Used 2019 Ford Expedition

While the full-size Chevy Tahoe and its Suburban sibling remain the segment’s undisputed sales leaders, the 2019 Ford Expedition is every bit their equal, and in some ways, better. All-new last year, the Expedition represents state-of-the-art technology and design, with extensive use of aluminum throughout, a sophisticated independent rear suspension and a potent turbocharged V6 engine that puts most V8s to shame. Compared to the Tahoe, the Expedition has a higher tow rating, superior ride and handling, a level cargo floor and, for a full-size SUV, returns pretty decent fuel economy. Available in standard and long-wheelbase “Max” versions, the Expedition is looking to unseat GM’s twins from their perch, and we think it just might succeed.

A few moments behind the wheel of the 2019 Ford Expedition instantly brought back memories of our first time behind the wheel of the aluminum-bodied F-150. They’re all good feelings, mind you, with the lighter construction making the Expedition feel less ponderous than its size might suggest. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 and 10-speed automatic work in harmony, leaving any doubts about the need for V8 power in the dustbin. The Expedition feels almost sprightly as it leaves a stoplight or moves to merge on the highway, with responsive steering and firm brakes. Body roll is present, of course, but not to the extent you feel in a similarly sized Toyota Sequoia or Chevy Tahoe. Thank the Expedition’s independent rear suspension and adjustable shocks. As for blind spots, the Expedition has its share, which is why we highly recommend opting for the 360-degree around-view camera and as many driver assists as your checkbook can manage.

The 2019 Expedition’s control layout is instantly familiar to anyone who’s driven a Ford lately, but with a twist. For example, the volume-control, drive-mode selector and temperature-control knobs all feature a knurled surface that looks and feels premium. The gear selector for the 10-speed automatic is a similarly knurled knob that’s easy to use, with manual-control buttons below. There’s no shortage of features, especially in the high-end Platinum model. Second-row passengers get an equally delightful experience, with comfortable seats that adjust fully; 3rd-row passengers get plenty of room, especially in long-wheelbase Max versions. There’s good cargo room, and if you need more, power-folding 3rd-row seatbacks are available, albeit with a slightly confusing interface.

Sensibly, the 2019 Ford Expedition hews more closely to the company’s lineup of crossover SUVs than the F-150 pickup truck upon which it’s based. The headlights, taillights, general profile, and trim all look like larger versions of what you’d find on a Ford Explorer or Flex. Yet that’s no bad thing, as the Expedition is a good-looking SUV, the design blending boldness and sophistication. Platinum models ladle on the chrome a bit too heavily for some tastes, we’re sure, but there’s enough sheer acreage of sheetmetal that it’s mostly lost. Expedition Max models boast even more, with a longer wheelbase and additional cargo space.

INDEPENDENT REAR SUSPENSION
One thing that didn’t get changed in the Expedition’s big makeover is its independent rear suspension. Unlike the solid axle on the Tahoe, Sequoia and Suburban, the Expedition’s rear axles move independently, improving ride and handling as well as creating a level space for the flush-folding 3rd-row seats.

BANG & OLUFSEN AUDIO
The high-end audio brand by Harman is usually associated with such high-end names as Audi and Aston Martin. You can now add Ford to the list and add a brilliant 12-speaker B&O audio system to your Expedition.

The base-model 2019 Ford Expedition XLT comes standard with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine with start/stop connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Three-zone air conditioning with rear controls, an audio system with AM/FM, MP3, CD, SiriusXM and nine speakers, plus audio, Bluetooth and USB inputs. That’s all pretty expected, but we were surprised to see power-folding 3rd-row seatbacks, push-button start and keyless entry on the standard-features list as well. On the safety front, the 2019 Expedition comes with a rearview camera with backup grid lines and a washer, multiple airbags, a post-crash alert system for emergency help, and trailer-sway control.

Many options are added as you go up the model ladder, with leather seating, multi-zone automatic climate control, dual-headrest rear-seat entertainment, heated and ventilated seats, 10-way-power driver’s seat with memory and more available on the options menu, or higher trims. Limited models get Ford’s Sync 3 system which includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a Bang & Olufsen audio system. Additional safety systems such as adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, automatic high beams, lane-keeping assist and alert, and collision warning and mitigation are also available. Platinum models load up the luxury, with even nicer leather, an available panoramic sunroof, retractable running boards, and active noise cancellation.

The only engine available to buyers of the 2019 Ford Expedition is a 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine that we’ve come to love in other Ford vehicles. Here it’s producing 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, or in Platinum models, 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. That’s a lot of grunt, even for a full-size SUV, and thanks to the 10-speed automatic the Expedition makes good use of it all. Of course 4-wheel drive (4×4) is available in addition to 2-wheel drive (4×2), with a terrain-select system to maximize traction on different surfaces. Fuel economy is pretty good, considering the size of the vehicle, averaging up to 24 mpg on the highway.

3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6
375 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm (400 horsepower Platinum)
470 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm (480 lb-ft Platinum)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/24 mpg (4×2), 17/22 mpg (4×4), 17/23 mpg (4×2 Max), 16/21 mpg (4×4 Max)