2012 Ford Expedition EL

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