New for 2016

After a welcome revamp last year, the 2016 Expedition gains Ford's latest and most intuitive infotainment system, SYNC® 3.

Break Free  

The 2016 Ford Expedition isn't your average rough-and-tumble SUV. While it's happy to do all the heavy lifting, and can haul big loads of passengers and gear, the Expedition also sports a comfortable interior with three rows and seating for up to eight people.

Ford's latest Expedition isn't just as capable as ever, it also features some impressive technology, making it a thoroughly modern full-size SUV that can tackle even the toughest jobs. While there's no denying that car-based crossovers have gained in popularity over the years, there's still a compelling case to be made for traditional truck-based SUVs like the 2016 Ford Expedition. 

Powertrain and Performance

Carmakers are constantly touting their new powertrains, but few make as big of a leap as the Ford Expedition does. Last year, this big SUV ditched its proportionally-sized V8 for a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 from Ford’s EcoBoost line. 

The goal of downsizing may be to improve fuel efficiency, but the EcoBoost still has enough grunt for a full-size SUV. It produces 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, it gives the Expedition a towing capacity of up to 9,200 pounds.

From behind the wheel, the Expedition should still drive like a proper full-size SUV. The only major differences will likely be a different engine note and more space in the engine bay.

That capability comes with the aforementioned fuel-economy benefit of a smaller engine. With rear-wheel drive, the Expedition gets an EPA-rated 18 mpg combined (16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway),* or 17 mpg combined (15 mpg city, 20 mpg highway) with four-wheel drive.* The long-wheelbase Expedition EL loses 1 mpg in each category with rear-wheel drive.

Features and Trims

The 2016 Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV that seats up to eight, and is available in standard wheelbase and long-wheelbase EL versions. There are four available trim levels, with prices starting at $45,435.**

In addition to plenty of space, the base Expedition XLT comes standard with features like power-adjustable pedals, a rearview camera, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth®, and Ford SYNC® with voice-activated communication and entertainment system with a 4.2-inch display screen.

Building on the standard features of the XLT is the Limited, which adds standard dual-zone automatic climate control, 20-inch alloy wheels, front heated and cooled leather bucket seats, a power-folding third row and liftgate, and halogen projector-beam headlights.

The penultimate Expedition trim level is the King Ranch which, in addition to the applicable standard features from the XLT and Limited, includes standard Mesa Brown leather seats, a memory system for the driver’s seat, pedals, and exterior mirrors, remote engine start, and navigation.

Finally, Platinum models add a more luxurious feel with model-specific wheels and badging, body-color lower moldings, a power moonroof, and polished stainless running boards.

Design 

Since the 2016 Ford Expedition is one of the few remaining truck-based SUVs, the boxy styling isn’t just about appearing tough. Needless to say it offers enough polish to look good and command attention wherever it goes. 

On the outside, the front end features stylized grille and headlights, as well as seemingly-obligatory LED daytime running lights. The King Ranch and Platinum models add their own unique styling elements as well.

The boxy exterior yields a spacious interior. The Expedition can be specified with either second-row individual second-row seats or a 40/20/40 split-folding bench. Both rear rows can fold flat, creating up to 130.8 cubic feet of cargo volume on the Expedition EL.

One thing the old Expedition was missing was more-current tech, but the new model remedies that with the availabe SYNC® 3 interface, which comes bundled with an 8-inch touchscreen.

Safety

Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Ford Expedition includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, Ford’s Safety Canopy System, and front and side airbags. Electronic aids like front and rear sensing systems, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert are also available.

Bottom Line

The 2016 Ford Expedition proves that traditional SUVs can still compete with car-based crossovers. It’s just as utilitarian as ever, but with the added benefit of a turbocharged EcoBoost engine and an updated interior with more of the tech you want. 

For more information, or to schedule a test drive, stop by or contact us at Mills Ford Chrysler today.

*EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.

**Starting MSRP excludes destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Optional equipment not included. Starting A, Z and X Plan price is for qualified, eligible customers and excludes document fee, destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Not all vehicles qualify for A, Z or X Plan. Price ranges based on MSRP on base model to top model and do not include optional equipment not included on those models, destination/delivery charge, taxes, title or registration.

Image: Ford