2020 Ford Expedition Review
The 2020 Ford Expedition sets the standard for a full-size SUV. It has a roomy interior and can offer better fuel economy than its competitors.
2020 Ford Expedition – ford.com | Shop 2020 Ford Expedition on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2020 Ford Expedition?
The most notable change for 2020 Ford Expedition is the western-themed King Ranch edition. This premium-tier model is adorned with brown leather trim, a two-tone paint job, 22” wheels, and just about every option the Expedition has to offer. Other additions are a black accent package for the XLT that features wheels, trim, and a body painted in black. Lastly, Ford’s Co-Pilot360 safety suite is now standard on all models.
The Breakdown
Roomy interior with plenty of cargo space
Decent fuel economy for a vehicle of this size
Excellent towing capacity
Good performance from a V6
Parking can be a challenge
Noisy interior at highway speeds
2020 Expedition Specs
- 375 horsepower from base engine
- 470 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 20.9 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 104.6 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Tow up to 9,300 lbs with HD trailer towing package
- Sync 3 infotainment system is easy to use
- Gets a five-star safety rating
- 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty
2020 Ford Expedition Powertrain
Unlike its full-size competitors from GM, Nissan, and Toyota, the 2020 Ford Expedition is powered by a V6, albeit with a pair of turbos bolted to it. Suffice to say, big surprises come in small packages and the turbocharged V6 manages to put down 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque in standard trim, which is on par with its V8-powered rivals.
Likewise, all models are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Overall, there are few complaints about this combination when it comes to drivability. In fact, they complement each other quite well with the transmission doing an adequate job of finding the right gear when some extra power is needed.
While not a sports car by any means, the Ford Expedition is surprisingly agile for its size with the steering being regarded as predictable and responsive. Likewise, ride quality and handling are improved courtesy of an independent rear suspension, which is a noticeable improvement over the live axle setup on GM’s Tahoe and Yukon. There is a moderate amount of body roll, although that is to be expected for a vehicle of this size.
While a soft brake pedal is a common complaint for the Expedition, it should be noted this does not affect how they operate and the brakes are more than capable of bringing the Expedition to a complete stop in short order.
The 2020 Ford Expedition demonstrates that looks (and numbers) can be deceiving. Despite having the smallest engine of any full-size SUV, it is just as capable as its V8-powered rivals and comes with the added benefit of consuming less fuel.
Towing & Payload
The 2020 Ford Expedition’s towing capacity depends on the drivetrain and how it is configured. In standard trim, it can pull up to 6,600 lbs, which is at the low-end for a full-size SUV. However, with the optional HD towing package, the towing capacity is increased to a best-in-class 9,300 lbs (9,200 for the 4WD).
2020 Ford Expedition Fuel Economy & MPG
Courtesy of its smaller engine and a 10-speed transmission, the 2020 Ford Expedition is one of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in this category. However, it is still quite abysmal when compared to a compact or mid–size car. With that said, fuel economy is roughly the same across the board for the 2WD and 4WD models with an EPA city/highway estimate of 17/23 and 17/22 respectively.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The 2020 Ford Expedition is one of the most spacious SUVs on the market. Likewise, there are no complaints when it comes to comfort, even for the entry-level XLT. The front seats of the Expedition can be summed up as roomy, comfortable, and supportive. Cloth coverings are standard fare, with the Limited and above offering heated and cooled leather seats. Moving up to the King Ranch and Platinum editions adds premium materials, upgraded entertainment options, and a panoramic moonroof.
The Ford Expedition is also among a select few that can comfortably seat eight adults (seven if equipped with the second-row captain’s chairs). Likewise, the third row is by far one of the most spacious in this category with ample leg room. Rounding out the cabin are the buttons, switches, and knobs that are easily accessible to the driver. The only complaint for the interior is the hard plastic trim which has a cheap feel for a vehicle in this price range.
When it comes to cargo capacity, the 2020 Ford Expedition’s only rivals are GM’s Tahoe, Yukon, and the larger Suburban. With that said, the main cargo area behind the third row offers a generous 20.9 cubic feet of storage space. Folding down the third-row seats will expand that to 63.6 cubic feet, and up to 104.6 cubic feet if both rows are folded down. The Max edition increases these numbers to 34, 79.6, and 121.5 cubic feet respectively.
Entertainment & Technology
On the entertainment side, the 2020 Ford Expedition comes equipped with Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system and an 8” touch screen. It is regarded as being easy to use and supports a number of features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, swipe gestures, basic voice commands, and a built-in LTE hotspot. The stock sound system is nothing spectacular, but the Limited and higher models are equipped with a premium 12-speaker B&O audio package. A rear entertainment system is offered on all trims except for the XLT.
Safety Features
The most notable change for 2020 is Ford’s Co-Pilot360 is now standard on all trim levels for the Expedition. It adds a host of features like collision avoidance, emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, and a rear cross-traffic alert.
In terms of safety scores, the 2020 Ford Expedition fares better than average and receives an overall five-star NHTSA rating with five stars each for front and side impacts. Rollovers are the only four-star category, although that is the norm in this segment. With that said, the Ford Expedition is one of the safest full-size SUVs.
2020 Ford Expedition Trims & Pricing
XLT – $54,205
All 2020 Ford Expeditions are equipped with Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system and Co-Pilot360 safety suite which includes a variety of driver’s assistance features like emergency braking, rear-cross traffic alert, and lane-keeping assistance. Other included features are running boards, power folding and reclining third-row seats, and 18” wheels. While 2WD is standard on all models, 4WD and an extended-length Max option are available across the board for an additional price.
Limited – $64,670
The Limited package adds a number of tech, comfort, and luxury options. Among them are rain-sensing wipers and a premium 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Also standard for the Limited are heated and cooled leather seats, tri-zone climate control, adaptive suspension, and 20” wheels.
King Ranch – $74,920
The King Ranch is one of the top-level trims for the Ford Expedition. Loaded with options, the King Ranch is characterized by its model-specific badging and unique Del Rio brown leather trim that adorns the seats, center consoles, and steering wheel. Likewise, it comes equipped with a number of creature comforts like 10-way adjustable contoured seats along with second-row power folding and heated bucket seats. Other extras are a panoramic moonroof, power-retractable running boards, larger 22” wheels, and active noise control.
Platinum – $75,330
The top-tier Platinum package receives a boost in the horsepower and torque departments, now increased to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. The Platinum edition includes the King Ranch’s features (aside from the brown leather trim) along with a number of Navigator-level luxury accents like premium leather seating surfaces and wood accents. Likewise, most of the driver’s assistance features like parking, lane-centering, and steering assistance are included as standard fare.
Warranties
The 2020 Ford Expedition comes with an average warranty. The basic warranty provides 3 years or 36,000 miles of limited coverage with 5 years or 60,000 miles of powertrain coverage. Corrosion is covered for 5 years with unlimited mileage. Ford does not offer complimentary maintenance for the Expedition.
What we think
2020 Ford Expedition – ford.com | Shop 2020 Ford Expedition on Carsforsale.com
While it is one of the most expensive full-size SUVs, the 2020 Ford Expedition has a lot going for it. Ford made sure that this SUV is a spacious, capable, and well-rounded package with a potent V6 that offers better fuel economy than its rivals.
