Brawny Ecoboost-engined big beast brings it on

First launched in 2007 and revised for the current model year, the Ford Expedition proves that there’s plenty of life left in its long-running platform. With a sophisticated, brutally powerful and efficient twin-turbocharged V6 Ecoboost engine, the Expedition also learns enough new tricks to very aggressively bring the fight to all comers.

Big, brawny, cavernously spacious, comfortable, aesthetically undiluted, dynamically adept and thoroughly equipped in range-topping Platinum guise, the Expedition’s Ecoboost engine proves quicker and more frugal than the V8 it replaces. Competing in a broad full-size SUV category, the Expedition is most convincing alongside its direct rivals, the all new 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon sisters. 

Aesthetic proportions

Little altered, the 2015 Expedition has an imposing presence, but with handsomely aesthetic anatomic proportions. With short front overhang, bulging bonnet centre and lower bonnet sides, bodywork above the wheel arches is reduced compared to bulky competitors. And with a taller, more upright and visually “heavier” rear, the expedition brims with dynamic tension.

Meanwhile, with low waistline and big glasshouse the Expedition is less overtly threatening, and for such a hulking brute, provides airy cabin ambiance and good visibility. Uncomplicated but with design “correctness” the Expedition’s low waistline minimises perceptions of height, require less fussy surfacing and enables one to better place it on road.

Not short on bling, the Expedition Platinum features huge polished three-slat grille, functional lower hooks, big bore exhaust tip and massive six twin-spoke alloys with 284/45R22 tyres. With 203mm ground clearance, 22.2° approach, 16.3° break over and 21.7° departure angles, the Expedition also features wide doors angles and automatically lowered running board to facilitate cabin access.

Muscular delivery

Replacing a naturally aspirated 310BHP 5.4-litre V8, the sole twin-turbocharged direct injection 3.5-litre V6 Ecoboost engine option is more muscular and comparatively frugal. Reportedly developing 385BHP at 5250rpm and 464lb/ft at 2750rpm in Middle East guise rather than 465BHP and 420lb/ft US versions, the hefty 2625kg Expedition moves swiftly, with 0-100km/h dispatched in around 6.5 seconds.

Quick-spooling and low-revving with mighty mid-range urge, the Expedition suffers little turbo-lag and launches vigorously. With abundant maximum torque available early, the Expedition is muscularly versatile on-the-move. Welling up urgently and quietly towards peak power, it pushes indefatigably against wind resistance despite tall upright dimensions and 2.6-tonne weight, and can achieve an electronically limited 190km/h top speed.

Complementing its refined delivery, a smooth-shifting 6-speed automatic gearbox sends power to all four wheels or rear wheels for added economy. With superb four-wheel drive traction, the Expedition effectively puts power down, and is best driven in its “4A” mode where front wheels receive power when grip loss is detected or additional traction is required. 

Comfortable and balanced

Riding on all independent front double wishbone and rear multi-link suspension the Expedition rides with comfort and refinement, while adaptive Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) takes the edge off its low profile tyres. Supple and smooth in “comfort” mode, the Expedition is, however, more tightly controlled and nimble with CCD in “sport” mode.

Stable and refined on highway, the Expedition’s electric steering feels more direct than before. With CCD working hard and well to contain weight transfer in “sport” mode, the Expedition leans less through corners than is expected, but also benefits from a balanced chassis and weight distribution in terms of at the limit handling.

Slightly bouncy over bumps, the Expedition, however, feels more buttoned down than many rivals, while all-disc ABS brakes are very effective. With hill-start and Hill Descent Control, the Expedition can also be locked in four-wheel drive in either high or low gear ratios for off-road driving and towing. Towing ability is a staggering 4,082kg.

Cavernous cabin

Huge inside, the Expedition features large comfortable seats, good visibility, excellent headroom and twin mid-row captain’s seats in Platinum guise. Middle and rear row space is better than chief rivals, with the last three-passenger row comfortably accommodating large tall passengers. Cargo volume exceeds rivals, with between 528 and 3065 litres, nearly flat folding seats and wide tailgate.

The Expedition is luxurious, leather-upholstered, pleasantly laid out and using decent quality plastics and trim. Dash and controls are user-friendly and inviting, with big buttons and dials, but more soft textures, larger rev counter and a gear-lever actuated manual mode sequential gearshifts rather than a small up/down buttons would also be welcome.

Thoroughly equipped, the Expedition features an 8-inch voice-activated infotainment touchscreen with USB and SD ports, Bluetooth connectivity and configurable 4.2-inch instrument cluster display with wheel direction and pitch and bank angle displays for off-road. Luxury kit includes dual zone climate control, while safety equipment includes 3-row curtain airbags, childseat latches, and blind spot and cross-traffic alerts and more.