The adventure starts with the 3.5L EcoBoost turbocharged engine that cranks out 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. That power is passed through a 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift.
The Expedition achieves a fuel economy rating of 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway, for an 18 mpg combined average.
Its wide 7.4:1 gear ratio span helps smooth out the steps between gears. Engine power is delivered in a linear manner for an enjoyable driving experience.
When it comes to towing or tricky terrains, SelectShift allows you to manually shift through the gears, so the driver can decide what is the most efficient ratio. In addition, Ford’s Progressive Range Selection system lets you lock out the upper gears so even in automatic mode it will not upshift past a certain gear. This helps maintain a certain level of drive power on steep grades. Expedition offers best-in-class towing capability of 9,300 pounds.
The Expedition uses several approaches to better utilize space for passengers and cargo. There is interior room for eight passengers, and the front occupants enjoy a 42-inch headroom, a 43.9-inch legroom, and a 64.9-inch shoulder room.
The cabin’s leather-trimmed, 10-way power-adjustable front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage are most comfortable. For the 2nd row, you can choose between power-folding 40/20/40 flip-and-slide seats and bucket seats in durable cloth or leather. A 60/40 power-folding, power-reclining 3rd row seat all the way back offers more comfort.
Whatever the configuration, there are 15 beverage holders. All three rows boast four 12V power points, 6 USB ports, and 110V power outlets. Everyone’s devices can be powered up.
The Intelligent Access Key Fob get you in quickly and hassle-free. The fob can be in your pocket or purse so you can just touch the door handles. Should you want to let in a little of the outside world, simply pushing a button opens the power panoramic vista roof to enjoy a gentle breeze. The sky opens up over the first two rows.
I thoroughly enjoyed B&O Play Premium Audio System by Harman with its perfectly engineered 12-speaker placement. Controls are easy to use, making the overall experience enjoyable.
In fact, there is so much technology in the cab that some of the controls feel cramped together, making it difficult to engage. The doors are challenging to lock and unlock because of the unusual placement, and there are quite a few buttons on and behind the steering wheel.
The SYNC 3 infotainment system helps you to stay connected with simple voice commands. Or, there is always the touchscreen in the middle to do everything. You can call up music or communications as needed.
Expedition has too many driver-assist features to go into much detail. There are helping features for preventing a collision with vehicles or pedestrians, staying in your lane, and warning you of something in the blind spot. There was even a feature that helps you park, which I needed considering the vehicle size.
The Expedition Max is a big vehicle, measuring 221.9 inches long, 76.4 inches high, and 93.4 inches wide with the side mirrors included. The 131.6-inch wheel base guarantees driving stability.
Expedition sits on 22-inch polished aluminum wheels. The power-deployable running boards with polished accents extend to give you a lift.
The MSRP for the Expedition starts at $52,130 for the base XLT. The price jumps to $65,705 for the base Limited Max model, then the $7,540 Stealth Edition Package adds black aluminum wheels, grille bars, power running board, tailgate applique, rear bumper skid plate, and trailer hitch cover.
The NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating gave the 2019 Expedition a 5-Star Rating in overall rating, plus frontal and side crash categories. Rollover Resistance is the only category in which it earned a 4-star rating.
The Expedition is big and bold. It seems as big as a tank, but offers the comfort of a cruiser. Everything you enjoy about a car or could wish for is found in this vehicle. However, its size is not for the faint of heart. It will command your attention and provide what you hope for.
Warranty 3-year/36,000-mile Bumper To Bumper Warranty 5-year/60,000-mile Powertrain Warranty 6-year/unlimited-mile Corrosion Perforation Warranty 5-year/60,000-mile Roadside Assistance
