2022 Ford Expedition MAX Review
What do our experts think of the 2022 Ford Expedition MAX? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
2022 Ford Expedition MAX – ford.com | Shop 2022 Ford Expedition MAX on Carsforsale.com
What’s new for the 2022 Ford Expedition MAX?
Consider 2022 as a mid-cycle refresh for the Expedition MAX. It has a new face and a new rear styling treatment as well. Inside the cabin the materials have been improved and there’s a new 15.5-inch infotainment system available that was originally introduced in the Mustang Mach-E. A new Stealth package is available on the Limited MAX model with more horsepower and a sport-tuned suspension.
The Breakdown
Incredibly spacious
Available BlueCruise is great
9,300-pound towing capacity
Ponderous handling
Unimpressive fuel economy
Can get pricey
Needs better steering feel
2022 Expedition MAX Specs
- 375 horsepower from base engine
- 470 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 4 available trims
- 35 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 121 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- 9,300-pound towing capacity
- Awesome optional 15.5-inch screen
- Standard forward-collision mitigation
- 5-year powertrain warranty
2022 Ford Expedition MAX Powertrain
While we haven’t had a chance to drive the Stealth Package equipped Limited trim, we can confirm that the base 375-horsepower Expedition MAX is plenty powerful enough. It’s certainly not fast, and we’d love to get a chance to see how that sport-tuned suspension might tighten up the handling but overall, it’s a very good powertrain. You’ll never feel like there’s not enough power to perform normal driving maneuvers and the 10-speed automatic is silky smooth regardless of drive mode.
Ride comfort is above that of rivals from General Motors and Dodge thanks to the independent rear suspension. The downside is that Ford is still struggling to make the Expedition feel solidly planted from the driver’s seat. Steering feedback is numb and unsettling on the highway because the whole SUV feels floaty. If we get a chance to test out that sport suspension we’ll update you here. For a review of the smaller two-row Expedition check out our review here.
Towing & Payload
The Max can tow 9,000 pounds. That’s considerably higher than the Chevy Suburban’s max of 7,800 and even beats out the Dodge Durango which can tug up to 8,700 pounds. For those who need to tow near or at that maximum the heavy duty towing package is required.
2022 Ford Expedition MAX Fuel Economy & MPG
No Ford Expedition MAX is particularly fuel efficient but with a maximum combined rating of 19 mpg according to the EPA, it’s not bad for a vehicle of this size. Adding AWD only dips that number to 18 mpg so it’s consistent regardless of trim and options.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Interior comfort and cargo room is the area where the Ford Expedition MAX really shines. Even before the update for the 2022 model year it was a supremely spacious and comfortable place to spend time. In terms of headroom it’s especially impressive in each of the three available rows. Now that it has even nicer materials throughout the cabin we’re even more impressed than in previous years too.
The dash has been slightly redesigned to better match the rest of the lineup and we really like the chunky but easy to use steering wheel. Physical switchgear throughout the cabin is easy to use if not a bit simplistic. On the XLT and Limited that’s fine but it does feel a little cheap in the King Ranch and the Platinum.
Entertainment & Technology
The standard technology package that comes in every Expedition MAX is very good. It starts out with a 12-inch infotainment system equipped with Ford’s Sync4 user interface. Not only does it include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay but buyers can also opt for a WiFi Hotspot subscription service. The dash is completely digital and provides bright and crisp graphics for vital information. Those who want even more advanced technology can opt for the same 15.5-inch vertically-oriented touchscreen from the Mustang Mach-E.
It’s not as intuitive in terms of the user interface but once buyers get used to it we think they’ll prefer it over the 12-inch option. A 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen premium audio system is also available. Ford also offers its BlueCruise hands-free driving assistance system on the Platinum trim.
Safety Features
CoPilot360 is standard on every Expedition and it comes with forward collision mitigation, automatic head beams, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. Buyers can add stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, evasive steering assist, and reverse brake assist among other technologies. Neither the IIHS nor the NHTSA has released scoring on the 2022 Ford Expedition MAX as of this writing.
2022 Ford Expedition MAX Trims & Pricing
XLT – $58,685
The XLT serves as the base trim for MAX buyers and it gets 18-inch wheels, a 12-inch infotainment system, tri-zone automatic climate control, fog lights, LED headlights, keyless entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and seating for eight.
Limited – $67,835
20-inch wheels kick off the Limited trim. They’re joined by front parking sensors, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free liftgate, available second-row captain’s chairs, rain-sensing wipers, a 12-speaker premium audio system, integrated navigation, and full-speed adaptive cruise control.
King Ranch – $78,335
As the first seriously luxurious version of the Expedition the King Ranch gets a 15.5-inch infotainment system, unique leather upholstery, 22-inch wheels, power-deployable running boards, power-folding second-row captain’s chairs, a surround view camera system, park assist, and a 12.4-inch digital driver display. Those who opt for the Stealth package can boost the engine to 440-horsepower and get a special sport-tuned suspension.
Platinum – $80,805
At the top of the lineup is the Platinum with its 400-horsepower version of the V6 as well as Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving assistant. It also gets upgraded leather, real wood interior trim, massaging and ventilated front seats, and active noise cancellation.
Warranties
Ford offers about the most basic warranty package available among its competitors. The Expedition’s powertrain is covered for up to five years or 60,000-miles and it has a Limited warranty of three-years or 36,000-miles from the date of purchase. No complimentary maintenance is offered.
What we think
2022 Ford Expedition MAX – ford.com | Shop 2022 Ford Expedition MAX on Carsforsale.com
This is one seriously capable SUV. It can haul up to eight people with all of their gear to just about anywhere in serious comfort. At the same time it’s not very good to drive and the upper trims can be incredibly expensive so be sure to cross shop it with its competitors and even the Lincoln Navigator.
