Wondering which Ford Expedition is right for you? This comprehensive comparison covers exterior dimensions, interior space, powertrain, fuel economy, and more to help you decide between the Expedition and Expedition Max.
Exterior Dimensions
When it comes to the Expedition and Expedition Max, one of the most significant differences lies in their exterior dimensions. But what does this mean for you, the buyer? Let’s dive in and explore how these differences impact your driving experience.
Length and Width Comparison
The Expedition Max is a behemoth of a vehicle, stretching out to 221.9 inches in length, while the standard Expedition comes in at 203.9 inches. That’s a significant difference of 18 inches, roughly the length of a compact car. This extra length translates to more cargo space and a more comfortable ride for passengers. But what about width? Surprisingly, both vehicles share the same width of 83.6 inches, making them equally as wide as each other.
Height and Wheelbase Differences
The Expedition and Expedition Max also differ in terms of height, with the Max standing taller at 76.6 inches compared to the standard Expedition’s 76 inches. While this difference may seem minimal, it affects the overall stance and presence of the vehicle on the road. When it comes to wheelbase, the Expedition Max has a longer wheelbase of 131.6 inches, while the standard Expedition comes in at 122.5 inches. This longer wheelbase provides more stability and a smoother ride, especially when hauling heavy loads or towing trailers.
Interior Space and Seating
When it comes to interior space and seating, both the Expedition and Expedition Max are designed to provide ample room for passengers and cargo. But how do they compare in terms of passenger capacity, legroom, and cargo capacity?
Passenger Capacity and Legroom
The Expedition and Expedition Max are both designed to accommodate large families or groups of friends, but the Max takes the cake when it comes to passenger capacity. With a maximum seating capacity of eight passengers, the Expedition Max offers an additional row of seating compared to the standard Expedition, which can accommodate up to seven passengers.
But it’s not just about the number of passengers you can fit – it’s also about how comfortable they’ll be during the ride. In terms of legroom, the Expedition offers 43.9 inches of legroom in the front, 39.1 inches in the second row, and 32.2 inches in the third row. The Expedition Max, on the other hand, offers slightly more legroom in the third row, with 36.1 inches. However, both vehicles offer plenty of room to stretch out and get comfortable, even on long road trips.
Cargo Capacity and Storage Options
When it comes to cargo capacity, the Expedition Max has a clear advantage. With a maximum cargo capacity of 104.6 cubic feet, the Expedition Max offers significantly more storage space than the standard Expedition, which has a maximum cargo capacity of 76.6 cubic feet. This is largely due to the Max’s longer wheelbase, which provides more room for cargo in the back.
But it’s not just about raw cargo capacity – it’s also about the convenience features that make loading and unloading cargo easier. Both the Expedition and Expedition Max offer a number of storage options, including a cargo management system, tie-down hooks, and a 120V power outlet in the cargo area. Additionally, the Expedition Max offers a unique feature called the “Cargo Protector,” which is a protective mat that can be deployed to prevent cargo from scratching the rear seats.
Ultimately, the choice between the Expedition and Expedition Max will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you need to transport large groups of people or haul heavy cargo, the Expedition Max may be the better choice. But if you prioritize agility and maneuverability, the standard Expedition may be the way to go.
Powertrain and Performance
When it comes to the powertrain and performance of the Expedition and Expedition Max, one thing is clear: both vehicles are built to deliver exceptional capability and reliability. Whether you’re hauling heavy loads, towing trailers, or simply cruising down the highway, the right engine and transmission combination can make all the difference.
Engine Options and Horsepower
So, what kind of power can you expect from these two SUVs? The Expedition and Expedition Max both come with a range of engine options, each designed to cater to different needs and preferences. The base model features a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, which produces a respectable 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. However, if you’re looking for even more oomph, you can opt for the 3.5-liter EcoBoost High-Output V6, which pumps out an impressive 400 horsepower and 480 lb.-ft. of torque. But what does this mean in real-world terms? To put it simply, the Expedition and Expedition Max have the power to tackle challenging terrain, haul heavy loads, and accelerate quickly from a standstill.
Towing Capacity and Hauling Abilities
Of course, power is only half the story. When it comes to towing and hauling, the Expedition and Expedition Max are both capable of handling significant loads. The standard engine can tow up to 9,200 pounds, while the high-output engine can handle an impressive 9,500 pounds. But it’s not just about the numbers – both vehicles feature an advanced towing system, complete with a tow/haul mode, trailer sway control, and a trailer brake controller. This means you can haul everything from small boats to large RVs with confidence and ease. So, whether you’re a weekend warrior or a serious off-roader, the Expedition and Expedition Max have the towing capacity and hauling abilities to get the job done.
Fuel Economy and Range
When it comes to fuel efficiency, the Expedition and Expedition Max are designed to provide reliable performance without breaking the bank. But how do these two behemoths compare when it comes to MPG and overall range? Let’s dive in and find out.
MPG Comparison for City and Highway
Both the Expedition and Expedition Max offer two engine options: a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 and a 3.5-liter non-EcoBoost V6. The main difference lies in their MPG ratings. The Expedition with the EcoBoost engine achieves an estimated 17 MPG city, 23 MPG highway, and 19 MPG combined. In contrast, the Expedition Max with the same engine reaches 16 MPG city, 22 MPG highway, and 18 MPG combined. The non-EcoBoost engine yields similar results, with the Expedition achieving 17 MPG city, 24 MPG highway, and 20 MPG combined, and the Expedition Max reaching 16 MPG city, 23 MPG highway, and 19 MPG combined.
Fuel Tank Capacity and Range Differences
The fuel tank capacity also varies between the two models. The Expedition comes with a 28-gallon fuel tank, while the Expedition Max boasts a larger 32-gallon tank. This means the Expedition Max can travel further on a single tank, making it a great option for long road trips or families who need to haul heavy loads. To put this into perspective, the Expedition Max with the EcoBoost engine can travel an estimated 416 miles on a single tank, while the Expedition reaches approximately 364 miles. The non-EcoBoost engine reduces the range to around 392 miles for the Expedition Max and 336 miles for the Expedition.
Technology and Safety Features
When it comes to staying connected and safe on the road, the Expedition and Expedition Max offer a plethora of innovative features that set them apart from their competitors.
Infotainment System and Screen Size
Both the Expedition and Expedition Max boast a user-friendly SYNC 3 infotainment system, complete with an 8-inch touchscreen display that’s responsive and intuitive. But what about screen real estate? The Expedition Max takes the lead here, offering an optional 10.1-inch touchscreen display that’s perfect for navigation, entertainment, and staying connected on the go. Imagine having a tablet-like experience right on your dashboard – it’s a game-changer for road trips and daily commutes alike. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, you can seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps, music, and maps.
Advanced Safety Features and Driver Aids
Safety should always be top of mind when choosing a vehicle, and both the Expedition and Expedition Max deliver in this department. Standard features like Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with trailer coverage, Lane-Keeping System (LKS), and Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) provide an added layer of protection for you and your passengers. But what about advanced features? That’s where the Expedition Max pulls ahead, offering an available 360-degree camera system, Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go, and Lane Centering – think of it as having a co-pilot that helps you stay safe and focused on the road. And with Ford’s exclusive Pro Trailer Backup Assist, you’ll be towing like a pro in no time.
Towing and Payload Capacity
When it comes to hauling heavy loads, both the Expedition and Expedition Max are designed to deliver. But how do they compare in terms of towing and payload capacity?
Maximum Towing Capacity Comparison
The Expedition has a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,300 pounds, which is more than enough to handle a large trailer or boat. The Expedition Max, on the other hand, has a slightly higher maximum towing capacity of up to 9,500 pounds. This is because the Max has a longer wheelbase, which provides greater stability when towing heavy loads. However, it’s worth noting that the actual towing capacity of both vehicles will depend on several factors, including the engine, axle ratio, and trailer weight.
Payload Capacity and Bed Size Differences
When it comes to payload capacity, the Expedition has a maximum payload capacity of up to 1,940 pounds, while the Expedition Max has a slightly lower maximum payload capacity of up to 1,860 pounds. This is because the Max has a longer bed, which can affect its payload capacity. Speaking of bed size, the Expedition has a bed that measures 5.5 feet long, while the Expedition Max has a bed that measures 6.5 feet long. This extra length can come in handy when hauling longer items, such as lumber or pipes. However, it’s worth noting that the actual payload capacity of both vehicles will depend on several factors, including the engine, axle ratio, and cargo weight.
Suspension and Handling
When it comes to suspension and handling, both the Expedition and Expedition Max are designed to provide a smooth ride and responsive handling, but there are some key differences between the two.
Suspension Type and Performance
The Expedition features an independent rear suspension (IRS) system, which is designed to provide a more comfortable ride and better handling on paved roads. This system uses a double-wishbone design at the front and a multi-link design at the rear, with coil springs and stabilizer bars at both ends. The result is a smooth, quiet ride and responsive handling that makes the Expedition feel more like a car than a truck.
In contrast, the Expedition Max features a live rear axle suspension, which is better suited for heavy-duty hauling and towing. This system uses a leaf spring design at the rear, which provides more load-carrying capacity and better stability when hauling heavy trailers. While it may not provide the same level of ride comfort as the IRS system, the live rear axle suspension is designed to handle the heavier payloads and towing capacities of the Expedition Max.
Steering and Braking System Differences
When it comes to steering and braking, both the Expedition and Expedition Max feature power-assisted steering systems, but the Expedition Max gets a more heavy-duty system designed to handle its increased payload and towing capacities. The Expedition Max also features larger brakes, with 13.8-inch ventilated discs at the front and 13.2-inch ventilated discs at the rear, compared to 13.6-inch ventilated discs at the front and 13.0-inch ventilated discs at the rear on the Expedition.
In terms of braking performance, both vehicles feature advanced systems with features like trailer sway control and downhill descent control. However, the Expedition Max’s more heavy-duty braking system is designed to handle the increased demands of towing and hauling heavy trailers, providing more confidence and control when stopping from high speeds.
Trim Levels and Pricing
When it comes to choosing the perfect Expedition or Expedition Max, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is selecting the right trim level. After all, each trim level offers a unique combination of features, performance, and pricing that can make or break your overall ownership experience. So, what can you expect from the different trim levels, and how do they impact the bottom line?
Base Model Features and Pricing
The base model Expedition or Expedition Max is an excellent choice for those who want a reliable and capable full-size SUV without breaking the bank. You can expect a starting price around $50,000, which gets you a decent amount of standard features, including a powerful 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a generous list of safety features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist. However, if you’re looking for more luxury and premium amenities, you may want to consider stepping up to a higher trim level.
Top-of-the-Line Trim Features and Pricing
On the other end of the spectrum, the top-of-the-line trim level offers a truly luxurious experience that’s perfect for those who want the best of the best. With a starting price around $70,000, you’ll get a long list of premium features, including a panoramic Vista Roof, a premium sounds system, and advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane-centering technology. You’ll also get unique interior styling elements, like premium leather-trimmed seats and a heated steering wheel. But is it worth the extra cost? If you value comfort, luxury, and advanced technology, the answer is likely yes.