Used 2023 Ford Expedition MAX

If you’re looking for one vehicle that can haul the whole family and lots of cargo while towing a boat without breaking a sweat, the Ford Expedition could be the rig for you. The Expedition has just about everything you could ask for in a big SUV, like a massive interior with available 3-row seating, two size options, a powerful engine, and the latest tech features. It even gets decent gas mileage for an SUV this size. For these reasons and others, the Ford Expedition is our Full-Size SUV Best Buy for 2023.

The Expedition is in a competitive class of full-size SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe (and the long-wheelbase Suburban), GMC Yukon, Jeep Wagoneer, and the Toyota Sequoia, which is all-new for 2023.

Despite weighing more than 2.5 tons, the 2023 Expedition is still propelled efficiently by its turbocharged V6. Uphill stretches and getting up to freeway speeds present no problems in our experience. Although Ford’s big 3-row body-on-frame SUV can be a bit ponderous around town, it shines on long highway drives, where the Ecoboost V6 settles into a relaxed mode and gets up to 23 mpg.

If you’re craving more muscular performance, the Timberline trim and the Stealth Performance Package use a 440-horsepower version of the V6. Ford hasn’t supplied any 0-to-60 mph times, but the sport suspension in the Stealth Performance Package helps keep body roll to a minimum through fast corners. Most versions of the Expedition also offer the option of adaptive dampers for more sophisticated ride quality.

BlueCruise is a feature in the top Platinum trim. It’s a hands-free driving system that works on certain highways — similar to Cadillac’s Super Cruise system. It incorporates lane centering, road-sign recognition, and adaptive cruise control, allowing drivers to take their hands off the steering wheel. But they must still keep their eyes on the road.

We recommend the Timberline trim if you’re looking to do a little off-roading. It has a raised suspension for optimum ground clearance and better approach and departure angles. It also wears 33-inch all-terrain tires and comes with extra underbody protection in anticipation of the Timberline venturing off the pavement.

A new feature for the Timberline trim this year is Trail 1-Pedal Drive, which, when activated, automatically applies the brakes when you take your foot off the gas. The 2023 Expedition Timberline also has a Trail Turn Assist function to help negotiate tight turns on dirt roads. It’s not as capable as the Bronco, of course, but we’re impressed with the off-road chops of this big SUV.

Between the different trims of the 2023 Expedition coming with cloth upholstery or extended leather-bound interiors, two rows of seating or three, second-row bench seats or captain’s chairs, the number of beverage holders is an unchanging 15.

Which gives some idea of how big the Expedition’s cabin is. It’s a bit of an expedition in itself going from the driver’s seat around to the cargo area, especially with a Max version.

Matching this expansive interior is an optional infotainment touchscreen in the middle of the range and standard in the two highest trims. It’s oriented vertically and measures 15.5 inches on the diagonal, which is about as large as it gets outside of a Tesla.

The highest number of seats is eight. The captain’s chairs in the second row reduce that to seven, although the base XL is a 2-row 5-seater. Legroom for the second and third rows are 42.6 and 40.9 inches, respectively, regardless of whether it’s a Max or not — even tall adults will be fine in the rearmost seats.

The Max uses its extra length to provide more cargo space: 36 cubic feet behind the third row, compared with 20.9 in the regular version. This expands to 121.5 cubic feet (Max) or 104.6 (regular) when rows two and three are folded down.

The sheer bigness of the Ford Expedition is expressed tastefully with a nice-looking exterior design. We think it strikes a nice balance of premium and rugged, with more weight given to one or the other depending on the trim. For example, the Timberline model has a tough appearance package with a unique front fascia with tow hooks. In contrast, the Platinum model has a classy satin aluminum grille with a mesh chrome insert.

Two Sizes: Large and Extra Large

The standard wheelbase of the Expedition is a big SUV, but the long-wheelbase Expedition Max is even bigger. Specifically, it’s 12 inches longer. Both body styles have the same amount of passenger space, but the Expedition Max has 77% more cargo space behind the third row of seats. Every trim but the XL SXT and Timberline can be had with the Max body.

Huge interior
The Ford Expedition has a massive interior with lots of passenger and cargo space. All but the base XL SXT trim has 3-row seating for up to eight people with an adult-friendly third row. The extended-length Max model adds a cavernous cargo hold, even when all seats are in place.

EcoBoost engine
Every 2023 Ford Expedition is powered by an EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine that strikes a satisfying balance of power and efficiency. The combined fuel economy rating of up to 19 mpg is not bad for an SUV this size, and it can tow up to 9,300 pounds.

BlueCruise
The top Platinum trim comes with the BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving system. It allows for hands-free highway driving in “Blue Zones,” covering over 130,000 miles of North American roads.

Off-road chops
The Ford Expedition is a good off-roader in the Timberline trim. More than just a rugged appearance package, the Expedition Timberline comes with standard 4WD with a Terrain Management System, a high-output 440-horespower engine, 10.6 inches of ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and skid plates.

Ford Co-Pilot360
Every Expedition comes with some form of the Ford Co-Pilot360 safety tech suite. The standard system has automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, automatic high beams, and rear parking sensors. Additional available driver-assistance features include adaptive cruise control, speed sign recognition, a 360-degree camera, and reverse brake assist.

SYNC 4 infotainment system
The standard SYNC 4 infotainment system in the Expedition is intuitive and feature-rich, with smartphone connectivity features like wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A 12-inch screen is standard, but it’s upgradable to a massive 15.5-inch vertical screen with navigation, HD Radio, and Bang & Olufsen premium audio.

Although XL STX is the first 2023 Expedition trim level, it still comes with a lot of standard equipment. Like 18-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors with puddle lamps, keyless entry/ignition, remote start/lock/unlock, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, cloth upholstery, four 12-volt outlets, and a garage door opener.

The SYNC 4 infotainment system comes with over-the-air updates, navigation that recognizes voice commands given in natural speech, Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, four USB ports, and a 12-inch touchscreen.

Safety features include forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert with rear braking, rear parking sensors, lane-keeping assistance, rear seat occupant alert, and automatic high beams.

Buyers may also choose 4-wheel drive (with a terrain management system) and the Max version of any trim except for the Timberline.

XLT adds a third seating row with two more USB ports and powered fold/recline functions, 3-zone automatic climate control, self-dimming rearview mirror, and satellite radio. This is also the trim level where many more options become available, such as simulated leather upholstery, heated/power-adjustable steering wheel, heated/ventilated front seats, second-row captain’s chairs, power-adjustable pedals, wireless charging, adaptive cruise control, front parking sensors, and a powered liftgate. Most of these items are standard in the Limited trim.

Before we get to Limited, however, there’s the Timberline off-road specialist with the most powerful iteration of the 2023 Expedition’s turbocharged V6, plus 4-wheel-drive, specialized suspension, all-terrain tires, 10.6 inches of ground clearance (it’s usually 9.8 inches), underbody protection, heated/power-adjustable steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, wireless charging, 115-volt outlet, active noise control, and hands-free liftgate operation.

The Timberline trim is eligible for extra driver aids, panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, heated second-row seats, 12.4-inch digital driver information display, ambient cabin lighting, 15.5-inch touchscreen, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.

Many of those extras are also part of the Limited’s standard inventory (not the 15.5-inch touchscreen, though), along with leather surfaces for the front seats, and 20-inch alloy wheels. Options for this trim include adaptive dampers, 360-degree camera system, and a self-parking function.

The two main packages for Limited trim, however, are both called Stealth. The Stealth Edition adds many interior and exterior elements all in black, including 22-inch alloy wheels and power-retractable running boards, plus a sport-tuned suspension. Ford is often referred to as the Blue Oval because of the color scheme of its badge, but this package turns it into a black oval. The Stealth Performance package throws in more engine power, a limited-slip rear differential, and a 22-speaker B&O audio system.

King Ranch has its own Western-themed additions such as special leather in the cabin, plus 22-inch alloy wheels, power-retractable running boards, the 12.4-inch instrument cluster, 15.5-inch touchscreen, and the top B&O system.

Platinum also goes big with leather and tech, adding massaging front seats and the hands-free BlueCruise feature.

All versions except the base XL offer a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system. A heavy-duty trailer package is optional throughout.

Ford gets a lot of metaphorical mileage out of the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that powers every version of the 2023 Expedition. The XL STX and XLT models make a perfectly respectable 380 horsepower.

In the fancier Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum trims, this unit develops 400 horsepower. In the Timberline and Limited Stealth Performance variants, it’s boosted even further to 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. All these figures are achieved with premium gasoline.

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the default setup, with 4-wheel drive (4WD) available as an option, although the Timberline has 4-wheel drive as standard. A 10-speed automatic transmission is deployed across the board.

3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (XL STX, XLT)
380 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
470 lb-ft of torque @ 2,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23 mpg (RWD), 16/22 (4WD), 16/23 mpg (RWD Max), 16/21 mpg (4WD Max)

3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (Limited, King Ranch, Platinum)
400 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
480 lb-ft of torque @ 5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23 mpg (RWD), 16/22 (4WD), 16/23 mpg (RWD Max), 16/21 mpg (4WD Max)

3.5-liter High Output twin-turbocharged V6 (Timberline, Stealth Performance Edition)
440 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
510 lb-ft of torque @ 2,250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/19 mpg

3-year/36,000-Mile Warranty

The Ford Expedition is covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This is on par for the segment; every full-size SUV in this class has essentially the same warranty.