2021 Ford Expedition

Only the largest of SUVs or those that value performance above other considerations still use V6 and V8 engines. So, considering its size and heritage, it's not surprising that the Expedition SUV is sticking with an old-school 3.5-liter 6-cylinder gas unit. However, Ford has moved with the times and strapped a pair of turbochargers onto it. This results in a fairly impressive 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque on the base model, and 400 hp and 480 lb-ft on the top-spec Platinum. Regulating all this brawn is a talented 10-speed automatic transmission, which can send outputs to your choice of front- or four-wheel drive. So, while the Expedition won't be winning any drag races, thanks to its considerable bulk, it isn't afraid to venture off-road when properly outfitted. Similarly, when equipped correctly, a rear-wheel drive Expedition has a maximum towing capacity of 9,300 pounds.

This is the last year you'll be able to get the fourth-generation with its original looks, as it will be receiving a mid-life facelift in 2022. So, if you've seen the upcoming changes and prefer the OG Expedition, now is the time to buy. You wouldn't be doing yourself a disservice, as the 2021 Ford Expedition is a great purchase. It is large, powerful, spacious, and well-equipped. It's not perfect, mind you. There are some questionable choices when it comes to the quality of materials used in the cabin, and the rear-most seats could have more space, which is probably why the base model does without them altogether. Nevertheless, both the NHTSA and IIHS review the 2021 Ford Expedition well and give it stellar safety ratings, and the brand has a good reputation for reliability. Overall, it is a solid pick for the large 5-door SUV segment, even before it gets the expected updates for the new model year.

While the base price of the 2021 Ford Expedition SUV is moderately reasonable at just over $50,000, the top-tier models are ludicrously priced for what they add. Therefore, to get the most bang for your buck, we recommend aiming somewhere in the middle. The Limited will save you $10k over the top trims and still comes with nice-to-have features like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated captain's chairs, tri-zone climate control, and a great Bang & Olufsen sound system. If you really want the higher-quality LED headlights and the enhanced active park assist, you can option these on for $3,820, which means you're still well below the asking price of the King Ranch and Platinum.