Full-Sized Luxury & Capability: 2015 Ford Expedition SUV
The Ford Expedition SUV debuted in 1996 and is currently Ford’s largest utility vehicle. By most measures, it is a leader in interior space, accommodating eight passengers. Two versions are offered – the standard wheelbase which is six inches longer than Ford Explorer and has three rows of seats. The longer-wheelbase version sits on a 12-inch longer wheelbase, also features three rows of seats and boasts ample cargo space. Expedition’s independent rear suspension helps deliver more confident ride and handling characteristics, and allows for the lower, more convenient fold-flat third-row bench seat.
The 2015 Ford Expedition SUV is available in XLT, Limited, and King Ranch trim levels. In response to customer demand, the automaker is also introducing a top-of-the-line Platinum series trim level with unique, premium interior appointments.
Power for the new rear-wheel drive Expedition is generated by a new 3.5L direct-injected twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engine that delivers more power and performance than the previous 5.4L V8, and is designed to be more efficient. Compared with the 5.4L V8, the new 3.5L EcoBoost prime mover gives drivers not just better fuel economy, but more power and torque on demand at very low engine speeds.
The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 is the only engine offered in the new Expedition in North America. To maximize performance and control, the vehicle is equipped with a six-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission featuring a manual mode that allows the driver to use a shift-mounted rocker switch to select the desired gear. All-wheel drive is an available option.
Control hardware for the 2015 Expedition utilizes new continuously controlled damping for the first time on a Ford nameplate. This will make the Expedition the only Blue Oval-branded vehicle in the United States with three selectable drive modes – comfort, normal and sport. Using a suite of sensors that detect 46 unique body, steering and braking inputs, the advanced suspension monitors body motion and then adjusts Expedition’s damping system in milliseconds to manage the vehicle’s natural body motion. A vehicle with poor damping feels as if it is bouncing on its suspension springs; continuously controlled damping recognizes the weight of the vehicle, steering feedback and road undulations and then reacts accordingly, helping to control body motion so passengers experience an orderly, comfortable ride.
The new Expedition also features Ford’s innovative electric power-assisted steering, which gives drivers noticeably improved maneuverability at low speeds and better feel at high speeds, and saves fuel because it operates more efficiently than traditional pump-driven systems. The technology reduces steering effort and makes Expedition more engaging to drive.
The updated interior of Expedition incorporates a fresh center stack to accommodate new technologies, such as an eight-inch touch screen for SYNC with MyFord Touch. The driver information cluster features two full-color 4.2-inch LCD screens. The new Expedition debuts with popular technology upgrades consumers are now demanding, including driver-assist features such as radar-based Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert.
Other new technologies on the 2015 Expedition include a 10-speaker, 700-watt Sony audio system; Intelligent Access with push-button start; rearview camera; seven-color, interior ambient LED lighting; and Ford truck apps to help make trailer towing and off-road driving easier.
Dimensions & specifications
Expedition
Wheelbase: 119.0; overall length: 206.0; width: 78.8; height: 77.2
Expedition EL
Wheelbase: 131.0; overall length: 220.8; width: 78.8; height: 77.7
All vehicle measurements are in inches.
Engine: 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 – 365 hp at 5,000 rpm and 420 lbs-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm.
Transmission: six-speed SelectShift automatic
EPA Fuel Economy: Expedition – 16 city/22 hwy. (4x2), 15 city/20 hwy. (4x4); Expedition EL – 15 city/21 hwy. (4x2), 14 city/20 hwy. (4x4).
Cargo capacity: 108 cu. ft. (Expedition), 130.8 cu. ft. (Expedition EL)
Towing capacity: 9,200 lbs.
Safety features
Dual front airbags, front seat mounted side-impact airbags, dual head curtain side-impact airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, engine braking, traction control, AdvanceTrac with roll stability control, remote keyless entry, SecuriCode keypad locking system, perimeter alarm, power automatic door locks, automatic headlamps, hill start assist, hill descent control (4x4 only), rearview camera, trailer sway control, tire pressure monitoring system, LED fog lamps, SYNC voice-activated communications and entertainment system, power adjustable pedals, and reverse sensing system. Limited adds forward sensing system, heavy duty trailer towing package, remote engine start, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. King Ranch adds blind spot information system and voice activated navigation system.
Warranty
Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile
Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile
Corrosion: 5-year/unlimited
Pricing
The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2015 Ford Expedition SUV starts from $43,390 for the Expedition XLT upto $63,640 for the Expedition EL Platinum 4x4. Destination charges add $1,195.
