At 221.9 inches lengthy, the Ford Expedition Max is a few foot longer than the usual Expedition SUV, making it one of many largest — if not the largest — non-commercial autos in Ford’s fleet. And in top-of-the-line Platinum trim, the $84,000 instance that lately rolled into Roadshow HQ can also be one in all Ford’s costliest.It is so costly as a result of Platinum, in Ford parlance, means “each bell and each whistle.” Selecting this trim stage will get you each luxurious and tech amenity within the Expedition’s arsenal. There are even just a few upgrades distinctive to the Platinum mannequin, similar to a major energy and torque bump.Meet ‘Max’That additional stretch on the skin pays off inside, with an enormous serving to of cargo house. The Expedition Max boasts 15 further cubic ft of cargo house behind the second row in comparison with its shorter-wheelbase sibling, rising to 34.three cubic ft complete. Fold the final row flat to increase the maintain to 73.three complete cubic ft.
9 inches of the Expedition Max’s further size is inside the wheelbase which must also release extra legroom on the second row, however not as a lot as you’d assume. The third row remains to be type of small, however I used to be capable of match my 5-foot, 10-inch body pretty comfortably again there. Nonetheless, anybody taller than I’m in all probability will not have a pleasing trip within the way-back.
The geometry of the lengthy wheelbase additionally barely reduces the departure and breakover angles. There’s lower than a level distinction, however it’s price noting for people who would possibly wish to enterprise off highway.Huge Max boasts a barely bigger gas tank (28.three gallons vs. 23.three) which stretches this instance’s theoretical cruising vary to about 595 miles (82 miles extra). That is regardless of its 100 kilos of additional curb weight (5,793 kilos complete) which causes a 1-mpg hit to the freeway financial system estimate. EcoBoosted PerformanceSpeaking of gas financial system, the “Eco” benefit is without doubt one of the major causes that Ford moved to the EcoBoost V6 engine as the first choice for the Expedition and Expedition Max for this era. The three.5-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 makes 375 horsepower and a wholesome 470 pound-feet of torque, which is about 100 pound-feet greater than the earlier era’s Triton V8.Go for the Platinum trim, nonetheless, and output is raised to 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque, which is about 100 pound-feet greater than the 2018 Chevrolet Suburban’s 5.3L Ecotec V8 makes. You may go forward and insert your individual “substitute for displacement” cliché right here.On regular-grade gasoline, the EcoBoost is sweet for an EPA-estimated 17 miles per gallon metropolis, 24 mpg freeway and 20 mpg mixed for the non-Max Expedition within the 4×2 configuration. My 4×4 Max Platinum steps all the way down to 16 metropolis, 21 freeway and 18 mixed. My week of testing averaged out to about 19 mpg — consistent with the estimates.
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All of that torque flows by way of a 10-speed SelectShift computerized transmission on its approach to the rear wheels, or to all 4 in 4×4 spec. Along with four-wheel drive, my Expedition got here geared up with a two-speed switch case and Terrain Administration software program. Terrain Administration is a set of drive mode presets that regulate the traction management, transmission, suspension and energy supply to maximise off-road efficiency on dust, snow, rocks and sand.Relying on the packages spec’d, the Expedition boasts a most 9,300 kilos of towing capability within the standard-wheelbase, 4×2 configuration. My 4×4 Max steps all the way down to a good 9,000 kilos, however that is nonetheless loads, and the Expedition boasts a variety of applied sciences aimed toward making towing simpler. My favourite is the Professional Trailer Backup Help: a steering help expertise that permits drivers to regulate the swing of a trailer when reversing through the use of a steering knob on the dashboard.
I’ve already gone into element relating to how this method works and a side-by-side towing comparability with the Expedition and a Chevrolet Suburban in my First Drive, which you’ll be able to dig into right here.Ford Syncs up with AlexaThe Expedition comes normal with a stable load of cabin tech, beginning with the now-familiar Sync three infotainment system within the dashboard. Right here, it is as snappy and responsive as ever and the interface is even simpler to navigate, unfold out on the Expedition’s giant display. (Although, it may be a little bit of a stretch to truly attain that display on the large dashboard.)This time round, Ford’s suite of Sync apps is joined by new integrations with Amazon’s Alexa service. A number of voice-activated Alexa “abilities” allow all the pieces from activating sensible dwelling options to taking part in Amazon Prime Music playlists. Ask Alexa to play 20 Questions on a highway journey and it will be completely happy to oblige.
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In fact, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are nonetheless normal on Sync three, giving drivers an effective way to deliver their very own Google, Waze and Apple Maps and a wide array of audio streaming apps on the highway. Nonetheless, Ford’s onboard navigation works relatively effectively with a stable voice command system and stay visitors updates.Flip-by-turn instructions, music and extra are all performed again through a 12-speaker B&O premium audio system. This is without doubt one of the first Ford autos to characteristic this method and it sounds fairly good with well-staged highs, clear bass and many quantity.Holding passengers’ gadgets juiced are a pair of USB ports per row (six complete), a Qi wi-fi charging pad up entrance, 4 12-volt energy factors scattered all through the cabin and cargo space and a 110-volt, 150-watt AC outlet highly effective sufficient to run a 50-inch tv whereas tailgating.If that weren’t sufficient, there’s an non-compulsory rear seat leisure system with a pair of headrest mounted shows with their very own DVD readers, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot performance and a complete of 15 cup holders. This isn’t a nasty cabin to seek out oneself crammed into throughout a highway journey. The Platinum Max additionally wraps an upgraded cabin round that tech with nicer leather-based upholstery, wooden cabin accents and a great deal of chrome and polished aluminum trim. The entrance buckets characteristic therapeutic massage, heating and air flow. Mainly, going Platinum makes each non-compulsory characteristic within the Expedition’s arsenal normal. That features a normal adaptive suspension (non-compulsory at decrease trims), power-retractable facet working boards, a panoramic sunroof, LED exterior lights and chrome and polished aluminum exterior trim. Good driver assist techPicking Platinum additionally makes each driver assist characteristic within the catalog normal. All of those options can be found as choices at decrease trim ranges, both à la carte or as a part of packages. That features computerized excessive beam headlamps, adaptive cruise management with stop-and-go visitors help, in addition to a ahead collision warning system with pedestrian detection and computerized emergency braking. On the freeway, blind-spot monitoring and a lane departure warning system assist to maintain Huge Max’s appreciable size in test. At decrease speeds, the rear cross-traffic alert notified me of oncoming visitors whereas reversing and I bought plenty of use out of the Platinum mannequin’s normal 360-degree digital camera and proximity sensors.
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I additionally discovered Ford’s semi-automated parking help system to be an enormous assist with tucking the huge SUV into San Francisco-sized parking areas. With the contact of a button, this method can scan for parallel or perpendicular parking areas and steer the Expedition into place whereas I, the driving force, retained management of the accelerator and brakes. It even includes a Park Out Help perform to assist wiggle itself again out of tight areas.How I might spec itThe 2019 Expedition XLT begins at $53,085 (together with a $1,295 vacation spot cost), however my Max Platinum mannequin tops the road out at round $80,160. There aren’t many choices left to get at this trim stage, however we’re fully-loaded with the 4×4 improve, Towing bundle and extra, bringing the as-tested value to $83,725. At that value and this well-equipped, you could possibly take into account the Expedition Max Platinum a stable low-cost various to the Lincoln Navigator or Cadillac Escalade — maybe not as comfortable, however shut sufficient for a lot much less cash.
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Nonetheless, in case your ambitions are extra modest, you could possibly save some huge cash stepping all the way down to the standard-wheelbase Restricted 4×4 trim stage ($65,800) and being pickier with the chosen choices. Out of the field, the Restricted trim boasts a typical characteristic checklist that is nonetheless very well-equipped with lots of the options that impressed most on the Platinum. A 301A bundle ($three,030) fills within the blanks, getting you a lot of the driver assist options that matter with one test field. I might additionally add the Enhanced Lively Park Help for $400 extra, bringing the worth to a way more cheap $69,935.You would possibly end up cross-shopping towards the getting old Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada, however I would not — each of those autos really feel much less fashionable than the EcoBoosted Expedition. The Expedition and Expedition Max examine most precisely and favorably towards Chevrolet’s Tahoe and Suburban and GMC’s Yukon and Yukon XL. The GM quadruplets are higher sellers, however I might argue that this new Ford is a greater SUV with a unbelievable 10-speed powertrain, stable cabin, driver assist tech and sensible options (just like the Professional Trailer Help) that make dwelling with an enormous ol’ SUV a lot simpler.