Ford's Expedition Is Solid, But Is That Enough? 2024 Ford Expedition Review

Ford's Expedition hasn't been around as long as some of you might think. It first launched in 1997, more than 55 years after Chevy's first Suburban rolled onto American roads, but quickly gained a cult following. The second generation Expedition in 2003 changed the full-size American SUV segment forever, thanks to a new independent rear suspension. The move to IRS in the back made the Expedition's ride quality hands down the best, and although controversial at the start, guess what every other full-size SUV maker decided to do: copy Ford. Now in it's 5th generation the Expedition still came with a few segment firsts when it launched in 2018, like the standard twin-turbo V6, but the competition didn't stand still... So where does the Expedition fit in? Why would you want one over the GM or Jeep or Toyota competition? Let's find out.
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00:00 Introduction
01:01 Front End
02:09 Competition to Consider
02:36 Size
03:50 Back End
04:11 Suspension and Ride Height
04:53 Powertrains
05:50 Towing
06:46 Front Seat Comfort
07:45.Rear Seats
11:13 Storage
12:24 Interior
16:58 On the Road and Ratings
22:42 Pricing
24:00 Vs the Competition
29:46 In Conclusion

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

What do you guys think? Is a 2-row Expedition as epic as I think it is?

[@ALMX5DP]

Yes, I'd love to see what the cargo space looks like without the third row installed. That kind of model essentially gives you MAX level of space without the MAX length, and potentially some good payload and towing numbers to boot.

[@havfunonline]

I am fascinated by it if you’re a person who tows/hauls a lot and doesn’t need 7 seats

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

@@havfunonline yes as lot us don't want a 3 row luxury family school bus

[@squirrelfu1]

I’ve got an XL STX and love it! Under 5400lbs so quite fast and almost 1900 lbs of payload which is helpful when towing heavy loads

[@georgedoolittle7574]

Need to bring back the Excursion.

[@victoriapierce2511]

I LOVE my Expedition! I have purchased my second. My 1st purchase was in 2003 an Eddie Bauer model it gave me 324K miles😊. Then I purchased a 2022 Limited. I'm VERY happy!

[@yournumberonepal]

Omg, Alex looks tiny next to the Expedition @ 4:28 😂 It's almost cartoonish!

[@mojorisin7317]

The Expedition is a great vehicle especially for large families. I'm however not a fan of the new vertical center screen. Hopefully most think so too and it gets a better redesign. Ford has been knocking vehicles out the park with great features and choices and Hopefully their reliability rankings improve 🤙🏽🇺🇲

[@future62]

These are so good. I had a rental for a family vacation and it absolutely blew me away. I feel like the Explorer is better if you don't have huge towing requirements though.

[@Paphraguy]

I just bought a brand new 2023 Expedition Platinum 2 months ago and I'm loving it. I had a 2020 Expedition Limited which I had traded for the Platinum and this one has more updated and better safety features but they don't come cheap.

[@justabrokeredneck]

so, having owned both, should i go for a 2020 max platinum or a 2022 max limited? the limited has everything i want but the platinum massaging seats and stuff like that

[@Thebusdriverandgamermorefan790]

Terrific job Alex & I like the color on this SUV.

[@johnireland6301]

Ford collector here and stockholder. I would have gladly bought one if it had v8. Instead I have a Yukon and it’s a great vehicle .

[@Wolfgangersen]

Many car manufacturers are ditching V8 because of government regulations. So V8 prob will be gone within 5 years or so.

[@valk1027]

Talking about full size SUV fuel economy without mentioning GMs 3.0 diesel is a miss of this review. It’s my favorite drive train of any full size SUV out there right now. It’s perfect for this size vehicle with its low end torque and amazing fuel economy.

[@justabrokeredneck]

guessing you didn’t watch until the end? smooth brain

[@ALMX5DP]

The manual shift button location is definitely odd. One of the best mods I've done to my F-150 was install a Raptor wheel with paddle shifters. Aside from the cool factor, it really helps manually shift while towing on winding mountain passes and such.

[@justabrokeredneck]

wonder if you could do that on an expedition 🤔

[@ALMX5DP]

@@justabrokeredneck not sure about the latest models but I do believe the 15-21 models were plug and play. I got a harness from Boosted Grey Goose, could reach out to them to see if they support the Epxy.

[@spacebound1969]

Expedition definitely needs the hybrid treatment. While it'll likely be the powerboost trim powertrain coming to the Expedition with the 3.5, I wish they'd use the 2.7 or 3.0 instead as they are almost as powerful and imo much more reliable than the already good 3.5

[@ALMX5DP]

Yeah not sure why Ford doesnt offer on here, or offer other versions like you said paired with the 2.7 etc. A 2.7 Powerboost would get fantastic fuel economy and still generate great performance figures.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

They don't seem to have the production capacity to make any more RWD hybrids...

[@naveenthemachine]

I’d like to see a 5.0L v8 hybrid in the f150 or expedition

[@ALMX5DP]

I too would like to see a 5.0 Powerboost. Good torque fill from the electric motor when it's lower in the rpm range, and then good sounds when you're in a more spirited state of mind.

[@dmegahan]

The 3.0l turbo with hybrid sounds extremely temping if they made it. Maybe even have a limited trim with the 3.5 if needed.

[@chudson4500]

The front end of this car looks like it has braces 🤢 My biggest issue with the expedition is the fact that when you get to 80mph The vehicle starts to feel unstable whereas Gm's fullsize vehicles know how to keep their composure without being wobbly/floaty

[@TalismanPHX]

The only way I'd buy this gigantic size of vehicle is to tow something REALLY heavy. I'm a fan of the diesel powered Tahoe and Suburban. The Expy definitely needs to be updated, it's looking old.

[@Pinkpolo85]

I think it is such a miss that Ford doesn't change the name of the Max to the Excursion. Give it a different front end look, and market it as a different vehicle. Like the Tahoe and the Suburban.

[@justabrokeredneck]

there’s an excursion package for it. it’s kinda lame tho. doesn’t really do much besides towing

[@mrgurulittle7000]

I dunno. The exterior looks much better than the Tahoe.

[@G-Rated]

The C-shaped lights are straight off a GMC. Ford needs their own design language before their exteriors can “look better” than what *gm* is doing. Also not sure if you’ve seen the refreshed 2025 Tahoe but it is even giving the Lincoln Navigator a run.

[@justabrokeredneck]

@@G-Ratedford’s been doing that C/ bracket ( these [ ] ) for nearly a decade now.

[@dvil51]

Wow, Fantastic Review!!! A lot of these car/SUV reviews have become showcases: everything is good and everything is great and you don’t really get a chance to formulate solid opinion based off the review. But your analysis is amazing thank you for your attention to detail.

[@RightAboutRichTV]

I would choose this expedition over the comp because it has the most subdued looks while still being very luxurious. I also think it’s the most practical over the comp.

[@matthewm3912]

Alex, what carseat/carseat base is that you are using in the 3rd row in this video? I've never see that rigid anchor system before. I want one!

[@mrgurulittle7000]

It’s very Land Rover looking in the back.

[@naveenthemachine]

Did ford remove the massaging front seats in the expedition? I thought the platinum trim offered it

[@normanli7085]

Probably stepping on the toes of the Navigator that's why

[@mrgurulittle7000]

“Massaging front seats”😂

[@G-Rated]

@@normanli7085and nobody at Ford thought about that before hand?

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, When is the 4 row Expedition due? 🤔

[@justabrokeredneck]

i’d buy one. 6 doors, 4 rows. throw a lift and some 35’s on it and make an off-road bus

[@vivalasvegas702]

After 15 years, expedition, like the f150s, still look the same. Unlike GM products. Ford must FIRE the head of design. 15 years of uninspired design!

[@jfdoherty3448]

Couldn’t agree more

[@MadMadOne]

Chevy trucks look like buses and Lego trucks for compensating guys.

[@AtzeHHouse]

I find it hilarious how badly space is used in these massive vehicles. It’s all so inefficient

[@jghall00]

Par for the course with body-on-frame, but that's what you get if you need to tow.

[@james2042]

Needs a hybrid, period. GM has the turbo diesel, which is by far the best engine in the segment. Ford giving this a hybrid (or god forbid a phev) would level the field. The interior is fine, they can dress it up all they want. This is a hauler at the end of the day, it needs mechanical upgrades.

[@normanli7085]

Yeah, honestly, using the aviator plug-in hybrid, in a truck application would be overkill (though maybe not with the Ram charger coming)

[@jghall00]

The diesel is underpowered. No way I would sacrifice 100hp for more mpg.

[@akim2007p]

Thanks, Ford. Sienna, AWD Hybrid will be more than enough for my needs. 😂

[@jghall00]

You're clearly not towing.

[@Gamma19245]

I wonder if the Nissan Armada is in you vocabulary. It has sold just like the sequoia if not more but you don't seem to think of it. It's cheaper and durable than most of these ones. 😢

[@justabrokeredneck]

he mentioned it if you watched the whole video, he didn’t compare it to this or the other big suv’s because it’s kinda small compared to them

[@EcoBelkin]

A few interesting notes between your 2023 / 2024 presentation and my 2018 expedition. My 2018 is platinum and has massaging seats. It also has the tow package which gives it the rear locker and 4l. I don't have four high like your presentation model there that's an interesting note Ford must have changed later in the life of the expedition as I didn't see it had the button for the rear Locker. Also interesting is in standard form the amount of cargo space behind the third row is the same amount of space as what's behind the third row in a Ford Flex

[@Aaron.Crow512]

I love the Ford Flex I just wish they allowed the third row to recline it's such a great car overall . Just as long and as powerful. Yet you get better fuel economy and that low slung handling advantage.

[@slscamg]

Ouch. I’m a Ford guy but that interior is a mess of cheap plastic from the base trim with some nice bits thrown around. Couple that with a meh exterior design, reliability concerns with the engine and transmission and general ford quality as of late and this is a no go.

[@justabrokeredneck]

i like it. i think it looks better than the pre face lift

[@michaelmobley1956]

That’s why I’ll most likely go with the 2024 High Country Tahoe. Ford has gone downhill the last few years.

[@justabrokeredneck]

@@michaelmobley1956 my issue with the tahoe, is i really like the z71 and rst trims but you can’t get cooled seats on them. like wtf is that gm

[@MeliorIlle]

That is atrocious fuel economy. If you don't need to tow there is absolutely no reason to get this. Buy a minivan.

[@sociopathmercenary]

Durango Hellcat? 😂

[@AceEverett]

What competitor in this space is getting much better fuel economy? Besides towing, this'll offroad better as well, that's kind of the point in buying it.

[@iko3]

@@AceEverett 90% of the soccer moms/dads who buy these don't go off-raoding though. I think a minivan would be a better fit for the target demographic. These large SUVs should be niche market but they appeal to people becuase of capabilities they barely use and the supposed manliness of it.

[@MeliorIlle]

@@AceEverett None, which is why it's stupid to buy one. Over your head bud.

[@naveenthemachine]

If you’re concerned about mpg you shouldn’t even be shopping in this category

[@klyded8523]

The Acadia and Grand Highlander are both full size SUVs btw.

[@keytothegate68]

60-0 braking takes 136 ft. !!! OMG that is not even safe. How long would it take fully loaded with + 9000 pounds trailer in tow?

[@arnoldm889]

Dropping the v8 was a mistake. Coyote would be much better than eco boost.

[@nothin2chere626]

It wouldn’t perform as well. Maybe the 6.2. This weighs 3 tons and full torque is right off idle.

[@jghall00]

Ecoboost eats the Coyote for lunch. It sounds better, but that's it. Slower, worse mpg and much weaker acceleration z especially at high altitudes. The 3.5 tows my 7k camper like a boss, even at 6000+ above sea level.

[@johnireland6301]

No v8 = no sale for me.

[@Aceofthedynasty]

First

[@bradyb9929]

Buy a suburban

[@joebrito2066]

Make the Expedition look like the F150, and more squared body.

[@keytothegate68]

If that is not enough then charge more money

[@guniseran]

They need to tweak the back end fast

[@javieroviedo5663]

9:32 Wonderfull third row.

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

Center screen is still terrible. How is there no consideration for people who only use carplay. It's all software anyway

[@caliboyrob]

Suddenly the Explorer’s new refresh makes more sense. Ford is planning an extensive redesign for the 2026 Explorer & Expedition. I think it’s safe to say Alex prefers the Wagoner/ G Wagoner 😂

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

Ford should rename this car the Sabre Toothed Tiger -- IYKYK

[@markb3866]

Ford. Yuuuk

[@Trades46]

Folks love the Tahoe & Durango, but I personally like the Expedition more. The 3.5L Ecoboost is a more torquey engine down low than the GM & Chrysler V8, and the use of space & features is excellent on the Ford. That said even with the V6 engine the fuel consumption is high given the size & weight of the class. An Explorer is probably the better buy if you don't need to tow anything.

[@justabrokeredneck]

tahoe rides the best, durango looks and sounds the best, and the expedition is a damn good medium

[@freestylmx311]

My 2005 Ford Excursion is FAR more solid

[@LetMeCook86]

Ford puts the “S” in POS. It needs a complete design change and a hybrid.

[@Ryan2022]

For whatever reason, the expedition always seems to need a refresh. I wish it were happening for the 2025 model year.

[@baronvonjo1929]

The reliability is the biggest concern. Ford has been flopping so hard there. The were number one in recalls a month or so ago. Maybe still are.

[@caliboyrob]

Every manufacturer has recalls. Honda had 700k

[@rtcturnemup7028]

The gm suvs blows this out of the water. Needs a refresh asap

[@naveenthemachine]

But this still blows the brand new sequoia out of the water

[@manymeez1406]

​@@naveenthemachine Agreed

[@45snakebite]

I really would like FORD to install the F150 shifter in the Expedition. That rotary dial kills the driving experience for the driver. At least in the sport and limited.

[@paulm6481]

It needs a new exterior bad. It is really not attractive. Tahoe all the way over this.

[@hamidmghazi]

I dont know why, but no matter how hard Ford tries, their interiors feel cheap!

[@vishnumrao]

Pathetic that they can't offer a hybrid or plugin hybrid.

[@GIGABACHI]

Stay away from anything turbocharged, hybrid if you want decent fuel economy, reliability and ease of repair. Although there's nothing reliable with the N/A engines in this class. Cam and lifter issues, left and right, no matter the brand.

[@jarednovak1819]

People who don't live in the United States what are you buying if you have 4 or more kids because in the USA we have these full size suvs

[@paulm6481]

Any one who buys this over a Tahoe must have their intelligence questioned 🤷‍♂️

[@justabrokeredneck]

tahoes are slower, tow less, and get worse mpg. maybe you need to get checked

[@dennisdenise1]

Looks dated, but I do like the 6 cylinder.

[@sarbsingh92]

Just buy a minivan

[@ALMX5DP]

If you dont need to tow or drive in significant/adverse conditions, sure.

[@cavemankiwi]

I want a well spec'ed 8 seater minivan with AWD. But it seems full sized SUV, which costs 20-30k more is the answer :( I am looking into cross overs to see if they work. I hate spending more than necessary for an appliance.

[@ALMX5DP]

@@cavemankiwi Are the current minivan offerings like the Sienna w/ AWD or Pacifica AWD lacking? What about a Transit AWD?

[@brohammer]

But then you gotta drive a minivan lol

[@nothin2chere626]

Tow, 8 passenger and AWD… can’t find a minivan to do it.

[@dmack7265]

I don't understand why the extended length Expedition and Navigator aren't as long as the GM trio. That's there biggest competitor.

[@nothin2chere626]

Bet they will with the redesign coming

[@jghall00]

GM is newer. This model dates back to 2018.

[@caliboyrob]

Because GM’s are newer.

[@G-Rated]

@@nothin2chere626and *gm* continues to lead the pack, Ford continues to play catch up…

[@nothin2chere626]

@@G-Rated actually it’s quite the opposite. This expedition body style came out in 2017. It had independent rear suspension, seats that folded flat, more cargo room than the Tahoe, better ride and better tech. The current gm trucks came out several years after.