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For 2007, Ford introduces not only the next generation of its popular full-size SUV, but also a new extended-length model — the Expedition EL.

Designed to compete against the popular Chevrolet Suburban, the EL model is 14.8 inches longer than the base Expedition.

It essentially takes the place of the larger Excursion, which was discontinued after 2005, and gives Ford its first direct competitor to the longtime Texas icon, the Suburban. The EL is 1.1 inches shorter than the redesigned 2007 Suburban and its GMC clone, the Yukon XL, but two inches longer than the 2006 Suburban/Yukon XL.

The difference, though, is negligible. Having recently tested both the newest Suburban and the Expedition EL, I can tell you that the EL is just as roomy and functional as the Suburban. It should please not only those who might also be considering a Suburban/Yukon XL, but also Excursion owners who are looking for a replacement to that behemoth SUV.

The EL is 5.4 inches shorter than the Excursion, and therefore easier to fit into tight spaces — including some residential garages.

It’s a half-inch higher than the Excursion, and nearly an inch higher than the new Suburban. It’s 0.2 inches narrower than the Excursion (with the outside mirrors folded), but 0.6 inches wider than the Suburban.

Of course, the Excursion had more cargo capacity (with middle and rear seats folded) — 146.4 cubic feet vs. 130.8 for the EL.

But the EL has 24 cubic feet more space behind the third seat than in the standard-length Expedition. The Suburban has the edge over the EL, however — 137.8 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, and 45.8 cubic feet behind the third seat vs. 42.6 for the EL.

The Excursion originally was intended by Ford to compete directly against the Suburban, but its larger dimensions and poor fuel economy made it unsuitable for most people who might have considered it an alternative to the Suburban.

It also became a symbol of excess for Ford and the SUV genre as a whole, and became a target for radical environmental activists.

Ford is hoping that the Expedition EL will appeal to those considering the Suburban/Yukon XL without raising the ire of the activists..

And here in Texas, Ford hopes to make a dent in sales of the Suburban/Yukon XL. GM sold more of the Suburban/Yukon XL in Texas during 2005 than Ford sold of the Excursion nationwide. And together with the shorter versions, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Yukon, GM sold nearly three times as many full-size SUVs in Texas in 2005 as Ford did — including sales of the Expedition and Excursion combined.

Still, Texas is Ford’s leading market for the Expedition, and the EL model should fit right in.

Ford says the Expedition’s new exterior design was inspired by the styling of its current generation of the F-series pickup. It rides on an entirely new chassis and has suspension, safety and interior improvements as well.

Powering both the regular and EL models of the new Expedition is Ford’s 5.4-liter Triton V-8 engine, rated at 300 horsepower and 365 foot-pounds of torque. It allows the vehicle to tow up to 9,200 pounds (9,000 pounds for the EL).

The engine is connected to a new six-speed automatic transmission, which was intended to help improve fuel economy over the previous Expedition with its four-speed automatic. The difference is slight, however, and applies only to the two-wheel-drive versions.

EPA ratings for the 2007 Expedition are 14 miles per gallon in the city and 20 mpg on the highway vs. 14 city/19 highway for the 2006 two-wheel drive. The ratings are the same for the regular and EL models.

There was no change in the mileage for the four-wheel-drive versions; the ratings remain 14 city/17 highway, which applied to our test vehicle, the 2007 EL Eddie Bauer edition with four-wheel drive.

Base prices for the 2007 models range from $29,175 for the entry level, regular-length XLT two-wheel-drive model to $39.675 for the top-of-the-line Limited four-wheel drive (plus $820 freight).

That’s lower than last year’s base prices, which ranged from $32,660-$45,240 (plus freight). These prices also are well below those of the 2007 Tahoe, which ranges from $33,470-$46,505 (plus $900 freight).

As for the EL models, they range from $33,625 for the base XLT with two-wheel drive to $42,575 for the top-of-the-line Limited model with four-wheel drive (plus freight).

That might give the EL a competitive advantage over the 2007 Suburban, which ranges from $36,465 to $48,150 (plus freight). That’s nearly $3,000 less for the base EL, and $5,575 less for the most-expensive four-wheel drive version.

There are three trim levels offered for both the regular- and extended-length Expeditions: XLT, Eddie Bauer and Limited.

Our test vehicle was the midlevel Eddie Bauer EL model with four-wheel drive. Its base price was $41,125 (plus freight). With options, ours topped out at $50,530 (including freight).

Safety is one of the areas where Ford made key improvements in the new Expedition. The automaker’s high-tech roll stability control system is standard on both models.

A three-row Safety Canopy rollover-detection system with side-curtain air bags is standard on uplevel models, and optional on others. It was included in the base price of our test model. The system automatically deploys the air bag canopy to protect the passengers if the vehicle begins to roll over.

The EL is built on a 131-inch wheelbase, a foot longer than that of the regular Expedition.

Ford says the EL is unique from just behind the front seat all the way to the rear, with its own floor pan, exterior side panels, running boards, rear fascia, roof rack, rear quarter windows, headliner and quarter-panel trim.

The second-row doors are larger to help improve ease of entry and exit to the second and third rows of seats.

Both models have the same grille, a raised hood, dual-beam headlights and integrated side-marker lights wrapped into the front fenders. A number of wheel and tire combinations will be offered, including the 20-inch, five-spoke chrome wheels that came as a $1,095 option on our test vehicle.

The interior is more carlike, Ford says. That’s because these vehicles are often bought for everyday family use and many are driven by women.

Leather seats are available in up-level models, along with amenities such as mahogany wood interior accents, a 10-way power driver’s seat, and both heated and cooled front seats. Our vehicle had leather captain’s chairs in the front, a 40/20/40 split bench seat in the middle, and a 60/40 split third row.

The middle seat can be folded into the floor to increase cargo space as well as to allow easier access to the third seat.

But the coolest of the options on our vehicle were the power-operated third row seats, included in the Eddie Bauer model’s base price.

With the push of two button on the side wall of the cargo compartment, the third seat can be folded flat to increase the rear cargo space. There is a separate button for each section of the seat.

If you need the third row for passengers, it’s designed not just for kids, but for people up to 6 feet 2 inches tall, Ford says. It seats three.

The optional power tailgate ($495) also was included on our vehicle. It can be operated from the remote control or with a switch inside the vehicle.

Other options on our tester include a GPS/DVD-based navigation/audio system ($1,995); rear-seat DVD entertainment system ($1,500); climate-controlled seats ($625); load-leveling rear suspension ($485); power sunroof ($950); a convenience package ($875), which added the rear parking aid system, power-adjustable floor pedals, and power rear quarter windows; and Sirius satellite radio ($195).

Both models are offered with four-wheel drive in all three trim levels. This is a serious four-by-four system with shift-on-the-fly capability and a two-speed transfer case for low-range operation in extreme off-road conditions. It’s controlled by buttons on the dash.

At a Glance: 2007 Ford Expedition/Expedition EL
The package: Full-size, four-door, seven- or eight-passenger, V-8 powered, rear- or four-wheel-drive sport utility vehicle.
Highlights: All new for 2007, this is the third generation of Ford’s full-size sport utility, which is based on the platform of the F-150 pickup. The vehicle has been completely redesigned and is more carlike than ever. And a new extended-length model, known as the EL, has been added to the lineup; it’s 14.8 inches longer than the regular version.
Negatives: Can get pricey with all the extra gadgetry; still has poor fuel economy.
Engine: 5.4-liter V-8.
Transmission: Six-speed automatic.
Power/torque: 300 HP/365 foot-pounds.
Length: 206.5 inches; 221.3 inches (EL model).
Curb weight: 5,578-6,053 pounds.
Brakes, front/rear: Disc/disc, antilock.
Cargo volume: 18.6 cubic feet (regular length model, behind third seat); 42.6 cubic feet (EL model).
Towing capacity: 8,750-9,200 pounds.
EPA fuel economy: 14 miles per gallon city/20 highway (2WD); 14/17 (4WD).
Fuel capacity/type: 28.0 gallons/unleaded regular.
Major competitors: Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon, Toyota Sequoia, Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL.
Base price range: $29,175-$42,575 plus $820 freight.
Price as tested: $50,530, including freight and options (EL Eddie Bauer model, 4WD).
On the Road rating: 8.3 (of a possible 10).

Prices shown are manufacturer’s suggested retail; actual selling price may vary according to manufacturer and/or dealer rebates, incentives and discounts, if any.

G. Chambers Williams III is staff automotive columnist for the San Antonio Express-News and former transportation writer for the Star-Telegram. His automotive columns have appeared regularly in the Star-Telegram since 1995. Contact him at (210) 250-3236; chambers@star-telegram.com.