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The Greenest Car of 2024 Isn’t an EV2023 Ford Expedition MAX: Big Bold Cruiser
What do our experts think of the 2023 Ford Expedition Max? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
What’s New for the 2023 Ford Expedition MAX?
Now in its fourth generation, the 2023 Ford Expedition Max is the long-wheelbase version of the regular Expedition. Every one of the trim levels comes with the same V6 engine and 10-speed automatic though some make more power than others.
Rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are both available and all models get a spacious interior, serious towing capability, and nice fit-and-finish.
Ford isn’t doing much new on the 2023 Expedition Max compared to last year’s model. A new Iconic Silver paint is available for the Platinum model, and some trims get black-painted fog light bezels.
2023 Ford Expedition MAX – ford.com | Shop 2023 Ford Expedition MAX on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Roomy interior
Great powertrain
Top-notch towing
Pricey upper trims
Lacks a lot of standard safety tech
Numb handling
A vehicle with few rivals
2023 Ford 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
- Towing capacity of 9,300 lbs
- Available 15.5-inch infotainment screen
- Available BlueCruise tech
- Very basic 3-year warranty
2023 Ford Expedition MAX Powertrain
Under the hood of every Expedition Max is a twin-turbocharged V6 engine and a ten-speed automatic transmission. It feeds power to either the rear wheels only or all four depending on trim and options. In the base model, the engine develops 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque but those figures jump up to 400 and 480 respectively for the top-level Platinum trim. The optional Stealth Proformance package gets the most power with 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque.
All trims benefit from good low-end torque and top-end power thanks to that smooth transmission. It’s one of the best in the business and keeps the Expedition Max in the power band with ease. It’s also very smooth and never seems to be hunting for the right gear.
If there’s anything to complain about in this big SUV it’s just that, size. Weighing in at somewhere north of 5,300 pounds, this thing can easily tip the scales at over three tons when loaded down with people and things. As a result, it handles much like you’d imagine a vehicle of its size, slowly.
In parking lots and at low speeds it’s pretty capable but put it on the highway and the numb steering feel can be a bit unsettling. Cross-shop this with a Chevrolet Suburban and the steering difference is even more obvious.
Towing & Payload
It’s rare to find a vehicle that can fit this many people, has this much available horsepower, handles decently at low speed, and can tow a lot too but that’s exactly what you get with the Expedition Max.
When properly equipped with the heavy-duty tow package it’ll pull up to 9,300 pounds. It can also haul up to 1,750 pounds of payload in the cabin. It’s basically a truck and an SUV in one vehicle.
2023 Ford Expedition MAX Fuel Economy & MPG
According to the EPA, the Expedition gets at best 19 mpg combined which isn’t all that bad when you consider just how big this SUV is. 4WD models see a dip in economy to 18 mpg combined.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
There’s little doubt that the Expedition Max lives up to its name when it comes to interior comfort. All three rows can accommodate adults without serious compromise. That can’t be said of many vehicles save for a van here or there.
In addition to the space, the Expedition Max offers above-average fit-and-finish along with the option to add really luxurious materials for those who want them.
The front seats offer a clean dash and center console view along with available heated, ventilated, and massaging features. The second row is available with a bench or with captain’s chairs.
The third row is only available as a bench but is available as a power-adjustable unit so that the driver can raise or lower them at the push of a button, which is one of our favorite family-car features.
Cargo space is excellent with 35 cubic feet of volume behind the third row and just over 120 cubic feet with the back two rows folded down.
Entertainment & Technology
Most Expedition Maxes will use a 12-inch infotainment screen with Ford’s excellent Sync4 user interface. It’s quick and easy to navigate plus it incorporates Android Auto and Apple CarPlay seamlessly. The stock sound system is fine but with only six speakers it can feel a bit underpowered.
Thankfully, Ford offers a couple of upgrades. A 12-speaker package is also available and is probably the sweet spot. Those who want the very best can get a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio package. A large vertically-oriented 15.5-inch infotainment system is also available and it looks great but can be a tad more difficult to navigate.
Safety Features
The IIHS hasn’t released safety information regarding the Expedition Max but it did score five stars in crash testing with the NHTSA. On top of that Ford offers forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keep assist as standard features on every Expedition Max. More sophisticated tech like adaptive cruise control, surround-view, and BlueCruise cost extra.
2023 Ford Expedition MAX Trims & Pricing
XLT MAX- $61,685
The base Expedition Max comes with 380 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. It also gets 18-inch wheels, seating for five passengers, LED headlights, fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 12-inch infotainment system, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and six speakers.
The XLT includes seating for eight, tri-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a satellite radio.
Limited MAX- $70,505
The Limited gets 400 hp and 480 and gets 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, a hands-free liftgate, heated seats in the front two rows, leather upholstery, available captain’s chairs for the second row, front parking sensors, integrated navigation, 12 speakers, and adaptive cruise control.
King Ranch MAX – $80,560
This upper trim level adds a two-tone exterior, ranch-themed accents, 22-inch wheels, power-deployable running boards, unique leather upholstery, power-folding second-row captain’s chairs, a 15.5-inch infotainment system, a digital gauge cluster, a surround-view camera system, and park assist.
Platinum MAX- $84,305
The top trim gets 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque along with upgraded leather, an adaptive suspension, real wood trim, massaging, and ventilated front seats, power-folding third-row seats, active noise cancellation, and Ford’s BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving technology.
Warranties
Ford covers the entire Expedition Max from nose to tail for three years or 36,000 miles. The powertrain gets coverage for up to five years or 60,000 miles. Those are about the most basic warranties in the business and Ford doesn’t sweeten the deal with complimentary maintenance either.
What we think
2023 Ford Expedition MAX – ford.com | Shop 2023 Ford Expedition MAX on Carsforsale.com
This is one huge SUV and for many families, we think it’ll check a lot of boxes. It’s probably overpriced and oversized but excess is the name of the game these days. To that end, the Expedition Max offers outstanding interior space, modern technology, and serious utility regardless of the trim level one picks.
Those who want more advanced features can get those too with BlueCruise, auto parking, and more. If this is your kind of rig we suggest digging into our article on new car incentives before pulling this pricey trigger. Of course, a used Expedition Max might be the better way to go.
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