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2012
Ford Expedition EL

Starts at:
$40,055
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2WD 4dr XL
    Starts at
    $40,055
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Ethanol V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2WD 4dr XLT
    Starts at
    $41,850
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Ethanol V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4WD 4dr XL
    Starts at
    $42,955
    13 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    8
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Ethanol V8
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4WD 4dr XLT
    Starts at
    $44,750
    13 City / 18 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Ethanol V8
    Engine
    Four Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2WD 4dr Limited
    Starts at
    $47,920
    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
    $49,430
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    7
    Seat capacity
    Gas/Ethanol V8
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4WD 4dr Limited
    Starts at
    $50,820
    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
    $52,330
    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 EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL 2012 Ford Expedition EL

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 EL 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 EL 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

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

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    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
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    Seat capacity
    Gas/Ethanol V8
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    Rear-wheel drive
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  • 2008
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Consumer reviews

4.5 / 5
Based on 12 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.4
Performance 4.4
Value 4.3
Exterior 4.4
Reliability 4.5

Most recent

  • plenty power,excellent comfort.looks great.

    needs better dvd players,it is by far the best vehicle i have ever owned comfort and power.it has all the features anyone needs.it is a lot better than my friends new cars.
    • 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
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Loved Everything about it

    This vehicle was one of the best I've owned. The air ride suspension and comfortable seats made long road trips very enjoyable. I loved everything about it: the interior design, the amenities, and space!! I will definitely be looking for another Expedition when its time to upgrade.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Just upgraded from a 2003 Expedition Eddie Bauer

    I continually research vehicles and determined my next one would be another Expedition. It would be a 1012 or newer King Ranch because I want that interior and Black exterior. I found only one within 500 miles and bought it. Absolutely love it. Compared to the 2003 everything is improved. More power, better fuel economy, ride quality, handling, very well equipped and gorgeous. The exterior appearance is more like a F-150 truck than a SUV crossover and that’s a good thing to a country boy.
    • 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
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Amazing big family vehicle!

    The expedition XL is perfect for our family of 7 with one extra seat. The XL version gives us plenty of cargo room as well. Really comfortable and great visibility. We will definitely stick with the make and model for our next upgrade.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Enjoied driving this beast

    Test drive several. Plenty of power, and comfort. I plan on buying one soon. Felt easy to drive. I spoke with local Ford mechanics, and they say the Expedition is built well and mechanically bulletproof.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Price was right for a great ride!

    I love the way the 2016 EL drives and handles. There is ample interior space, but the vehicle handles like a smaller Ford Explorer, and not a big bulky Suburban. I have not tried towing anything yet, but the promise is there that is can pull a regular family boat.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • excellent large SUV

    Very comfortable - above that of the generals - and quiet. handles well. powerful. 14-16 mpg. well thought out. people and dogs very much enjoy it.
    • 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
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Excellent Value if you need a lot of room

    I was looking for a vehicle to carry me, my wife, my kids ( one 6'6", one 6'7" and still growing) and a couple of other family around + luggage. There really are only two choices - the Suburban/Yukon XL and the Expedition EL. The interior layout of the EL, particularly the fold down third seat and cargo area appealed to me greatly. The high driving position is very nice and we have found all the seats to be comfortable on long trips. This is really true of the third row seats. The EL third row seats are comfortable for large adults, esp. compared to how they are sized and located in the Suburban/Yukon XL. The rated towing ability of 9000+ lbs is good, but we haven't used that yet. If you're not used to driving a big vehicle, the backup camera is pretty much a must have. Gas mileage is not great, but it's really not much worse than my old XL-7. I've found it's very easy to drive and the EL gives me feedback about the road. Adjusting the drivers seat has a lot of flexibility, with the seat, steering wheel, and pedals all being able to move and adjust.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Family of 6 with 2012 Ford Expedition

    We struggled for a while deciding on a vehicle for a family of 6. We narrowed it down to either the Expedition or the Suburban. While the ride and mileage of the Suburban was slightly better the functionality of the Expedition won the debate. ***Third Row*** When you have 4 growing children or want to taxi friends, kids, adults, etc. You need a vehicle that can accommodate. The third row in the Expedition offered the greatest room and comfort level over the Suburban. My 12 yr old son was able to sit comfortably with plenty of legroom. The Suburban lacked in this area. Your feet would disappear under the 2nd row and you would not even have leg room into the 3rd row of the Suburban. ***MPG*** Do not believe the hype. You will not likely be buying this monster for MPG. We drive a lot and after having the Expedition for about a month our average MPG hovers around 14. Most people buying this vehicle will not buy it for gas savings. This beast is for large families and safe travels on trips both off road and through the snow. ***Features*** A fully loaded Expedition offers a great set of toys and eye candy. Both functional and easy to use. Compared to other similar vehicles Ford seemed to get it right. My only complaint is with the 2012 model it did not offer the MyFordTouch which when we saw it on the Flex truely loved. The MyfordTouch was just fluid and made the driving experience enjoyable for the techie in me. But even without the HighTech update the Sync was pretty decent. and user friendly. The only negative is the in the seat DVD system. It was cumbersome if you lost your remote you are going to lose nearly all functionality. The Suburban certainly won this one with overhead dual screen DVD system. The kids are happy either way. But as a parent you sometimes just want to hit play from up front to avoid dealing with the remote wars of the kids... ***Storage*** While the Expedition and Suburban are very similar the placement of the 3rd row made all the difference. You can sit 8 people more comfortably in the Expedition and still have plenty of room for your luggage, groceries, etc. Summary I was originally opposed to an Expedition (Wife liked Expedition / I liked Suburban) . But after driving it for a little while it has really grown on me. It is a really enjoyable ride and now seeing how well it handles the family, the Wintery Michigan roads, groceries, Boy/Girl Scouting events, etc. It has made me appreciate it more and I am glad we bought it. Just wish we could have the MyfordTouch!!! ;-) Would definitely recommend this vehicle to other families with similar circumstances!!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best SUV I've ever owned and I've owned several

    This is my first Ford since 1994. I've owned three Tahoe's and last one was a Chevy Traverse. The Expedition out does all of the last four GM vehicles on interior and exterior quality/workmanship. The GM's gone cheap. Forget having GM fix your backup camera problems, lines in video. It's normal to have lines in video so bad that it's useless. Just will not go back to GM. This Expedition so far out does the Tahoe in ride/handing. Towing with 18 foot car hauler loaded with no problem in the Colorado mountains.
    • Purchased a New 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?
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  • Fits the need

    The Expedition is perfect for me, I have large tracts of land with difficult terrain to manage, plus I enjoy the outdoors. The 4x4 capability of the Expedition is solid, taking me loaded with family and gear through places I'd rather have not gone, safely without worry. If you have a real need for this type of capability, and you should know if you do, you won't be unhappy with the Expedition. If you don't have this need, by all means get a 4 cyclinder,
    • Purchased a Used car
    • 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?
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  • A dinosaur

    This car is from a bygone era. Embrace 4 cylinder power! Handles terribly, horrible fuel economy, and very slow. What is the point?
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

Ford dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2012 Ford Expedition EL?

The 2012 Ford Expedition EL 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 EL?

The 2012 Ford Expedition EL 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 EL?

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

Is the 2012 Ford Expedition EL reliable?

The 2012 Ford Expedition EL has an average reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2012 Ford Expedition EL owners.

Is the 2012 Ford Expedition EL a good SUV?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2012 Ford Expedition EL. 91.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.5 / 5
Based on 12 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 4.4
  • Performance: 4.4
  • Value: 4.3
  • Exterior: 4.4
  • Reliability: 4.5

Ford Expedition EL history

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