The 2017 Ford Expedition is a traditional truck-based SUV that comes with eight seats and an impressive towing capacity.
Ford is known for making superior pickup trucks, and one of its best models is the Expedition. This amazing SUV has been a fan favorite since the 1990s. The only cars considered to be rivals are the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.
Ford's mission is to make the Expedition one of the best family SUVs. So the 2017 Expedition comes with several trim levels and optional packages. The infotainment system has improved, and the cabin is very spacious.
The exterior design hasn't changed much. It looks the same as the 2015 model. But a lot of things have changed under the hood. Ford replaced the turbo V-8 that was in the older models with a new V-6 engine. There's a new adaptive suspension, and the interior is more luxurious.
This big SUV is gentle and maintains stability while speeding down the highway. It comes with all features and comfortability to satisfy a family that's planning to go for a long trip.
Let's find out more about the 2017 Ford Expedition.
Considering Its Size, The 2017 Ford Expedition Handles Like A Small SUV
When the Expedition is hauling and towing heavy items, it does a commendable job. Ford claims its towing capacity is 9200 pounds. If you compare it to a vehicle like the Chevrolet Tahoe, which has a towing capacity of 8500 pounds, you'll see that the Expedition's towing is one of the best in that segment.
Under the hood, a quick, smooth, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 produces 365 hp and 420 pound-feet. The car comes with a six-speed automatic transmission that works well with the engine. According to My Car Specs, the Expedition can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds and has a top speed of 162 mph. These are actually good specs for a large SUV like the Expedition.
Ford thought about fuel consumption when designing this SUV. They added electric power-assisted steering to help improve fuel mileage. But sadly, they sacrificed the steering feel and feedback. The rear suspension helps the car over rough pavements and stabilizes it in bumpy corners. But the Expedition’s size can be inconvenient when the driver wants to park or go through a narrow road.
Despite having a significant size, the Expedition handles well on the road. The four-wheel independent suspension makes it way sleeker than its rivals. Similarly-sized SUVs with live-axle rear suspensions are way stiffer.
The V6 engine makes the Expedition one of the quickest cars on the market. The engine pulls a fully sized trailer when it's loaded with no complaints, and the turbocharger doesn't delay acceleration.
Even Though The Expedition’s Exterior Didn’t Change, Ford Upgraded The Interior
The 2017 Ford Expedition comes in four models, the Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum. All of these models are classy and roomy and look well-trimmed and attractive. The only flaw with the models is they have some low-budget surfaces that don't suit the high-class cabin theme.
The 2017 Expedition has the latest infotainment system created by Ford. This system is known as Sync 3, and it's easier to learn and use than the old MyFord Touch screen. Other features include a 4.2-inch display, Bluetooth connectivity, and a six-speaker stereo with a satellite radio. Higher trims get an 8.0-inch touchscreen and a 12-speaker Sony audio system.
Owners of the Expedition can enjoy the spacious room the seats offer. Passengers can fit and stretch comfortably in the rows of seats. The standard 40/20/40 split second-row seat slides and reclines for greater comfort, and there's also a centre section that can be moved forward to put smaller passengers like kids within reach of the driver. The second-row chairs provide easier access to the third row without the extra seat. Then, when the driver wants more space, they can fold the third-row seats for more cargo room.
The 2017 Ford Expedition’s Size Doesn’t Help When It Comes To Safety
Things get a bit complicated with the Ford Expedition's size. It has both good and bad crash test scores because of its size.
The NHTSA gave the Expedition five stars for its crash performance. But in tests like rollover resistance NHTSA gave the rear-drive models three stars while the four-wheel drive earned four stars.
The 2017 Expedition has standard safety features like side airbags, Bluetooth, and a standard rearview camera. Ford has a top-tier programmable safety system called the MyKey system. This feature allows parents to program a speed limiter, speed alert chimes, and additional belt reminders.
There's also stability control with programming to limit trailer sway. This system applies precise braking when it detects force. After the braking is used, the system reduces engine torque to bring both vehicle and trailer under control.