2022 Ford Expedition Max Review: For The Fans
Last year, the fourth-generation Ford Expedition was held back by some second-rate cabin materials and outdated tech. Ford obviously read the right reviews, as the Ford Expedition Max cruises into 2022 with fancier exterior styling, updated cabin materials, and significantly more up-to-the-minute tech. With its 380-horsepower twin-turbo V6, modern and commodious interior, and 9,000-pound towing capacity, Ford's refreshed Expedition Max remains a versatile cruiser that, with its latest enhancements, is now more compelling than ever before. It's still an expensive SUV, a little cumbersome to drive, and not very fuel-efficient, but there is a lot to like that will help it steal attention from competitors like the Chevrolet Suburban and Cadillac Escalade ESV. In the USA, the price of the 2022 Ford Expedition Max starts at $58,685, making it a compelling full-size family SUV.
Expedition Max Exterior
A far more modern and assertive front end denominates the Expeditions improvements and changes for 2022. It sports new LED wrap-around headlights that merge with the revised Twin Spar grille. That new maw is underscored by a revised lower fascia and two flanking air dams. Ford has also slightly altered the Expeditions tailgate design and the taillights to match the more modern and refined look. A panoramic vista roof is included from the King Ranch trim.
18-inch wheels are standard on base models while higher up in the range, 20-inch alloys fill the arches. The King Ranch and Platinum models have 22-inch wheels as standard, however, to maximise on the look of bold style.
Dimensions
Despite its exterior revisions, the 2022 Ford Expedition Max retains its monstrous dimensions. It spans an overall length of 221.9 inches with 131.6 inches making up its wheelbase - it's 11.9 inches longer than the regular Expedition. It stands at a height of 76.4 inches in 4x2 guise and 76.2 inches in 4x4 guise. With the sideview mirrors out, the Expedition's width comes in at 93.4 inches, which drops down to 83.6-inches with the mirrors folded in.
The large SUV boasts a 24-degree approach angle, a 20.3-degree breakover angle, and a 21.5-degree departure angle in 4x2 guise, or 23.7/20.1/21.3 degrees angles in 4x4 guise. Ground clearance is 9.8 inches off for 4x2 models, with 4x4 versions losing 0.1 of an inch.
Naturally, this behemoth is a heavy vehicle, with curb weights ranging from 5,534 pounds to 5,794 lbs in its heaviest configuration.
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
221.9 in | 131.6 in | 76.4 in | 79.9 in | 67.6 in | 67.2 in | 5,544.0 lbs |
Expedition Max Performance
Engine and Transmission
Powering the burly cruiser that is the Expedition Max is a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that churns out a healthy 380 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. A high-output version of the engine is also available on Limited models and can make up to 440 hp and 510 lb-ft with the Limited Stealth Performance Package equipped and using 93 Octane fuel. Either way, the V6 works in conjunction with a ten-speed automatic transmission to cede power through to either the Expedition Max's rear-wheel drivetrain or all-wheel drivetrain. Power and torque is plentiful for the Expedition Max despite its immense proportions and hefty curb weight, and the engine and transmission work seamlessly together for strong and smooth acceleration responses at any speed. The Expedition Max can lug up to 9,000 lbs in tow with the heavy-duty trailer towing package opted in.
Handling and Driving Impressions
Though the Expedition Max's engine imbues it with more than enough grunt, the Expedition Max is still a really hefty vehicle and its size and weight are very noticeable, especially around corners at speed. Because of its size, it's really tough to maneuver through tight city streets and parking lots, which makes available driver assists even more important. The steering feels disconnected, but this isn't too uncommon for vehicles in the classification.
Once out on the open road, however, the Expedition Max is a polished and serene cruiser. It powers on steadfastly and its suspension deals with just about all road imperfections and speed bumps with ease, making for a comfortable ride for those in the back.
Expedition Max Gas Mileage
With how large and hefty the Expedition Max is, it's no surprise that it doesn't return good gas mileage figures at all - it's a vehicle designed to get up to speed with eight people on board and with loads of cargo in tow. With the V6 and transmission running power to the Expedition Max's RWD system, the EPA records gas mileage estimates of 16/23/19 mpg through the city/highway/combined driving cycles. Option in the AWD system and those figures drop down to 16/21/18 mpg through those same cycles. This is slightly worse than regular Expeditions.
Fill up the Max's 27.8-gallon fuel tank, and the SUV in RWD guise should give you around 528 miles of driving range.
Expedition Max Interior
Seating and Interior Space
There is loads of room in the regular Expedition's cabin, and since the extended-length Expedition Max is designed to offer even more, you can be sure all seven, or eight, occupants will be comfortable. With three rows of seats, the base model comes with seating for eight, while captain's chairs are standard in the Limited, cutting the maximum passenger count to seven. In higher trims, the Expedition feels modern and classy and with leather and the panoramic roof opted in, is a great place to spend time. Even in the rear seats, adults will be relatively comfortable - a unique selling point for a three-row SUV.
Expedition Max Trunk and Cargo Space
Most of the extra space resulting from the Expedition Max's extended body and wheelbase length goes straight to the cargo bay, which includes an impressive 34.3-cubic-foot space with the third-row seats in place. Folding down the third-row seats expands that space to 73.3 cubic feet while folding down the second-row seats results in a capacious 121.5 cubic feet. There is more than enough room in the Expedition Max's trunk for a full team's baseball gear. These are substantial improvements over the regular-length Expedition.
In-cabin storage solutions are plentiful, too, with a small-items storage tray and an enormous center console storage bin provided upfront along with a spacious glove box. There are large door side pockets front and back, and large cupholders are provided for every seat.
Features
Ford extensively outfits the Expedition Max with creature comforts, conveniences, and tech as standard fare. Remote entry and start, push-button start, and an illuminated entry system with courtesy lamp delay all let you know to expect much more. The driver is presented with a leather-clad steering wheel and shifter, an eight-way power-adjustable seat, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror integrated with a universal garage door opener. Tri-zone automatic climate control and power-folding 60/40-split third-row seats come standard throughout the Max line. Moving up the line sees the addition of steering wheel heating, a ten-way power-adjustable driver's seat, power-adjustable pedals, an eight-way power front passenger seat, heating and ventilation on the first and second-row seats, and ambient LED cabin lighting. Exclusive to the top-spec Platinum are multi-contour front seats with Active Motion and enhanced active noise control.
Ford's Co-Pilot360 driver-assist suite comes standard throughout the line, providing high-beam headlamps, driver alert, forward collision warning, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-keep assist, dynamic brake support, blind-spot assist with cross-traffic alert, and trailer sway control. A forward sensing system, a surround-view camera, and automatic park assist system are available higher up in the line.
Infotainment
One of the most significant Improvements Ford applied to the Expedition Max for its 2022 facelift was in its infotainment setup. An enormous 12-inch infotainment touchscreen now graces the center dash. It's positioned vertically and features an integrated turn-style controller in the lower section for easier use. As of the King Ranch, the 12-inch touchscreen is replaced by an even larger 15.5-inch touchscreen. In the XL and XLT, an AM/FM stereo with a six-speaker setup is standard. The Limited is installed with a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround-sound audio system and with the King Ranch and Platinum, you get a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. Full smartphone integration, including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, is included with every model along with SiriusXM and HD radio connectivity, Bluetooth streaming, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
Expedition Max Problems and Reliability
While the NHTSA indicates that there have been no recalls commissioned for the 2022 Ford Expedition Max specifically, the regular Expedition has been recalled for failing trailer brakes which does apply to the Max as well. Additionally, the 2021 Ford Expedition was subjected to three major recalls, including an urgent notice of fire risk. The other recalls pertained to failing windshield wipers and damaged front door side impact sensors.
Ford covers the Expedition Max with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile drivetrain warranty.
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|
3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles |
Expedition Max Safety
The NHTSA hasn't fully evaluated the 2022 Expedition Max for its crashworthiness, providing just a full five-star rating for its side crash protection evaluation and a lowly three stars for rollover tests. The NHTSA did conduct a full safety review of the 2021 model, however, and scored it with a full five-star rating overall. The IIHS hasn't evaluated the Expedition Max at all.
Along with Ford's full Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assists, the Expedition Max also comes standard-fit with stability control, ABS, and six airbags including side curtain airbags. Optional safety aids include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot intervention with cross-traffic alert and trailer coverage, as well as a surround-view camera.
Verdict: Is The 2022 Ford Expedition Max A Good SUV?
The Ford Expedition Max simply improves on the already excellent versatility and practicality of the ever-popular Expedition. Ford has really upped the ante this year by means of a thorough refresh. Previously ridiculed for cheap cabin materials and lack of modern technology, Ford has improved the Expedition in all the areas that matter. The all-new 12- and 15.5-inch infotainment touchscreens are phenomenal, and the Bang & Olufsen surround-sound audio systems just bolster the immersive and high-tech impression. All models come with first-rate and attractive cabin materials now, too, and there are still plenty of comforts and conveniences provided as standard. Because of its immense size and heft, the Expedition Max is still a difficult vehicle to drive and maneuver around city streets and parking lots and it's not cheap to fill up. But it's impressively composed and comfortable on the road once at cruising speeds. The Ford Expedition Max is certainly one vehicle worth considering, especially if you've got a big family.
What's the Price of the 2022 Ford Expedition Max?
Ford provides the fleet-only XL trim at around $54,650 while the rest of the lineup starts with an MSRP of $58,685 with the XLT as the base model for mainstream buyers. The 2022 Ford Expedition Max Limited model has a base price of $67,835; for the high output twin-turbo V6, you'll have to opt-in the Stealth Performance Equipment group which costs $9,540. King Ranch models will set you back $78,355. The range-topping Max Platinum has a sticker price of $80,805. Adding 4x4 requires an extra $3,050.
All prices exclude Ford's $1,795 destination charge and Ford's $645 acquisition fee.
What Ford Expedition Max Model Should I Buy?
If you want a simple full-size family SUV and you're considering the Expedition Max just for its extended cargo bay, then the XLT will suit you just fine. Otherwise, the King Ranch, with its distinctive styling and very many attractive upgrades is a really compelling offer. It comes outfitted with the 12.4-inch digital driver information display which along with the 15.5-inch infotainment touchscreen avails the cabin with a really futuristic and high-tech impression. The infotainment system is also upgraded with the 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen surround-sound system which just adds another layer to the whole experience. There's not that much more offered by the top-spec Platinum, and unlike the King Ranch, which comes with genuine Del Rio leather seating upholstery, the Platinum is stuck with regular leather-trimmed seating upholstery.