In the realm of automobiles, it all comes down to needs and budget. Of course, there are myriad factors in between, but ultimately, it boils down to a vehicle's ability to address all the situations it's subjected to and its price. You'll find plenty of vehicles offering great capabilities at exorbitant prices and more affordable ones with limited abilities. However, what about when you need a vehicle that can meet all your needs? Well, that's where the Ford Expedition comes into play. The American manufacturer's large SUV is capable of replacing a minivan, a pickup truck, and several other types of vehicles all at once. It's a model that offers excellent towing capacity, room for 8 people, and its off-road driving capabilities are quite impressive, especially in its Timberline version.
Ford hasn't made significant changes to the model for 2024, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. The Expedition remains highly competent and modern in its current form. It's a model that lacks nothing in terms of features, and its design is still up to date. It's the kind of vehicle that shines primarily for its capabilities above all else. However, it remains very elegant nonetheless. Ultimately, it's the Platinum version that sits at the top of the range with a price tag of $106,140.
Range and Pricing
It's certain that the Ford Expedition isn't suitable for all budgets, but it remains affordable considering its level of capabilities. The American manufacturer's SUV starts at $77,915 with its XLT version. The bill rises to $91,845 with the Limited version. Next up is the off-road Timberline model at $93,375. The King Ranch version starts at $102,785.
Category and Competition
Though they may be few, the competition remains fierce in the full-size SUV segment. General Motors dominates with several models in the segment, but the Expedition remains a very interesting model. The latter offers greater variety in terms of versions. In the end, it's mostly a matter of taste.
Rivals: Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Nissan Armada, Toyota Sequoia
Design and Technologies
Even though designers are more constrained creatively when it comes to the design of large SUVs, I believe they have done an excellent job with the Ford Expedition. The American manufacturer's SUV is elegant and very modern, regardless of the version. I particularly like the Timberline and Stealth Performance versions, each giving a very distinct look to the American SUV.
The interior of the Expedition is spacious, and the ergonomics have been well thought out. The driving position is very comfortable, and access to the third row has been well considered. Moreover, the third row can comfortably accommodate 3 adults, which is not always the case with this type of vehicle. The only thing I might like a little less about the interior of the American SUV is the vertical screen. I would have much preferred a horizontal screen like the one found in the Lincoln Navigator.
Performance
The Ford Expedition offers three mechanical options, all of which feature a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. The XLT and Limited versions deliver 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4x4 drivetrain. Then, the King Ranch and Platinum versions see the power increased to 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. Finally, the Stealth Performance and Timberline versions benefit from a power output of 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. This is the same version of the engine found in the Lincoln Navigator. Depending on the model you choose, fuel consumption can vary between 12.9 L/100 km and 13.5 L/100 km, which remains reasonable for a vehicle of this size.
Weak Points
For me, this is a model that has everything to please and is difficult to criticize. Certainly, it is quite fuel-thirsty, and its price quickly climbs between certain versions, but this is also the case for other SUVs of the same size.
Strengths
The Ford Expedition is an elegant, comfortable vehicle packed with advanced technology. It offers impressive capabilities both in off-road driving and towing.
Signature Element
The 2024 Ford Expedition is one of the few vehicles that truly meets the needs of the majority of people, and that's what makes it so interesting.
Closing Thoughts
I find that the full-size SUV category sorely lacks diversity. Fortunately, some models like the Expedition compensate with a vast and varied range. The American manufacturer offers us a vehicle that doesn't make us feel like there's a gap in the category. Whether you're a businessperson, a large family, simply have a taste for adventure, or all of these things at once, the Ford Expedition is the vehicle for you.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier
