Safety features include:
- Standard front-seat side-impact airbags
- Standard MyKey
- Standard side curtain airbags
- Standard electronic stability system with anti-rollover technology
- Standard four-wheel-disc antilock brakes
- Standard SOS Post-Crash Alert System
- Standard trailer sway control
- Optional rearview camera
