Introduction

The 2021 Ford Expedition remains a truckish tribute to the traditional SUV. It is big, boxy, and thirsty, but remains immensely capable as a tow rig or people hauler. Crossovers can't hold a candle to the brute strength and ample room provided by genuine SUVs such as the Expedition. 

The Expedition lumbers into 2021 with few changes. The biggest news this year is a new STX appearance package; available on the base XLT trim, it adds some sporty touches to go along with a number of included tech features. 

This year also marks increased availability of the long-wheelbase Max model, which is now offered in every trim. The long-wheelbase Expedition Max adds nine inches of wheelbase and a foot of length to the standard model for even more passenger and cargo space. 

While most of the competition remains enamored with V-8s, the Expedition sports a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6. It makes either 375 or 400 horsepower depending on the trim, which is sent downstream to the rear wheels by way of a 10-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel drive is optional on all trims. 

Traditionalists might scoff at the thought of a V-6 in such a large SUV, but the Expedition's 9,300 pound maximum towing capacity should win them over. 

Gas mileage remains a sore point on the Expedition, but the rear-drive model's 17 mpg city, 24 highway, 20 combined rating equals or betters the segment heavyweights. With four-wheel drive, those ratings sink to 17/22/19 mpg. Long-wheelbase Expedition Max models are rated at 17/23/19 mpg and 16/21/18 mpg when equipped with rear- or four-wheel drive, respectively. 

The NHTSA awarded the Expedition top marks for safety; the IIHS hasn't yet conducted their crash testing. Standard safety equipment includes automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and blind-spot monitors. Top trims get standard parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and adaptive cruise control. 

Lineup

The base Expedition is the XLT. It gets features such as cloth upholstery, 18-inch wheels, a power-folding third row, power-adjustable driver's seat, wi-fi hotspot capability, keyless start, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The next cheapest option is the Limited. It adds heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers, a hands-free liftgate, power-deployable running boards, tri-zone climate control, and an 8.0-inch driver information display. 

The King Ranch costs and boasts full LED lighting, a panoramic roof, southwestern-themed leather upholstery, and power-folding second-row captain's chairs. 

At the top of the heap is the Expedition Platinum. Among its luxuries are real wood accents, a tiered cargo management system, additional chrome trim, active noise control, and upgraded multicontour seats. 

Walkaround

As a workhorse first and foremost, the Expedition's familiar two-box shape is essentially the same as previous versions. The detailing matters, and here, it's sublime. An expressive, wide grille is banded in chrome. The Expedition's crisp profile makes its blocky ballasts seem more tidy, while metallic accents balance its tall doors and its big windows. With 22-inch wheels the Expedition looks massive without looking clumsy. 

Interior

Particularly in top trims, the Expedition is as posh as the Ritz. Even base models abound with high-quality switchgear and materials. It's all assembled with a level of care that used to be reserved for the mechanically similar Lincoln Navigator. 

Nestled in the dashboard is an 8.0-inch touchscreen that runs Ford's latest Sync infotainment software. It runs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on all trims, while all but the XLT get navigation with SiriusXM Traffic and HD Radio. A multitude of USB ports are scattered throughout the interior for easy connectivity. Up front, a wireless charging pad is found on all but the base model. The setup is comprehensive but easy to use. 

The power-adjustable front seats make it easy to find a comfortable position from which to eat away the miles. The base seats are a durable and comfortable cloth, but the rest of the trims get leather thrones. We're partial to the southwestern vibes emanating from the King Ranch's exclusive upholstery, but there's no bad choice anywhere. 

There's also no bad seat in the house. Like any proper limousine, the best spot is likely the back, where all but the XLT get second-row adjustable captain's seats that offer a generous 42.5 inches of leg room. The third row is a bit tighter, with just 36 inches of leg room, but is still plenty roomy for any adult willing to clamber back there. The second row can easily slide forward to accommodate the wayback riders, even when there's a car seat in place. 

For those carrying cargo rather than passengers, the available space is almost minivan-esque. Behind the third row there's almost 20 cubic feet; behind the second row, 63 cubes. With all rows folded there's a total of 104 cubic feet of cargo space. 

Those figures only grow with the long-wheelbase Expedition Max, which can carry 34.3 cubic feet of cargo behind the third row or 79.6 cubic feet behind the second row. With just the first row in place, the Expedition has room for 121.5 cubic feet of cargo. 

The Expedition's grunt is even surpassed by its generous proportions. Its confines easily hold up to eight passengers with room to spare for cargo (or even more room in Expedition Max models). That much is clear from its shadow. 

Driving Impression

Big SUVs like the Expedition have become much easier to drive in recent years, but nonetheless it is impossible to forget their size. The Expedition is no exception. Even on the interstate, its girth is apparent. It never hides an ounce of its three-ton curb weight. The SUV just feels big in every way. Still, its handling is fairly impressive for its bulk. There are much smaller cars that don't feel quite so light on their feet. 

The 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 is also as good as it gets in this class. It only takes about seven seconds for the Expedition to get to 60 mph, faster than some of its V-8 competitors. 

All Expeditions get a 10-speed automatic transmission. It has more gears than some bicycles, but despite that the gearbox never gets indecisive. It swaps cogs with a deft smoothness that renders it invisible to occupants. 

Pony up for the right option package and the Expedition can tow up to an impressive 9,300 pounds. An available off-road package provides some improved trail performance and also adds a few terrain-specific modes such as mud and sand. We wouldn't challenge any Wranglers, but the Expedition will sufficiently hold its own on some dirt. 

Summary

The 2021 Ford Expedition is supremely capable when it comes to hauling, towing, or road-tripping. Its abundance of safety equipment and technology make it an excellent choice for large families or anyone constantly shuttling people and cargo. Our choice is the base XLT with the new STX package for its affordability and features. 

 

-by Sam Moses, with driving impressions from The Car Connection.