Review by Veeno Dewan.
For 2024 Ford refreshes its flagship full-size Expedition SUV, with more tech, features, and off-road capability. The three-row Expedition comes in regular length or as the extended-wheelbase Expedition Max, with similar passenger space but more cargo room. New changes include revamped colour choices, minor interior tweaks and One-pedal driving for off-road use on the Timberline model.
Power is courtesy of a high output 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine borrowed from the F-150 Raptor, making a class leading 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. Four-wheel drive is standard. The Expedition can tow up to 9,200 lb and carry a payload of up to 1,758 lbs when equipped with the available Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package.
The 2024 Ford Expedition model comes in a number of models. Pricing ranges from $77,915 For the entry XLT to $109,640 for the extended MAX Platinum version. The price for the mid-range Limited and King Ranch trim (As tested) starts at $106,285 depending on if you go for the stretched MX versions. The top dog Platinum is priced at $107,245. The Timberline series has the best available ground clearance in its class and is aimed at the outdoor set with its 33-inch tires a heavy-duty skid plate from the Ford Raptor, and a two-speed transfer case transmission.
Interior wise, there is a smart, refined look with nice soft-touch surfaces. Luxurious leather drapes the seats and fit and finish is excellent with plenty of storage. The available panoramic sunroof spans two rows of seats and its huge size allows for a bright and airy interior. The Expedition offers the ultimate in interior room and flexibility. The second-row seats can be configured as optional captain’s chairs on some models which are heated, and can slide fore, d aft, recline. The third-row seats are standard, which makes the roomy Ford Expedition a true eight-seater. There is separate climate control zone for the rear. Note that the third row is probably the most spacious in this class and also reclines.
We tested an upper -mid King Ranch® Edition in an eye-catching “Wild Green” paint, 22inch polished wheels, heavy duty towing package, and the road preview system driving assist aid. The King Ranch model has the fancy Del Rio Full Leather Seating Surfaces that feature front captain’s chairs both at heated and ventilated with 10-way power. These include power lumbar and power recline. The second row has power-folding and heated seats with armrests and a tip-and-slide feature. As well as the distinctive interior the King Ranch has the larger 15-inch touch screen display from the F-150 Lightning.
Technology includes Ford’s BlueCruise. This driver aid utilises adaptive cruise control, stop-and-go, lane-centering and speed-sign recognition to allow true hands-free driving when activated on more than 160,000 kilometres of pre-qualified sections of divided highways throughout North America, called Hands-Free Blue Zones.
Every 2024 Ford Expedition comes with standard and available driver-assist features. These include Road Edge Detection, Intersection Assist: and Reverse Brake Assist. The Expedition also has an impressive list of safety features that are mostly included in the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite. The adaptive cruise control system comes with stop and go, there’s blind-spot warning with rear-cross traffic alert, and evasive steering assist.
On the road, as expected, the Expedition offers a smooth ride thanks to independent rear suspension. I was surprised to find the Expedition quite easy to park thanks to a relatively tight turning circle. Of note is the new BlueCruise system which provides hands-free highway driving. Instead of requiring that a driver touch the steering wheel occasionally, it uses a camera to monitor the driver’s face to make sure eyes remain on the road. The new Active Air Dam feature improves aerodynamics, deploying at speeds above 63 kph then automatically retracting at lower speeds for city driving and parking. That powerful engine and smooth transmission deliver effortless relaxed highway cruising. Fuel economy is not miserly at L/100km 12.9 combined – 14.8 city, 10.6 highway, but at least it better than a ga guzzling V8.
Not much to complain about, the big SUV is roomy and comfortable and come at cost especially as you move up the model range. It is also massive, a bit excessive for the urban grind, but vastly superior to almost anything for long distance highway cruising if you tow or haul and need 8-passanger seating where it knocks it competitors out he park.
In summing up, the latest generation Expedition is very impressive. It offers a comfortable ride, a roomy cabin with all the comfort and luxury you could want. With seating for eight, and a huge cargo and towing capacity, the 2024 Ford Expedition ticks all the boxes. Highly recommended.
2024 Ford Expedition: Priced from: $106,285
King Ranch model as tested – $107,985 including options, PDI and delivery.
More info at www.ford.ca
