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New features, a new trim level, and more capability than ever make the 2021 Ford Expedition a strong competitor in the full-sized SUV segment.
What’s New for the 2021 Ford Expedition?
The large SUV market is booming with new offerings from Jeep, BMW, and others, but the entire segment owes much of its popularity to the Ford Expedition. As one of the oldest nameplates in this part of the automotive landscape, the Expedition will only add to its legacy with its 2021 edition.
The drivetrain in this full-sized SUV has never been easier to understand and every trim level can be equipped with four-wheel drive. The biggest addition to the Expedition lineup in 2021 is the XL STX trim level which is almost exclusively a fleet vehicle. Each trim gets brand new wheel designs, and Ford’s advanced safety suite, Co-Pilot360 Assist, is now available as an option on the XLT trim level. Let’s take a deep dive into one of the most competitive SUVs on sale today.
2021 Ford Expedition – ford.com | Shop 2021 Ford Expedition on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Very smooth ride
Incredibly spacious
Can tow small moons
Missing latest Sync system
Hard to place in tight spaces
Cheapish interior
2021 Expedition Specs
- 375 horsepower from base engine
- 470 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 20.9 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 104.6 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Outstanding 9,300-lb tow rating
- Premium Bang & Olufsen audio is great
- NHTSA rated 5-Stars in crash tests
- Industry standard warranty coverage
2021 Ford Expedition Powertrain
We’ve always loved the powertrain in the Expedition and that remains true now. Boasting 375 horsepower in nearly every trim, it’s more than enough to get this massive beast on the move quickly. Paired with a sublime 10-speed automatic transmission, it can get to 60mph in just 6.2 seconds. Even the larger Ford Expedition MAX version can hit that mark in 6.9 seconds, so no Expedition driver will be asking for more power. While competitors like Chevrolet and GMC offer more power and a V8 engine note, we think that for practical purposes this is more than enough.
When it comes to practical driving, the only real issue for the 2021 Ford Expedition is that due to its large size and somewhat restricted outward visibility, it can be hard to place in tighter spaces like cramped roads or parking lots. Knowing exactly where the corners of the vehicle are required use of the cameras or parking sensors. Steering and braking both provide above-average feedback. We noticed a touch of numbness on center with the wheel but it quickly responds to inputs beyond that. Braking feels good too with a short learning curve that should allow anyone to brake smoothly with ease.
Towing & Payload
When it comes to vehicles that can do almost anything you ask of them, the 2021 Ford Expedition tackles towing like it was born to do it. With a maximum towing capacity of 9,300 pounds, it’s one of the best in the business. When it comes time to haul gear, payload capacity is rated at 1,758 pounds so no worries there either.
2021 Ford Expedition Fuel Economy & MPG
Considering that the Expedition weighs at least 5,368 pounds, it’s pretty astonishing that it can achieve 19 mpg combined. The heftier 4WD MAX version drops only a single point to 18 mpg according to the EPA so there’s almost no penalty for those who need the added utility. That’s not as good as many competitors, but considering all that the 2021 Ford Expedition can do, we consider it a fair tradeoff.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The 2021 Ford Expedition finds an odd balance inside. We’re really looking forward to the next refresh as we expect higher-quality materials for the dashboard, center console, and door cards. Beyond those blemishes, the Expedition is one of the most comfortable places to be on the road.
For those that are above average height or weight space in and of itself is a luxury and to that end, this SUV (in MAX form especially) delivers in spades. Even the third-row offers serious legroom measured at 40.9 inches. For some context, that’s only 1.1 inches short of the second-row legroom offered in the 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe. In the Expedition, second-row legroom is even more generous at 42.6 inches.
Seating is supportive and easily adjustable throughout the cabin and we really love the massaging function on the Platinum model. It goes beyond the stale programs of others and does a better job of actually relaxing its occupants during a long drive. The Expedition handled practically any road surface without issue. Even badly damaged pavement didn’t unsettle the suspension or steering.
Cargo space is another win for this Ford as there’s, at worst, more than 20 cubic feet of cargo room in the back of the Expedition and it only gets better when the seats aren’t all in use. Of course, even in situations where the back is full and every seat has a person in it, this thing can tow more than 9,000 pounds.
Entertainment & Technology
Technology inside of the 2021 Ford Expedition can be a bit of a mixed bag as well. The XL STX trim features a small and dated infotainment system that feels unacceptable in a vehicle that costs $50,000+. The larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the rest of the range is much better and almost all of that praise is due to the excellent Sync 3 system.
The only concern is that Sync 4 has been in other Ford products for some time now and it really should be here too. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are both standard on Sync 3 but they’re the wired type. In Sync 4, it’s a wireless connection. Still, when it comes to ease of use and simplicity, Sync 3 is great and will usually be connected to your phone so fast that you quit thinking about it. The rear-seat infotainment system that’s available on Limited and above trims is also good and will do a great job of pacifying rear-seat occupants on long trips.
Safety Features
While we’re still waiting on the IIHS to test the 2021 Ford Expedition, the NHTSA has given it a 5-star crash test rating during their testing. In addition, we really like the CoPilot 360 safety suite and all it has to offer. We just wish the 360 Assist package was standard at this price.
2021 Ford Expedition Trims & Pricing
XL STX – $52,290
Buyers of the base 2021 Ford Expedition will be confined to the 5-seat version and won’t be able to select the longer MAX version of the SUV. Still, they’ll get the same twin-turbocharged V6 found in all other models mated to a 10-speed automatic. They’ll also get Co-Pilot 360, which is a package of safety equipment including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic high beams. All Expeditions are rear-wheel-drive but can be equipped with four-wheel-drive power for an upcharge. The XL STX will also come with a 4.2-inch infotainment system, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a Wi-Fi hotspot, 18-inch wheels, and fog lights.
XLT – $55,105
At the XLT level, buyers immediately get the third row back in addition to a proper 8-inch infotainment system using Sync 3, rear parking sensors, tri-zone automatic climate control, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. Heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel are available as optional extras.
Limited – $63,870
The first real attempt at luxury for the Expedition happens at the Limited level with 20-inch wheels, heated seats in both the front and second-row as well as the option to go with a pair of captain chairs for the second-row as opposed to the bench. Buyers also get leather upholstery, power-folding mirrors, a hands-free liftgate, power-deployable running boards, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. On the safety side of the coin, Ford’s Co-Pilot360 Assist becomes standard and adds adaptive cruise control as well as integrated navigation to the standard safety suite.
King Ranch – $75,030
This special Expedition adds more luxury and tech. Outside it gets 22-inch wheels, LED headlights and fog lights, stone gray trim, and trim-specific badges. Inside, passengers will find a panoramic glass roof, special leather upholstery, power-folding captain chairs, and two parking systems. The first is Park Assist, which steers the vehicle into space on its own, and the second is a 360-degree top-down camera view to assist as well.
Platinum – $75,858
Go all out on the Expedition and the engine gets re-tuned to build 400 horsepower as opposed to the standard 375. Torque bumps from 470 ft-lb to 480. Buyers will also get active noise cancellation, power-folding second and third-row seats, upgraded leather upholstery, satin aluminum exterior trim, massaging and ventilated front seats, and real wood on the center console.
Warranties
Warranty coverage for the 2021 Ford Expedition is consistent with the rest of the market. Ford offers 3 years or 36,000 miles worth of limited warranty coverage and covers the powertrain for 5 years or 60,000 miles. No complimentary maintenance is offered.
What we think
2021 Ford Expedition – ford.com | Shop 2021 Ford Expedition on Carsforsale.com
For large families or those that need to transport 5 or more people regularly, the 2021 Ford Expedition is a great all-around vehicle. It’s capable of hauling people and things in comfort over long distances without being loud, bumpy, or cramped.
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