The Morning Call and Mcall.com's view

Everything is big in Texas. The state is so vast, residents don’t drive from Houston to El Paso, they fly. Similarly, the sense of scale makes even the largest of sport-utility vehicles look, well, not-so large. This is true of Ford’s new Suburban-fighter, the all-new, full-sized Ford Expedition.

That doesn’t mean it looks small — it’s actually wider and taller than a Suburban, yet shorter in length. This is to keep it garageable. (This of course depends on whether your garage is in Texas or not.)

If the front end looks like a Ford F-150, that’s because it is. From the windshield forward, all sheet metal, as well as major mechanical components like the engines, transmissions, front suspension and braking systems, are shared with the pick-up.

Loaded under the rounded hood is Ford’s modular “Triton” V8 engine in one of two versions. Standard is a 4.6-litre engine developing 215 horsepower at 4,400 rpm and 290 foot-pounds of torque at 3,250 rpm. Stepping up means a 5.4-litre engine with 230 horsepower at 4,250 rpm and a monstrous 325 pound-feet of torque at 3,000 rpm. Both engines are obviously tuned for low-end grunt and feature a chain-driven single overhead cam. With the test vehicle’s larger engine, there’s enough torque to haul any load (even that extra heavy relative).

Trailer towing capacity is 6,000 pounds with the smaller engine, 8,000 with the larger one. With all this power and 4×4 capabilities, EPA mileage of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway were a bit optimistic. Our 5.4-litre test vehicle yielded just 13.5 mpg.

But if you need fuel economy, you’re looking in the wrong place. This truck can haul you many places, both paved and otherwise. Although 4×2 models are available, most will opt for a 4×4 Control Trac system. The center axle connects and disconnects automatically. The driver merely selects one of four dashboard settings — All-wheel drive, 4×4 high, 4×4 low and 4×2. Optional on the vehicle is a four-corner load-leveling system using compressed air. Otherwise, there are few surprises. The suspension is independent up front with a live rear axle out back.

The handling on this truck is quite good for its size. At first, the size of this vehicle, with its 119-inch wheelbase and 76.4-inch height, seems overwhelming. But it never feels that way once driving. The steering is quick — almost too much so. Grip is good, despite the body lean that accompanies cornering. Bump isolation is excellent for a truck. This vehicle delivers a quiet, comfortable highway ride that’s highly refined, more so than some cars.

Braking is courtesy of standard four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock. Ford claims to have made the brakes oversized with lots of cooling area. They proved to be superior to some domestic competitors, with good progressive action.

Dual airbags are standard, the front and second row seat belts adjustable for height. Other safety and security features are illuminated running boards, a real convenience considering the almost two-foot-high step-in height. The ignition key is electronically encoded to prevent theft. Keyless entry is standard.

Inside, there are two rows of seats, with a third row bench available as an option. Payload capacity is 2,000 pounds. All seats come with cupholders and, as equipped in the yupscale Eddie Bauer trim, covered in luxurious-feeling leather of good quality. The front bucket seats proved supportive, with enough give to prove very comfortable for long highway trips.

The dash should be familiar to F-150 owners. It’s identical. That means a clean, contemporary dash that’s easy to work with your gloves on. The climate control system consisted of easy to operate rotary knobs, with each row getting their own set. Pop for the Eddie Bauer trim package and Ford lavishes the vehicle with a well-equipped overhead console, front seat floor console, rear flip-out power windows, rear audio control and an optional CD-changer. The whole environment is very comfy and oh-so-civilized for a truck. But then, in about a year, an even more upscale version of this vehicle will appear wearing Lincoln Navigator nameplates.

The Ford Expedition is another giant step toward cementing Ford’s excellent truck line at the top of the sales charts. It’s big — in size and capability.

It’s just not as big as Texas. But you couldn’t fit it in your garage if it were.

FORD EXPEDITION 4X4 Options: Preferred Equipment Package 687A (Eddie Bauer Trim, lighted running boards, tow hooks, power mirrors, premium AM/FM Cassette audio system, popular equipment group, 17-inch cast aluminum wheels, P265/70R17 all-terrain tires, 3.73 axle ratio), power moonroof, leather captains chairs, CD changer. Base price: $33,875 As tested: $36,990 EPA rating: 13 mpg city, 17 mpg highway Test mileage: 13.5 mpg