2021 Ford Expedition
- Powerful EcoBoost V6 engine
- Can tow up to 9,300 pounds
- Seats up to eight
- Excellent standard safety suite
- Pricing starts at $49,025 (plus $1,695 destination charge) | Price yours
- On sale now | See Autotrader listings right here on KBB.com
While several all-new full-size SUVs arrived for 2021, they couldn’t dethrone the Ford Expedition, which now has the distinction of being named KBB’s Best Full-Size SUV for three years in a row.
The Expedition, which was all-new for 2018, continues with a proven formula. It’s an SUV based on a rugged ladder frame with independent rear suspension. As such, the big 7- or 8-seat aluminum-bodied Ford shines as a comfortable truck-based family hauler that’s equally at home on the daily grind or while towing a trailer to a campsite.
What’s more, the 2021 Ford Expedition is jam-packed with minivan-style conveniences, such as 15 cup holders and USB ports for all three rows. There’s also a standard Co-Pilot360 safety suite that includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, a blind-spot monitor (with rear cross-traffic alert), lane-keeping assist, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Proven EcoBoost V6
In addition to an excellent seating position and a pleasingly natural feel to its steering, brakes, and accelerator, what we like most about the Expedition (and its longer Expedition Max sibling) is its EcoBoost V6 engine. This twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 feels like a smooth and torquey large-displacement V8. It’s blessed with 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque (or 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft in the Platinum models). This translates to a maximum tow capacity of 9,300 pounds for the big Ford, which is the best towing capacity of any full-size SUV. It also means the Expedition has an enviable EPA highway fuel-economy rating of 24 miles per gallon (rear-drive model).
Every time we drive a Ford truck with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, we’re impressed. Ford’s matching of the turbos to the V6 is spot-on. It blends quick boost at low rpm with delicious midrange response and excellent top-end power. And it’s put to good use through a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission that allows for push-button downshifting when you want to slow the pace a bit on downhills without overheating the brakes.
In the Expedition Limited 4×4 that KBB recently tested, the EcoBoost V6 had a relaxed nature on the highway, which showed in its fuel economy. On a 450-mile roundtrip to Visalia with five adults comfortably aboard, the big Ford returned 25 mpg. That’s impressive.
Still turning heads
The Ford Expedition is handsome in an understated, likely long-lasting sort of way. It looks more like a big wagon, and although its 18-inch wheels are small by today’s standards, the extra tire sidewall looks retro cool while being better on the dirt and more protective of the wheels. Not your cup of tea? Wheel sizes of up to 22 inches continue to be available.
The 4WD Expedition Limited that KBB tested, in Iconic Silver Metallic, was hard to miss with all its chrome trim – on the 5-bar chrome grille, the exterior door handles, the rearview mirrors, even on the power-deploying running boards. While we’re generally not a fan of that much shiny trim, it’s not overpowering on the large Expedition, where it’s countered a bit by the black alloy wheels. Other Expeditions, for the record, are available with less chrome and more black, on parts like the running boards and roof rails.
2021 Ford Expedition interior — roomy and well appointed
Not surprisingly, there’s room ‘aplenty for adults in all three rows of the Expedition, with access to the rearmost bench made easy by the tip-and-slide center seats. If you order the second-row captains’ chairs, you’ll probably choose to get in back via the center aisle.
The Expedition’s dash – in particular the infotainment screen – isn’t as modernly integrated or as stylish as that of the new Tahoe or Yukon. However, the materials in the Ford look to be of superior quality. Moreover, Ford’s switches and controls work with a reassuring precision, and the knurled circular aluminum dials for the transmission and driving modes exude high quality. They’re also conveniently positioned on the center console for easy use.
Other positives: The 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo has a lush sound, and power-adjustable pedals make it easy for drivers short or tall to find a comfortable seating position not too close to the heated steering wheel. Also heated are the first and second rows of seats, which are upholstered in leather (in the Limited) and proved all-day comfortable during our test. Standard conveniences on the Expedition that KBB sampled include 4G Wi-Fi connectivity, wireless smartphone charging, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity.
Behind its third row, the 2021 Ford Expedition has 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space. This increases to 63.6 cubic feet when the power switch is used to fold the seat forward to create a flat load floor.
How much is the 2021 Ford Expedition?
Only one 2021 Ford Expedition model is priced below $50,000. A new 3-row, 8-seat Expedition XL in rear-wheel drive comes in at $49,025, while a 4WD 8-seater starts at $52,075.
The Expedition Max XL, with its longer wheelbase and larger cargo area, costs $52,025 in 4×2 form or $55,075 as a 4×4.
The popular Expedition XLT model ranges from $52,810 for a 4×2 to $57,860 for a 4×4 Max. It’s fitted with power-fold/recline 3rd-row seats, an 8-inch infotainment screen, tri-zone climate control, and satellite radio with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The XLT Limited, with simulated leather upholstery, a hands-free liftgate, adaptive cruise control, power-adjustable pedals, and the killer B&O sound system, starts at $61,575. A King Ranch model, decked out with leather upholstery, 22-inch wheels, a 360-degree camera, and a panoramic sunroof, begins at $72,735.
The top Expedition is the Platinum. For $74,735 (or $75,775 for the Expedition Max), you get the 400-hp engine, adaptive suspension, an upgraded leather interior, massaging seats, and active noise control. With every single option, an Expedition Platinum can hit about $85,000.
A few other considerations
Given its good KBB 5-Year Cost-to-Own rating and depreciation that’s less than the industry average – plus its regular appearances on KBB’s list of Best Family Cars – the 2021 Ford Expedition has fought off some serious new challengers to once again stake its claim as the KBB Full-Size SUV Best Buy.
Photo Tour: 2021 Ford Expedition
More 2021 Ford Expedition
Build and price your own 2021 Ford Expedition to see this week’s Fair Purchase Price, 5-Year Cost to Own, and more, or see Autotrader listings right here on KBB.com.
