2022 Ford Expedition

We like a car with a name and not some anonymous numeral or letter combination; we're especially fond of vehicles with apt titles like the Ford Expedition. Short, sweet, and straightforward. You want to go on an expedition - there's a Ford for you. According to the old-timey definition of the word, it's when a group goes exploring with a purpose. The purpose of these expeditions include research, finding new places, or war. Chances are you aren't going to be doing any of that with the family, but we can update the definition to include more mundane activities like the school run, going to the mall, and camping. It's that last activity that is most pertinent to the new Timberline trim. Ford keenly points out that it's got more ground clearance than the new Jeep Wagoneer.

As an SUV, the Expedition is a fantastic all-rounder, offering comfort, practicality, rugged looks, and a potent powertrain. Ford's 3.5-litre EcoBoost engine delivers up to 440 horsepower when the Expedition is properly equipped, and is mated to a ten-speed automatic gearbox. Both 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains are available for the Ford, which competes in the tough full-size SUV segment.

There's only so much you can do when it comes to the overall shape of a full-size SUV. Designers must rely on the grille, headlights, fenders, and taillights to give a full-size truck or SUV a distinctive look. Fortunately, the latest Expedition looks a little more exciting this year thanks to fresh exterior details like the grille, taillights, and wheels.

Ford relies on the front end and the alloys to do the heavy-lifting in the design department. The grille and headlights merge nicely to form an imposing presence. Even base models now come with LED reflector headlamps as standard equipment, . The new Timberline stands out with its Ember Red front tow hooks, steel skid plates, Twin Spar Black grille, and Timberline badging. Wheel sizes range from 18 inches to a massive 22 inches. A panoramic moonroof is standard higher up in the range.

The Expedition has an overall length of 210 inches. It's 83.6 inches in width with the mirrors folded in and 93.4 inches when they're folded out. The maximum height is 76.6 inches on 4x2 models and 76.4 inches on 4x4 models. Most impressive of all is the 122.5-inch wheelbase, which is longer than the 120.9-inch wheelbase of the Chevrolet Tahoe. Ground clearance is 9.8 inches but this goes all the way up to 10.6 inches on the new Timberline.

Ford supplies figures for approach/breakover/departure angles, even though the Expedition isn't marketed as a serious off-roader. The provided figures are 23.4/21.5/22.2 degrees for 4x2 models, respectively, and 23.3/21.4/21.9 degrees for 4x4 derivatives. The new Timberlane shows its superiority in this area with approach/breakover/departure angles of 28.5/21.9/23.7 degrees.

The curb weights start at 5,306 pounds and tops out at 5,532 lbs in the heaviest configuration.

Buyers can choose between four no-cost exterior colors on the base XL STX trim, consisting of Forged Green Metallic, Agate Black Metallic, Iconic Silver Metallic, and Oxford White. The XLT is the next trim and has a much broader color palette with the metallic additions being Infinite Blue ($495), Dark Matter, Star White ($795), Stone Blue ($495), and Rapid Red ($495). With its dark exterior trim and orange accents, the Timberline has a moodier color palette that removes Rapid Red and Iconic Silver. The top two trims also have one or two changes but don't add any new colors from the ones already listed here. With the Stealth Package equipped to models compatible with it, an Ebony Black grille, black headlamp bezels, and a black tailgate applique give the Expedition quite a menacing look.

All models in the Ford Expedition range use the same twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine, but some models produce more power than others. Two decades ago, such a small engine in an SUV of this size would have been laughable, but the Ford delivers similar outputs to its naturally-aspirated V8 rivals. A ten-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is rear-wheel drive. All trim levels can be ordered with a proper four-wheel-drive system. Sprint times aren't as important here as they'd be in a GT500, but the Expedition is capable of reaching 60 mph in just over six seconds - that's plenty fast enough for a vehicle of this sort.

Ford claims the Expedition will tow 9,300 pounds in rear-wheel-drive guise, while a 4x4 equipped with the Heavy-Duty Towing Package has a towing capacity of 9,200 lbs. As standard, the Ford Expedition has a towing capacity between 6,500 lbs and 6,600 lbs.

Small-capacity turbocharged engines have been widely adopted in other segments. The larger truck and SUV category is still holding out, with the Expedition being one of a few to move over. Ford bolted two turbochargers to a 3.5-liter V6 engine, and the result is 380 horsepower and a mammoth 470 lb-ft of torque. The Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum trims are equipped with a 400 hp/480 lb-ft version of the same engine, but it doesn't stop there. In Timberline guise or with the Stealth Performance Package, output is a superb 440 hp and 510 lb-ft.

These figures are already impressive in their own right, but the gearbox also deserves a shout-out. It has ten ratios, which gives the Expedition a more comprehensive range of talents. At higher speeds, the engine is just idling along, resulting in impressive fuel consumption figures. The ten-speed tends to hunt in certain situations but is mostly refined.

For something with zero hardcore off-road aspirations, the 4x4 system is quite advanced. It's not the usual electronic all-wheel-drive system that simply engages the front or rear axle when it detects slip on the driven wheels. The Expedition has a transfer case with 2H, 4A, 4H, and 4WD low-range. Unlike most part-time systems, the Expedition's 4WD has an open center differential, allowing you to drive on the tarmac in tricky conditions.

Sporting a fully independent suspension at every wheel, the Expedition offers a comfy, refined ride. It's exactly what you'd expect from a vehicle in this segment, though there is one fly in the ointment. The steering is vague and doesn't inspire confidence in high-speed corners. Considering the size and weight, this SUV was always going to roll through the bends. Situations, where this would be noticeable are few and far between, so we'd focus on the Expedition's daily and long-haul abilities, instead.

Driving in the city is relatively easy enough, though you have to keep the car's dimensions in mind. The average parking space isn't large enough to comfortably accommodate a car like the Expedition. On the open road, it's sublime. There isn't much that can unsettle it. Minor bumps and imperfections are dealt with quickly and efficiently - you could probably drive right over an EcoSport and not even know it.

The Platinum model comes with additional power, but we're not entirely sure why. The extra 20 hp and 10 lb-ft of torque have a negligible impact on a vehicle this size, so the only thing we can think of is bragging rights.

If you want to go off-roading, the new Timberline is an obvious choice. With its two-speed transfer case, greater ground clearance, and better approach/departure angles, it can go further and conquer larger obstacles than other Expeditions. It's no Bronco, but it's decent for a full-size SUV.

The Expedition's fuel consumption figures make for interesting reading. According to the EPA, the rear-wheel-drive model can manage gas mileage estimates of 17/23/19 mpg city/highway/combined. Adding the 4WD system has a minimal impact on the consumption, as it will do 16/22/18 mpg. Using the most gas is the new Timberline 4x4 with gas mileage estimates of 16/19/17 mpg.

The Chevrolet Tahoe is available with a turbodiesel engine that returns 21/28/24 mpg so is much more economical but not nearly as powerful. When up against a more old-school rival, the Expedition's figures are even more impressive: a Toyota Sequoia with a 5.7-liter V8, 4x4, and a six-speed automatic transmission can only manage 13/17/14 mpg.

If you're still carrying the flag for naturally-aspirated engines, consider this: a 4WD Toyota Sequoia with a 26.4-gallon tank will only do 370 miles on a full tank. A 4WD Expedition with a smaller 23.2-gallon tank will do 418 miles.

The Ford's interior offers a lot of space and a surprising number of standard features from the base model upwards. With such a big space to trim, it's not surprising to find some shoddy materials inside, but for the most part, they're well-hidden and easy to forget. It's more of a problem higher up in the range where models cost more than $70,000. Substandard materials on such an expensive SUV leaves a sour taste in the mouth, although things have improved following the latest 2022 update.

Infotainment is good, with even the base XL STX model now featuring a 12-inch screen with all the modern connectivity features. In the base specification, you have to fold the third-row down manually, but power adjustment is available on higher-spec models. Ford's Co-Pilot 360 is standard fitment on all trims and includes an impressive array of driver assistance features.

As standard, the Expedition is an eight-seater. Second-row captain's chairs can be added at an additional cost on most of the range, taking the seating count down to seven. Space is not a problem, either way. Front passengers get 43.9 inches of legroom and 42 inches of headroom. Passengers in the second row have 41.5 inches of legroom and 40 inches of headroom - a respectable list of numbers, but nothing truly extraordinary.

Ford's unique selling point is that its third-row can accommodate a full-size human. For comparison's sake, the Chevy Tahoe's third-row legroom is 24.8 inches. The Expedition offers its third-row occupants a class-leading 36.1 inches of legroom and 37.3 inches of headroom. If you can convince the second-row passengers to slide forward a bit, the third-row legroom can be 40.9 inches, at best.

The entry-level XL STX comes with a Black Onyx cloth interior, but you can choose between Black Onyx or Sandstone cloth or faux leather (at an extra cost) from the XLT upwards. The Limited trim gets leather in the same colors, with the addition of Mahogany. If you choose Black Onyx on the Limited, however, it's not a standalone option but part of a package, which adds $5,315 to the price of the Ford Expedition.

The new Timberline comes with perforated cloth/vinyl upholstery in Deep Cypress, or the same color with leather at an added cost. The King Ranch only has one interior option which is Java Del-Rio leather. The Platinum trim comes with leather with perforated seat inserts and quilted bolsters. The color choices here are Black Onyx, Light Sandstone, or Carmelo.

For a more luxurious feel, the King Ranch has Ziricote wood veneer trim and the Platinum boasts real wood accents on the center console. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard, and it has Tangerine stitching on the Timberline.

With all eight seats in place, the Expedition still offers a reasonable 20.9 cubic feet behind the third row. Fold the third-row flat, and you get 63.6 cubes of cargo capacity. As the XL STX is strictly a five-seater, the latter figure is its standard cargo capacity. With both the second and third-row folded flat, the cargo capacity grows to 104.6 cubic feet.

Interior storage is equally impressive. The center armrest between the front passengers is massive, and the door pockets are vast. The cupholder count is 15; nearly every passenger can bring two drinks along.

The base model is the XL STX and it is equipped with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, tri-zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt-and-telescopic adjustment, four 12V power points, cruise control, keyless entry with push-button start, and Co-Pilot 360.

From XLT upwards, the third row comes with power recline, and you get an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a reverse sensing system. Timberline models add power-adjustable pedals, a 10-way power driver's seat, and a powered steering column. The Limited adds a hands-free liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, and power-deployable running boards. Front seats are heated and ventilated, while heating is added to the second-row seats, too. Forward collision sensors are standard from this trim, and the steering wheel is heated for additional comfort. The King Ranch comes with a model-specific leather interior, a panoramic moonroof, a 360-degree camera, and front and rear washers. In addition to a more powerful version of the standard engine, the Platinum spec also includes enhanced active noise control, inflatable rear safety belts, and multi-contour front seats with heating, ventilation, and a massage function.

Ford has comprehensively upgraded the infotainment system for the 2022 model year. The Sync 4 system is standard and is displayed on a 12-inch touchscreen. On the base model, it comes with connected navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, USB ports, an AM/FM radio, and six speakers. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also part of this package, as is enhanced voice recognition. With the XL, SiriusXM with 360L is added, as are smart charging USB ports in the third row. The Timberline conveniently gets wireless phone charging, while the Limited has a 12-speaker B&O sound system and HD Radio. The King Ranch and Platinum usher in the Sync 4A infotainment system with a large 15.5-inch touchscreen display. It also has a powerful B&O Unleashed sound system with no less than 22 speakers. If desired, a rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV and dual rear screens can be fitted.

One recall has affected the 2022 Ford Expedition at the time of writing and it was for trailer brakes that could fail. For the 2021 model, there were two recalls: one for windshield wipers that could malfunction and another for front door side impact sensors that were damaged, possibly affecting airbag deployment. The 2020 model was far worse with eight recalls. Issues ranged from failing windshield wipers to others like a seatbelt tension sensor malfunction, an inoperative rearview camera, pre-collision assist that couldn't be enabled, and an improperly welded middle row seat headrest.

Ford offers a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty as standard.

The 2022 Expedition was only partially reviewed for safety by the NHTSA. It attained a five-star rating for the side crash and a three-star rollover score, but has not yet been checked for the frontal crash. Interestingly, 4x4 models achieved a higher four-star rollover rating. The 2021 model achieved an overall five stars, including five stars for the frontal crash test.

Prospective buyers in the USA can be reassured by the standard safety specs across the Expedition range. Standard from the base model is the prerequisite rearview camera, a tire pressure monitoring system, and six airbags. Every model is equipped with Ford's Co-Pilot360 technology, which includes blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, auto high beams, lane keeping assist, and pre-collision assist with auto braking. Trailer sway control and traction control are important on a large SUV, and 4x4s have hill start assist with hill descent control.

The Limited gets intelligent adaptive cruise control, lane centering assist, speed sign recognition, pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, and rain-sensing wipers in front. Standing alone is the Platinum as it now boasts Ford's BlueCruise system that permits hands-free driving on compatible roads.

The 2022 Ford Expedition should be somewhere near the top of your list if you're in the market for a full-size SUV. It ticks all the right boxes and only falls short in two departments: the steering isn't perfect, and the top-spec models are relatively pricey. Still, there's something here for the whole family to enjoy. The driver will enjoy the punchy twin-turbo V6 engine, while the passengers will enjoy the luxury of space. For the truly adventurous, the new Timberline is a great addition to the lineup. We also applaud Ford for making the Co-Pilot360 suite available across the lineup - safety should always be the number one priority in family vehicles like the Expedition. It may be more expensive than its main rivals, but it offers a lot of bang for your buck. Some iffy interior bits aside, it's a great SUV.

The range begins with the XL STX at an MSRP of $52,620. The XLT trim has a starting price of $56,685, and then we see a significant increase in pricing to the Limited, which goes on sale for $65,835. The new Timberline with standard 4x4 costs $69,695. The King Ranch represents another big increase, with an MSRP of $76,355, and the Platinum spec is just slightly more at $78,805. These prices exclude Ford's $1,795 destination charge.

There are many ways to inflate the price of the Ford Expedition. For example, upgrading from 4x2 to 4x4 costs $3,050. There are also several packages and customization options available which we cover in a lower section of this review.

The 2022 Ford Expedition is sold in a choice of six trims: XL STX, XLT, Limited, Timberline, King Ranch, and Platinum. A 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine and ten-speed automatic transmission are common to all variants, although the engine makes between 400 and 440 hp depending on how the Expedition is specced. Both 4x2 and 4x4 drivetrains are available.

Introduced last year, the XL STX comes with a 12-inch touchscreen interface with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 18-inch alloy wheels, tri-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, push-button start, and a six-speaker sound system.

One step up, the XLT trim adds a power-reclining third row and a more comprehensive list of available packages, as well as an auto-dimming rearview mirro.

New for this year is the Timberline aimed at off-road enthusiasts. It looks the part thanks to black exterior trim, LED fog lamps, Ember Red tow hooks, steel skid plates, and dark wheels wrapped in all-terrain rubber. Inside is a sporty combination of perforated cloth and vinyl upholstery, and features introduced here include a power steering column and a 10-way power driver's seat.

Next in line is the Limited. It trades some capability for luxury with its shiny 20-inch wheels and chrome embellishments. Inside, it comes with a nicer 12-speaker B&O sound system, adaptive cruise control, and rain-sensing wipers.

The King Ranch has 22-inch alloys, model-specific badging, a panoramic sunroof, Del Rio leather upholstery, and a 360-degree camera system.

Finally, the top-spec Platinum trim adds multi-contour front seats with heating, ventilation, and massage function, along with Ford's advanced BlueCruise system for more pleasurable highway driving.

Every model is equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360, which consists of blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, auto high beams, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic emergency braking.

The XL STX doesn't have access to many packages. One notable exception is the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package, retailing for $795. This package adds a heavy-duty radiator, pro trailer backup assist, and integrated trailer brake controller.

The Black Accent Package is available only for the XLT, and it adds black wheels and black exterior trimmings for $1,895. The XLT High (202A) Equipment Group costs $3,795 and bundles together power front seats, ActiveX upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and more. There's also the Texas Edition Package at $2,495 that adds a Texas badge and the contents of the Special Edition Package (20-inch wheels, LED fog lamps, Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist, and more).

The new Timberline has access to the expensive $9,220 Timberline High (501A) Equipment Group. However, this does introduce tempting goodies like the 15.5-inch touchscreen, the B&O sound system, and the 12.4-inch digital cluster display. In the middle of the range, the Limited has access to various extras, including the Limited Stealth Performance (304A) Package. At $9,880, this equips the high-output (440 hp) V6, 22-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, red interior stitching, and a lot more.

As they're already handsomely equipped, the King Ranch and Platinum's only available package is the Heavy-Duty Towing Package.

With the King Ranch and Platinum both retailing above $75,000, the mid-spec Limited was our choice last year. This year, for under $4,000 more, you can get behind the wheel of the capable Timberline. It has the more powerful version of the V6, standard 4x4, and other extras that make it surprisingly capable off-road, yet it remains comfortable on the road. It also looks more special inside and out. However, buyers wanting a more luxurious experience will prefer the Limited or King Ranch models which can also be had with 4x2, saving you some money at the pumps. There isn't a bad model in the Expedition range; it comes down to choosing the one that best fits your family's needs and your budget.

This is one of the most classic rivalries in the automotive world. Sometimes the Tahoe is in the lead, and other times, the Ford is. Both have been facelifted, with the latest Tahoe getting a smarter infotainment interface and more standard safety features. As far as gas models go, the Ford's twin-turbo V6 makes more sense than the Tahoe's thirsty V8. However, the turbodiesel Tahoe is more economical. The Tahoe's cargo space is more significant regardless of whether or not the rear seats are folded. You get a better interior in the Ford Expedition, but you have to pay for one of the more expensive models to get it. In terms of safety, the Ford scored the full five stars from the NHTSA, while the Tahoe only managed four. We would miss the magical V8 burble of the Chevy, however. Still, it's not enough for it to be a better car, so the Ford is in the lead. For now.

Compared to the Expedition, the Sequoia is a bit of a blunt instrument. Its 5.7-liter naturally-aspirated V8 is more powerful, but the 13/17/14 mpg gas mileage figures are terrifying. Surprisingly, the much older Sequoia offers more interior room and competitive cargo capacity. The quality of the Toyota's interior isn't up to scratch, and it's starting to age quite severely, too. Its infotainment system also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but is harder to navigate. And three USB charging ports seems hardly sufficient for a car big enough to seat eight, if you really want to nitpick. Ford's Expedition is also more affordable, though both cars offer a similar level of driver assistance features as standard. Overall, the Ford simply feels more modern, while the Sequoia feels its age. Fortunately, an all-new Sequoia has been revealed for the 2023 model year and this one should give the Expedition a much tougher battle.