$5,995
Est. $81/mo
$8,999
Est. $122/mo
$15,500
Est. $210/mo
The Ford Expedition is an SUV that behaves better than it has any right to in terms of handling. It offers a significant amount of passengers space as well as cargo capacity and towing capability.
People nowadays prefer smaller vehicles, with better fuel efficiency, which hasn't stopped the large Ford Expedition from garnering popularity especially with customers looking for heavy towing, and even with larger families. The car is rugged, and although not built for the offroad, has durability and simple reliability, that more and more modern cars with their highly advanced systems missout. Though most of the full-size SUVs in its class boast similar prowess, the 2011 Ford Expedition does stand out with its spacious interiors and sleek modernness.
There is a hefty bit of space in the cabin, even in the standard-wheelbase variants to carry full-size adults in all three rows. The interiors become more luxurious as you move up the trims, and include all of the most modern features offered by Ford. Powering the SUV is a large 5.4L V-8 mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox putting forth 310 horsepower. Amongst its competitors, the Ford Expedition offers better ride quality and easier handling. The flagship sports utility vehicle stands up to similar large SUVs, the Chevrolet Tahoe and the Toyota Sequoia.
The new Ford Expedition is a body-on-frame SUV available in two body sizes: the standard-wheelbase Expedition and the lengthier Expedition EL. There are 4 trims on offer: starting from the basic XL trim, the better outfitted XLT, the premium Limited, and the top of the line King Ranch. Every Expedition offers seating for 8 passengers, with optional captain's chairs in the second row.
Trim |
XL |
XLT |
Limited |
King Ranch |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP (RWD) |
$36,210 |
$38,820 |
$45,490 |
$46,760 |
MSRP (4WD) |
$39,110 |
$41,720 |
$48,390 |
$49,660 |
Key Features |
17-inch Alloy Wheels |
Everything on the XL + |
Everything on the XLT + |
Everything on Limited + |
Automatic Headlights |
18-inch Alloy Wheels |
20-inch Alloy Wheels |
Two-Tone Paint |
|
Fog lights |
Reverse sensors |
Power folding mirrors |
20-inch painted alloy wheels |
|
Roof rack |
Power adjustable pedals |
Power liftgate |
“Chaparral” leather upholstery |
|
Running boards |
Voice operated Sync System |
Back-up Camera |
Wood-grain interior trim |
|
Cloth Upholstery |
Upgraded Stereo |
Rain sensing wipers |
||
Power Driver’s Seat |
Steering wheel controls |
Dual-zone automatic temperature control |
||
Cruise Control |
Perforated leather seats |
|||
6-speaker Stereo |
Heated and ventilated front seats w/ Heated rear seats |
|||
Power-folding third-row seats |
||||
Heavy-duty towing package |
We Recommend
As an occasional use vehicle, the base trim offers the best of the capability in the Ford Expedition without skimping on towing prowess. The XLT trim starts off with better conveniences and driving assist features, and is thus the most recommended trim. The Limited is better suited for regular family travel, as the interiors come better outfitted.
Powering the SUV is a 5.4L V-8 motor with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain puts up 310 horsepower and 365 foot-pounds of torque. Rear-wheel-drive is standard, though a 4-wheel-drive with lower gearing for improved towing prowess is offered. The flagship Ford can tow up to 9,200 pounds.
All variants of the Ford Expedition V-8 come with the capability for Flex Fuel. The steering is precise and almost makes the SUV feel smaller than its size when behind the wheel. The suspension is a standout detail, which gives the SUV a ride quality better than most of its competitors.
Model |
Ford Expedition |
Chevrolet Tahoe |
Toyota Sequoia |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$36,210 |
$37,980 |
$41,560 |
Engine |
5.4L V-8 |
5.3L V-8 |
5.7L V-8 |
Drivetrain |
RWD |
RWD |
RWD |
Transmission |
6-speed automatic |
6-speed automatic |
6-speed automatic |
Power |
310 hp @ 5100 rpm |
320 hp @ 5400 rpm |
381 hp @ 5600 rpm |
Torque |
365 ft-lbs. @ 3600 rpm |
335 ft-lbs. @ 4000 rpm |
401 ft-lbs. @ 3600 rpm |
0-60 mph (seconds) |
8.5 |
7.5 |
7.4 |
Quarter-mile (seconds) |
14.7 |
15.7 |
13.8 |
Top Speed (mph) |
155 |
155 |
165 |
The Ford with its large frame is pretty slow to get up to speed. The SUV takes 8.5 seconds to touch 60 mph. Overall the 310 horses on the Expedition are lower than the competitors, and it becomes doubly apparent with the SUV’s sluggish response. The Toyota Sequoia has the best power output in the competition and is the quickest to get to both 60 mph and the quarter-mile. The Toyota also has the largest engine, though it does offer a smaller 4.6L motor on its base variants.
Full-size SUVs are fuel guzzlers, and it is expected considering the heavy chassis and huge engine displacement. The rear-wheel-drive 2011 Ford Expedition gives 14 mpg in cities, 20 mpg on highways, and 16 mpg combined. The Ford Expedition is compatible with Flex Fuel (E85) although fuel economy goes down to 9 mpg in cities, and 13 mpg on highways. The all-wheel-drive variant fares worse with 13 mpg on urban streets, 18 mpg on highways, and 15 mpg combined.
Model |
Ford Expedition |
Chevrolet Tahoe |
Toyota Sequoia |
---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) (mpg) |
14 |
15 |
14 |
MPG (Highway) (mpg) |
20 |
21 |
18 |
MPG (Combined) (mpg) |
16 |
17 |
15 |
Fuel Capacity (gallon) |
28.0 |
26.0 |
26.4 |
Range (City/Hwy) |
392/560 |
390/546 |
370/475 |
The 2011 Ford Expedition has a massive 28-gallon fuel tank that gives it a range of up to 470 miles. The Chevrolet Tahoe is much more efficient in comparison and returns approximately the same range as the Ford, with a smaller fuel tank. The Toyota Sequoia is the least efficient with just 15 mpg combined and even has the lowest range of the lot.
The interiors are simple and rugged, though they are extremely spacious. In higher trims, they get selectively better outfitted to luxury car levels, though there are hard plastics in the cabin even in top-spec trims. The dials and knobs are easy to use and designed with ergonomics and lasting quality in mind. The cabin is spacious and can fit large passengers in the third row as well. The standard 40/20/40 split seats in the rear row even allow reclining to maximize comfort.
The cargo room is exceptionally large with 18.6 cubic feet of space behind the third row. When folding down the third row, the SUV allows 42.6 cubic feet of space. A maximum space of 108.3 cubic feet can be achieved by folding all the rear seats.
Model |
Ford Expedition |
Chevrolet Tahoe |
Toyota Sequoia |
---|---|---|---|
Passenger capacity |
8 |
8 |
8 |
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg)(In.) |
39.5/63.2/41.1 |
42.8/64.8/45.3 |
38.3/66.4/42.5 |
Rear(Head/Shoulder/Leg)(In.) |
39.7/63.7/39.1 |
38.7/65.1/39.0 |
38.9/65.6/40.9 |
Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg)(In.) |
38.0/67.1/37.7 |
38.1/62.6/24.8 |
N/A |
Cargo Capacity (cubic feet) |
18.6 |
16.9 |
18.9 |
The interior gets quality features in the higher trims, though competitors scale up to better outfitted cabins and materials in their top trims. The Ford undoubtedly has the best space in the third row, compared to the whole segment. Particularly when compared to the Chevy Tahoe’s meager 24.8-inch legroom. The storage space on the Toyota Sequoia is the highest at 18.9 cubic feet. Some standout interior features are:
The XLT trim starts off with the SYNC voice-activated communication and infotainment system. The system includes voice commands and some functionality in connectivity and Bluetooth. Ford also offers a new dual-headrest DVD system at the back of the front seats.
The 6.5-inch touchscreen offered optionally is quite intuitive, though not the easiest to use, or one with the best resolution. The audio is a 6-speaker 340 watt system with AM/FM and AUX compatibility. Some standout infotainment features are:
The Expedition is large, and the humongous proportions become doubly apparent as you stand next to the SUV. the design draws from styling changes back in 2007 and doesn't seem to lose its relevance even in 2011.
The Expedition has underpinnings similar to the F-150, and the truck even shares the front fascia and design cues with the SUV. You get 18-inch alloy wheels as standard on the SUV, though the King Ranch variant offers 20-inch alloys.
Model |
Ford Expedition |
Chevrolet Tahoe |
Toyota Sequoia |
---|---|---|---|
Curb weight (lbs) |
5898 |
5636 |
5730 |
Length (in) |
206.5 |
202.0 |
205.1 |
Width (in) |
78.8 |
79.0 |
79.9 |
Height (in) |
77.2 |
76.9 |
77.0 |
Ground Clearance (in) |
8.7 |
9.1 |
10.0 |
Wheelbase (in) |
119.0 |
116.0 |
122.0 |
Comparing the Exterior, the Toyota Sequoia is undoubtedly the largest SUV in the competition, owing to its long wheelbase, and width. Comparing the competition, the Ford Expedition sports the largest rear overhang, though since the overall ride quality is great, we have no complaints.
The Ford Expedition offers 8.7 inches of ground clearance, which is lesser than the Chevy Tahoe’s 9.1 inches and the Toyota Sequoia’s 10.0 inches. The extended wheelbase edition adds 15-inches in overall length, which makes the second and the third row even roomier. Some standout exterior features are:
The 2011 Ford Expedition has not been tested by either the IIHS or the NHTSA, although earlier ratings by the NHTSA give it a 5-star safety rating. In 2010, the large SUV got Ford’s Trailer Sway Control as standard, which along with the SUV’s Stability control adjusts braking and engine response to ensure minimal trailer movement. The new Ford Expedition offers standard side-impact airbags and curtain airbags for all three rows. Overall the SUV offers a plethora of assistance features, a few of which have been listed below:
The SUV is a standout in the segment in terms of space and towing prowess. The interiors are well made and durable and offer great space. Higher trims offer better materials, though the interior still has some hard plastic portions prevalent in the cabin.
The throttle response is adequate, though the truck does feel a bit underpowered as compared to most of its competitors. Conversely, the Ford Expedition does offer better than average fuel economy and Flex Fuel capability as standard features. Overall the flagship Ford SUV is a great people mover and a highly recommended vehicle in the segment.