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Road Test

Ford's Expedition EL is a huge SUV capable of carrying nine passengers, their luggage and still tow a heavy trailer. For the most part, the EL succeeds. It has a roomy third-row seat, it handles reasonably well, and it accelerates strongly while towing our 5,000-pound test trailer. However, the Expedition's ride is stiff, it gets low fuel economy and the engine frequently sounds coarse and strained. A rear-view camera is optional.

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2013 SUVs Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

Ford vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

2013 Large SUVs Ratings

$5,575 - $11,325
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$9,850 - $17,375
economy-icon
EPA MPG 17 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$8,250 - $12,775
economy-icon
EPA MPG 17 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$6,400 - $7,950
economy-icon
EPA MPG 19 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$8,025 - $9,975
economy-icon
EPA MPG 18 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    extended SUV
    4-door SUV
Seating
2 front, 3 rear, 3 third
Drive Wheels
4WD, Rear
Engines Available
  • 5.4-liter V8 (310 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 6-speed automatic
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2025-
Current Generation

The 2025 redesigned Ford Expedition has the same dimensions and overall look as the previous version. Fans will recognize the roomy interior and boxy proportions, but notice slightly smoother exterior styling and more tech features inside. The instrument panel is a 24-inch digital display, which sits between the bottom of the windshield and the top of a large center infotainment screen. A new Tremor trim adds off-road touches such as larger tires, a taller stance, skid plates, and a host of electronic off-roading aids originally introduced on the Ford Bronco. A host of active driver assist features are standard, and Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving assist feature is optional on the majority of trims. 

2018-2024
2018 Redesign Year

The redesigned 2018 Expedition full-sized SUV shaves 300 pounds off its predecessor’s weight to bolster efficiency and performance, while piling on new comfort, convenience, and safety features. The updated 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine adds a fuel-saving start/stop system, and it is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Ford claims this will be the most powerful Expedition yet, putting output above 365 hp. The modern cabin provides seating for eight, with Ford claiming that third-row passenger room has improved. Both the second- and third-row seats can be folded flat with a button push. An extended-length model, dubbed MAX, is also available. For 2020, the Expedition comes standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning. The Expedition receives a refresh for 2022 with new styling, Bluecruise driver assist system, upgraded Sync 4 infotainment options, and a new Timberline off-road trim powered by a 440-hp version of Ford's 3.5-liter turbo V6.

2015-2017
2015 Redesign Year
Model year 2015 saw the introduction of a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 to replace the 5.4-liter V8 in the previous versions of the Expedition we tested. Even though it has less displacement and two fewer cylinders, the smaller engine makes considerably more torque. This significantly improves the way the Expedition drives. Other changes include mild exterior styling revisions and an updated dashboard, along with the addition of blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Of all of the variants, this is the one we recommend and particularly the EL version, as its cavernous interior is a standout in the marketplace.
2007-2014
2007 Redesign Year
For the 2007 model year, Ford expanded the Expedition lineup with a long wheelbase version called Expedition EL. Offering a spacious third-row seat, reasonably good handling and enough cargo capacity to handle luggage for all nine of its potential occupants, Expedition EL is a credible offering. Towing capacity is impressive as well. However, for both versions of the Expedition, ride quality is stiff, fuel economy is low and the engine sounds somewhat less than refined -- although it makes good power. A rear-view camera is optional and a six-speed transmission replaced the previous five-speed unit.