Ford Expedition variants explained

When people say “size doesn’t matter,” they obviously haven’t stepped into Ford’s largest and most plush SUV in the country, the Expedition.

The Detroit-automaker modestly calls it an eight-seater, but I’m sure you could easily fit in 10 with still inches to spare.

Launched in 1997 as a replacement for the Bronco, this full-size SUV shares the same platform, body, and mechanical components as Ford’s pickup truck, the F-150.

Now in its fourth-generation, we take a look at the two variants, the Expedition 4x4 Limited EL and the Expedition 4x4 Limited EL with bucket seats, offered by Ford Philippines. The EL stands for Extended Length, which means this is longer than the standard-sized Expedition by 330mm.

 

Just like the pickup truck it’s based on, the Expedition uses a body-on-frame architecture with a combination of boron steel, which increases its hardiness, and aluminum, plus it gets a new four-wheel independent suspension system design and an updated powertrain.

It has a Class IV trailer hitch receiver with seven- and four-pin connectors, electric power-assisted steering, power four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock braking system (ABS) and trailer sway control.

To make it lighter and more fuel efficient, it again takes a page off the F-150 and uses aluminum-alloy on the four-door body. It’s bestowed halogen headlamps with configurable daytime running lamps, halogen fog lamps, Easy Fuel capless fuel filler, front tow hooks, hands-free foot-activated liftgate and manual lift glass, auto-fold power heated sideview mirrors with auto-dimming driver’s side, power panoramic vista roof (that spans the first two rows) with power sunshade, bright side rails roof rack, intermittent front and rear wipers, privacy glass for the second-, third-row, and liftgate window, and a windshield wiper de-icer.

Unlock the doors via the remote keyless entry system with intelligent access and push-start button or the SecuriCode invisible keypad. As you open the doors, the power-deployable, magnetic-painted (with polished stainless access) running board deploys from under the chassis so you can step up comfortably before it flips back after the doors are closed.

The cabin’s real estate is so expansive, even by SUV standards, that the center console alone is almost a foot wide. That’s big enough to hold every mobile device of each of the nine passengers along with chargers and external batteries.

First row seats bear the “Platinum” badge and are all power, 10-way adjustable with power lumbar and recline, while the second row adjusts two-way manually – making its legroom very customizable, and the third row sporting a 60:40 PowerFold technology. Optional are second-row, power-folding 40:20:40 tip-and-slide seats or even bucket seats.

Each row also has its own climate control vent, 12V power points, six USB ports, and even a 110V power outlet as well.

The steering wheel comes mounted with audio and cruise controls, and buttons to view vehicle settings and the trip computer on the 4.2-inch monitor inside the instrument cluster.

All the fun stuff is located on the eight-inch color LCD (liquid crystal display) capacitive touchscreen of the infotainment system with Sync3, MyFord Touch, and built-in navigation. It has Bluetooth input, a wireless charging pad, and routes audio to a Bang & Olufsen Play Premium audio system with Harman with 12 speakers and HD (high definition) radio technology. It also controls the air-conditioning system and doubles as the rearview monitor when backing up.

Other cabin features include ambient lighting, auto-dimming rearview mirror, a cargo management system, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, 15 cupholders, power windows with one-touch up/down for the first row, remote start system, rotary gear shift dial, and power tilt and telescopic steering column.

Under the hood of both the Expedition 4x4 Limited EL and the Expedition 4x4 Limited EL with Bucket Seats is the same 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine that puts out 375hp and 637Nm of torque that send power to an all-wheel drive system via a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission.

It also comes with Ford’s Terrain Management System, AdvanceTrac with roll stability control, front-seat side airbags, individual tire pressure monitoring system (excluding spare tire), child-safety rear door locks, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children), MyKey technology, perimeter alarm, personal safety system with dual-stage front airbags, safety canopy system with side curtain airbags and rollover sensor, SecuriLock passive anti-theft system, SOS Post-Crash Alert System.

Driver-assist technologies include forward sensing system, Autolamp automatic on/off headlamps, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), Hill Descent Control, Hill Start Assist, rearview camera with backup assist grid lines and washer, reverse sensing system, and traction control.

Choice of interior leather and color include Oxford White, White Platinum Metallic Tri-Coat, Ingot Silver, White Gold, Ruby Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Blue, Stone Gray, Magnetic, Shadow Black, Ebony Cloth, Medium Stone Cloth, Ebony Leather, Medium Stone Leather, Medium Soft Ceramic Leather with Perforated Inserts and Quilted Bolsters, Ebony Leather with Perforated Inserts and Quilted Bolsters.

Available exterior colors are Shadow black, White Platinum, Magnetic Metallic, and Blue Metallic.

Exterior accessories are a hood deflector, racks and carriers, roof crossbars, splash guards, Sportz tent, trailer towing accessories, and wheel lock kits.

Cabin accessories include ash cup and coin holders, cargo organizers and protectors, carpeted floor mats, first aid and roadside assistance kits, floor liners, in-vehicle safe, interior light kit, leather-trimmed interior seating, protective seat covers, tablet cradle, and UVS100 custom sunscreen.

Available electronic are Bullfrog potable Bluetooth speakers, rear seat entertainment, vehicle security system, and warning sensor systems.

The Expedition 4x4 Limited EL is priced at P4.479 million while the Expedition 4x4 Limited EL with Bucket Seats go P4.612 million.

Photo from Ford