The Ford's interior offers a lot of space and a surprising number of standard features from the base model upwards. With such a big space to trim, it's not surprising to find some shoddy materials inside, but for the most part, they're well-hidden and easy to forget. It's more of a problem higher up in the range where models cost more than $70,000. Substandard materials on such an expensive SUV leaves a sour taste in the mouth, although things have improved following the latest update.
Infotainment is good, with even the base XL STX model now featuring a 12-inch screen with all the modern connectivity features. In the base specification, you have to fold the third row down manually, but power adjustment is available on higher-spec models. Ford's Co-Pilot 360 is standard fitment on all trims and includes an impressive array of driver assistance features.
As standard, the Expedition is a five-seater, but the majority of the models are eight-seaters. Second-row captain's chairs can be added at an additional cost on most of the range, taking the seating count down to seven. Space is not a problem, either way. Front passengers get 43.9 inches of legroom and 42 inches of headroom. Passengers in the second row have 41.5 inches of legroom and 40 inches of headroom - a respectable list of numbers, but nothing truly extraordinary.
Ford's unique selling point is that its third row can accommodate a full-size human. For comparison's sake, the Chevy Tahoe's third-row legroom is 24.8 inches. The Expedition offers its third-row occupants a class-leading 36.1 inches of legroom and 37.3 inches of headroom. If you can convince the second-row passengers to slide forward a bit, the third-row legroom can be 40.9 inches, at best.
Ford Expedition Trims | XL STX | XLT | Limited | Timberline | King Ranch | Platinum |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seating | 5 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
Headroom Front Seat | 42 in. | 42 in. | 42 in. | 42 in. | 42 in. | 42 in. |
Headroom Back Seat | 40 in. | 40 in. | 40 in. | 40 in. | 40 in. | 40 in. |
Legroom Front Seat | 43.9 in. | 43.9 in. | 43.9 in. | 43.9 in. | 43.9 in. | 43.9 in. |
Legroom Back Seat | 41.5 in. | 41.5 in. | 41.5 in. | 41.5 in. | 41.5 in. | 41.5 in. |
Shoulder Room Front | 64.9 in. | 64.9 in. | 64.9 in. | 64.9 in. | 64.9 in. | 64.9 in. |
Shoulder Room Rear | 64.8 in. | 64.8 in. | 64.8 in. | 64.8 in. | 64.8 in. | 64.8 in. |
Hip Room, Front | 62.2 in. | 62.2 in. | 62.2 in. | 62.2 in. | 62.2 in. | 62.2 in. |
Hip Room, Rear | 62.6 in. | 62.6 in. | 62.6 in. | 62.6 in. | 62.6 in. | 62.6 in. |
The entry-level XL STX comes with a Black Onyx cloth interior, but you can choose between Black Onyx or Sandstone cloth or faux leather (at an extra cost) from the XLT upwards. The Limited trim gets leather in the same colors, with the addition of Mahogany. If you choose Black Onyx on the Limited, however, it's not a standalone option but part of a package, which adds $5,315 to the price of the Ford Expedition.
The new Timberline comes with perforated cloth/vinyl upholstery in Deep Cypress, or the same color with leather at an added cost. The King Ranch only has one interior option which is Java Del-Rio leather. The Platinum trim comes with leather with perforated seat inserts and quilted bolsters. The color choices here are Black Onyx, Light Sandstone, or Carmelo.
For a more luxurious feel, the King Ranch has Ziricote wood veneer trim and the Platinum boasts real wood accents on the center console. A leather-wrapped steering wheel is standard, and it has Tangerine stitching on the Timberline.
With all eight seats in place, the Expedition still offers a reasonable 20.9 cubic feet behind the third row. Fold the third-row flat, and you get 63.6 cubes of cargo capacity. As the XL STX is strictly a five-seater, the latter figure is its standard cargo capacity. With both the second and third-row folded flat, the cargo capacity grows to 104.6 cubic feet.
Interior storage is equally impressive. The center armrest between the front passengers is massive, and the door pockets are vast. The cupholder count is 15; nearly every passenger can bring two drinks along.
The base model is the XL STX and it is equipped with an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, tri-zone climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt-and-telescopic adjustment, four 12V power points, cruise control, keyless entry with push-button start, and Co-Pilot 360.
From XLT upwards, the third row comes with power recline, and you get an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a reverse sensing system. Timberline models add power-adjustable pedals, a 10-way power driver's seat, and a powered steering column. The Limited adds a hands-free liftgate, rain-sensing wipers, and power-deployable running boards. Front seats are heated and ventilated, while heating is added to the second-row seats, too. Forward collision sensors are standard from this trim, and the steering wheel is heated for additional comfort. The King Ranch comes with a model-specific leather interior, a panoramic moonroof, a 360-degree camera, and front and rear washers. In addition to a more powerful version of the standard engine, the Platinum spec also includes enhanced active noise control, inflatable rear safety belts, and multi-contour front seats with heating, ventilation, and a massage function.
The Sync 4 system is standard and is displayed on a 12-inch touchscreen. On the base model, it comes with connected navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, USB ports, an AM/FM radio, and six speakers. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also part of this package, as is enhanced voice recognition. With the XLT, SiriusXM with 360L is added, as are smart charging USB ports in the third row. The Timberline conveniently gets wireless phone charging, while the Limited has a 12-speaker B&O sound system and HD Radio. The King Ranch and Platinum usher in the Sync 4A infotainment system with a large 15.5-inch touchscreen display. It also has a powerful B&O Unleashed sound system with no less than 22 speakers. If desired, a rear-seat entertainment system with Amazon Fire TV and dual rear screens can be fitted.