The verdict
A mixed-report full-size suv, strong on space and held back by ownership.
Overall 2.65 (C+) across 10 graded subjects. Its strongest is space & comfort at 3.80 (A), its weakest cost of ownership at 0.00 (F). 8 of 10 subjects grade at C− or better.
Jump to scoresStrengths
- Space & Comfort
- Technology & Infotainment
- Performance & Powertrain
What holds it back
- Cost of Ownership
- Efficiency & Range
- Reliability & Quality
Top alternatives
Cars shoppers cross-shop with the Ford Expedition
2.79B-
Chevrolet TahoeFull-Size SUVBetter at: Resale valueThe most direct rival, with better projected resale and a diesel engine option that cuts the fuel bill the Expedition can't escape.
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2.63C+
Toyota SequoiaFull-Size SUVBetter at: Fuel & reliabilityA standard hybrid powertrain and Toyota's dependability record answer the Expedition's two biggest weaknesses, if you can live with a tighter third row and cargo hold.
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2.72B-
Jeep WagoneerFull-Size SUVBetter at: Interior qualityRicher interior materials and stronger IIHS crash results for a family buyer who cares more about cabin and safety ratings than maximum tow rating.
CompareHow it's evolved
10 scored model years · 2017–2026
Subject scores by year
Hover or tap a score to see what moved it versus the year before. A corner mark flags a big swing.
| Year | Performance | Efficiency | Safety | Space | Cost | Reliability | Tech | Use-case | Driving | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 73 | 38 | 75 | 88 | 22 | 56 | 85 | 73 | 58 | 79 |
| 2025 | 74 | 37 | 73 | 87 | 9 | 54 | 80 | 71 | 63 | 72 |
| 2024 | 72 | 32 | 65 | 85 | 27 | 59 | 77 | 68 | 62 | 64 |
| 2023 | 72 | 35 | 62 | 85 | 28 | 55 | 75 | 66 | 62 | 63 |
| 2022 | 72 | 27 | 62 | 85 | 26 | 54 | 68 | 65 | 61 | 63 |
| 2021 | 67 | 33 | 58 | 85 | 21 | 51 | 47 | 62 | 57 | 55 |
| 2020 | 67 | 36 | 56 | 84 | 29 | 51 | 45 | 64 | 64 | 59 |
| 2019 | 69 | 38 | 47 | 84 | 26 | 46 | 47 | 58 | 57 | 66 |
| 2018 | 68 | 40 | 45 | 83 | 30 | 55 | 45 | 60 | 60 | 64 |
| 2017 | 62 | 35 | 34 | 71 | 29 | 57 | 38 | 54 | 56 | 50 |
Compare two years
Best fit & conditions
Higher scores mean a better fit for that use case. Learn more about use-case fit →
Subject profile
Detailed scoring by subject
1Performance & PowertrainOne of the Expedition's strongest categories.2.88B-
The volume Limited/King Ranch/Platinum trims use the 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 tuned for 400 hp; base XL/XLT get a 380-hp tune and the new-for-2024 Timberline off-road trim gets the 440-hp High-Output tune.
480 lb-ft on the volume-trim 400-hp tune is near the top of the full-size SUV normalization band, with the Timberline's High-Output engine reaching 510 lb-ft.
Instrumented tests of 400-hp Expedition trims (XLT, King Ranch) land in the 6.2–6.5 s range, while the 440-hp Timberline and Platinum are notably quicker at roughly 5.2–5.7 s.
The 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 delivers strong, mostly seamless power with minimal perceptible turbo lag; Car and Driver named the Expedition its Best Large SUV for 2024 partly on the strength of its powertrain.
The 10-speed SelectShift automatic (shared with F-150/Navigator) shifts crisply and rarely hunts, including under trailer load.
9,300 lbs on the SWB 4x2 with the factory tow package exceeds the full-size SUV normalization band ceiling, among the best in the segment.
RWD is standard with 4x4 optional across nearly every trim via an intelligent 4WD system with Terrain Management System selectable modes; Timberline adds an electronic limited-slip rear differential for added sophistication.
The new-for-2024 Timberline trim brings real off-road hardware — 10.6 in ground clearance, a Raptor-derived skid plate, 32 in all-terrain tires, off-road-tuned shocks, and Ford Trail Control — but stops short of a true locking differential or dedicated crawl mode.
The lineup offers only one engine family — a 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 in three states of tune (380/400/440 hp) — with no hybrid, PHEV, or EV option.
2Efficiency & RangeOne of the Expedition's weakest categories.0.06F
The 2024 Expedition's carryover 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6/10-speed powertrain is EPA-rated at 18 MPG combined for the higher-volume 4x4 configuration, near the floor of the full-size SUV band due to body-on-frame mass and drivetrain loss.
City MPG for the 4x4 EcoBoost Expedition sits at the bottom of the full-size SUV city band, reflecting the added driveline drag of the 4WD system versus the 2WD's 17 MPG city.
Highway MPG is consistent with the segment for a body-on-frame full-size SUV; the 4x4 configuration trails the 2WD's 23 MPG hwy by 1 MPG.
Standard-wheelbase Expedition carries a 23.3-gal tank; at 18 MPG combined (4x4) that yields roughly 419 mi of range, mid-pack for the full-size SUV segment.
At 18 MPG combined and EPA's standard 15,000 mi/yr assumption with contemporary regular-gas pricing, annual fuel cost lands around $2,750, near the higher-cost end of the full-size SUV band.
The Expedition runs on regular 87-octane fuel for standard driving; Ford recommends premium only for heavy towing or hot-weather conditions, not as a hard requirement.
3SafetyMid-pack among this car's ten categories.2.40C+
NHTSA gave the 2024 Expedition a 5-star overall rating with 5 stars in frontal and side crash tests; rollover scored 3 stars for RWD and 4 stars for 4WD models.
No IIHS Top Safety Pick award. The Expedition earned Good ratings in moderate overlap front and side tests, but Marginal on both driver- and passenger-side small overlap front tests, with the steering column partially detaching from the instrument panel in the driver-side test.
Ford Co-Pilot360 is standard on every 2024 Expedition trim, bundling pre-collision assist with AEB and pedestrian detection, BLIS blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping system, adaptive cruise control, auto high-beams, and a rearview camera.
IIHS front crash prevention testing found the Expedition avoided collisions in every vehicle-to-vehicle and pedestrian trial (day and night) but failed to issue a timely forward-collision warning in several scenarios involving a car, motorcycle, and semitrailer, short of a Superior/Advanced rating.
BLIS blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert is standard across the Expedition lineup as part of Co-Pilot360, providing alert-based coverage rather than active steering/braking intervention on the volume trim.
Standard lane-keeping system provides functional lane departure warning and keep-assist; smoother lane-centering behavior is tied to the optional/higher-trim BlueCruise system rather than the base setup.
Adaptive cruise control is standard fleet-wide on the 2024 Expedition, and BlueCruise on higher trims integrates it with lane centering for hands-free highway assist covering roughly 97% of divided highways in the US and Canada.
BlueCruise is a mature, broad-coverage hands-free system but is restricted to the Platinum, Platinum MAX, Active, and Tremor trims for 2024 rather than being available fleet-wide.
IIHS rated the Expedition's standard headlights Marginal, citing inadequate illumination on curves and excessive glare produced for oncoming drivers.
Reviewers note the Expedition's massive windshield pillars hurt forward visibility and the distant rear window limits rearward sightlines, though a clear standard backup camera and available 360-degree camera system partly offset the blind zones.
Three-row Expeditions offer up to five complete LATCH anchor sets across three rows, and a car-seat-friendly third-row tilt lets access without disturbing an installed seat, but second-row lower anchors sit tight against the upholstery, making convertible-seat connectors harder to attach than rigid infant-seat connectors.
4Space & ComfortThe Expedition's best-graded category.3.80A
The volume 2024 Expedition trim ships with a 2nd-row bench for 8-passenger seating, with a 7-passenger captain's-chair layout as an alternate configuration.
Manufacturer-published front-row headroom for the standard-wheelbase 2024 Expedition.
Manufacturer-published front-row legroom for the standard-wheelbase 2024 Expedition.
Manufacturer-published 2nd-row headroom for the standard-wheelbase 2024 Expedition.
Manufacturer-published 2nd-row legroom for the standard-wheelbase 2024 Expedition, among the roomiest in the full-size SUV class.
The 3rd row (36.1 in legroom) is genuinely usable by adults for longer trips — reviewers note it's roomier than most rivals and can seat two adults or three teens — with PowerFold and available power-recline easing comfort and access, though seat cushioning is firmer/more utilitarian than the front rows.
Manufacturer-published cargo volume behind the 2nd row (3rd row folded) for the standard-wheelbase 2024 Expedition.
Manufacturer-published maximum cargo volume with all rear seats folded for the standard-wheelbase 2024 Expedition.
A sizable center console handles purses/tablets with logical charging/control placement, cupholders run through all three rows, and four USB ports are standard with an optional household-style 120V outlet — competitive everyday storage but no standout innovation like a sliding giga-console or in-cabin trunk.
Front seats are widely praised as cushy with multi-zone lumbar support and available massage on upper trims; 2nd-row seats are decently plush; the 3rd row is firm but adult-usable, keeping overall long-haul comfort strong front-to-back.
Reviewers consistently describe the Expedition's independent rear suspension as delivering a soft, well-controlled ride that stays composed even fully loaded, rating it among the smoother-riding full-size SUVs rather than sporty or firm.
Active noise control and sound-deadening keep the cabin impressively quiet at highway speed and around town for a body-on-frame full-size SUV, per multiple reviews.
Tri-zone automatic climate control (driver, passenger, rear) is standard fleet-wide, but heated 1st/2nd-row seats, ventilated/massaging front seats, and a heated steering wheel are trim-dependent options rather than broadly standard equipment.
5Cost of OwnershipThe Expedition's lowest-graded category.0.00F
Entry XL trim starts at $55,525 before destination; adding the $1,895 destination charge gives the as-delivered base price for the 2024 model year.
XLT is the volume trim; base XLT MSRP is $59,590 before destination, and Edmunds' as-equipped figure with destination and popular options lands at $62,035.
RepairPal estimates average annual repair/maintenance spend of $861 for the Expedition, projecting to roughly $4,300 over 5 years — better than the fullsize-SUV class average of $784/yr would suggest, though RepairPal notes individual repairs skew more severe than average.
The Expedition has been cited among vehicles with the steepest 5-year depreciation in its class (iSeeCars estimates ~57% depreciation, i.e. ~43% retention), while other estimates are somewhat more favorable (~49% depreciation); a blended ~45% retention reflects weaker-than-average resale for the full-size SUV segment.
Standard Ford bumper-to-bumper coverage for the 2024 model year, matching the rest of the domestic full-size SUV class.
Standard Ford powertrain coverage for the 2024 model year — at the low end of the segment band alongside most non-luxury domestic rivals.
Ford does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance on the Expedition (unlike Toyota/Lexus/Genesis rivals); coverage is limited to standard roadside assistance for the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty period plus a complimentary trial of FordPass Connect services — basic perks with no factory-paid maintenance.
$62,035 volume-trim price minus its estimated resale value after 5 years (45% retained, or about $27,916) leaves about $34,119 in depreciation. Add the projected $4,300 in 5-year maintenance and repairs, and owning this vehicle for 5 years costs about $38,419 in total.
6Reliability & QualityOne of the Expedition's weakest categories.1.98C-
Signals are mixed: J.D. Power rates the 2024 Expedition 75/100 for quality and reliability, but Consumer Reports rates it worse than average with owner-reported transmission problems, oil consumption, and electrical/tech glitches.
Ford lands mid-pack among mainstream brands in recent multi-year dependability studies — an average CR standing offset by an above-average J.D. Power initial-quality showing.
The 2024 Expedition has been subject to roughly six NHTSA recalls including a serious 3.5L EcoBoost engine cup-plug oil-leak recall (fire/stall risk) and a 548,463-vehicle chrome console-trim recall linked to 65 injuries, plus a rearview-camera display software recall — a pattern with real safety-system and powertrain severity, not just routine bulletins.
The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 has a decade-plus track record and a life-of-engine timing chain, but owners and TSBs report intercooler issues, carbon buildup, and occasional VCT phaser noise; the 10R80 10-speed automatic is generally durable with only scattered shift-quality complaints — net a proven-but-not-flawless powertrain family.
Reviewers note a notable step up in cabin materials for this generation — soft-touch surfaces, available leather/wood/metal trim, and consistent stitching — that reviewers say slightly exceeds crosstown domestic full-size SUV rivals for the price.
Assembly is generally solid and reviewers cite a real improvement over the prior generation, but the volume of recall activity (console trim, oil leak, camera software) points to some scattered build-quality inconsistency rather than class-leading initial quality.
Ford has one of the densest dealer networks in the US, giving Expedition owners broad service access, but J.D. Power's 2024 CSI study ranked Ford dealers 13th of 18 mass-market brands (835 vs. 848 segment average) for service satisfaction, though truck/SUV-specific service scored best-in-class.
As a high-volume domestic full-size SUV, parts and independent-shop support are widely available nationwide, but turbocharged V6 components, the 10-speed transmission, and available air suspension push repair costs above compact/mid-size SUV norms.
7Technology & InfotainmentOne of the Expedition's strongest categories.3.25B+
Volume trims (XL, XLT, Limited base) get a 12-inch horizontal SYNC 4 touchscreen; upper trims step up to a larger vertical SYNC 4A display.
SYNC 4 is widely praised for quick response, logical menu structure, and retention of physical climate/volume controls alongside the touchscreen, putting it near the top of the full-size SUV class for usability.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included with SYNC 4 across the Expedition lineup, not gated to upper trims.
SYNC 4 offers conversational, natural-language voice recognition and cloud-connected navigation with over-the-air map updates, though many owners still default to phone-projection maps.
A 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen system is available with an even higher-end 22-speaker B&O Unleashed system on top trims, giving the Expedition standout premium audio in its class.
Base SYNC 4 trims pair with a smaller partially-digital gauge cluster; a crisp 12.4-inch fully digital cluster is reserved for upper SYNC 4A trims (King Ranch, Platinum).
Ford Power-Up delivers wireless over-the-air updates that can refresh SYNC software and reprogram vehicle modules/firmware (e.g. the 2024-model AM radio restoration update), beyond just maps, though it's not as expansive as full-vehicle OTA leaders.
The FordPass app (with FordPass Connect modem) provides remote start/stop, lock/unlock, vehicle locate, scheduled start, and vehicle health alerts at no extra cost for a complimentary period, covering core remote functions solidly if not class-leading.
The 2024 Expedition offers six smart-charging USB ports (two per row, including USB-C in the second row) plus an available wireless charging pad, giving strong device-power coverage across all three rows.
Proximity keyless entry, push-button start, and remote start are available across most trims with a hands-free power liftgate, but Ford does not offer a phone-as-key digital key on the Expedition.
A 360-degree camera with split view and front/rear washer is standard on King Ranch and Platinum and available on XLT, Limited, and Timberline, giving broad access to high-quality surround-view parking aids.
A multi-color head-up display is offered on the 2024 Expedition but is limited to top trims (e.g. Platinum), not available on the volume trim.
8Use-Case FitMid-pack among this car's ten categories.2.57C+
Wide door openings and a standard 2nd-row bench (7-passenger captain's-chair layout optional) make loading kids and gear straightforward, and LATCH lower anchors are exposed and easy to use at every 2nd- and 3rd-row outboard position; 20.9 cu ft behind the folded-flat power 3rd row is generous stroller/gear space, though a bit behind the class-leading Tahoe/Yukon twins.
Ford Co-Pilot360 (AEB with pedestrian detection, BLIS blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping, adaptive cruise, auto high-beams) is standard on every trim including the base XL, and NHTSA rated the 2024 Expedition 5 stars overall — a strong safety floor at family-friendly price points, though IIHS's Marginal small-overlap-front result kept it off the Top Safety Pick list.
Best-in-class front/2nd-row headroom and legroom (per cat4) plus available rear-seat entertainment and tri-zone climate keep multiple rows comfortable on long drives, but with all three rows occupied, luggage space narrows to a still-usable 19.3-20.9 cu ft behind the 3rd row.
The EcoBoost V6/10-speed combo delivers smooth, low-effort power in traffic and standard adaptive cruise eases longer commutes, but body-on-frame heft and a 210-221.9-inch footprint (SWB/MAX) make it feel large and less nimble than unibody rivals in stop-and-go driving.
18 MPG combined (4x4, 19 MPG 2WD) sits at the bottom of the full-size SUV EPA band, and full-coverage insurance runs roughly $2,300/yr — real per-mile costs are on the expensive side for daily commuting despite mid-pack maintenance spend.
A 41.0-ft turning diameter and a 210-221.9-inch overall length make the Expedition genuinely oversized for tight city parking and garages; standard/available front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera help but don't offset the vehicle's sheer footprint.
9,300 lbs max towing (4x2 SWB with the Max Trailer Tow package) and 1,758 lbs of payload put the Expedition near the top of the full-size SUV segment, and available Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 with Trailer Reverse Guidance makes hauling trailers and boats far less intimidating for occasional work use.
The 3.5L EcoBoost V6/10R80 10-speed combo has a proven multi-year track record shared with the F-150, but reported intercooler and carbon-buildup issues plus a 2024-2025 EcoBoost cup-plug oil-leak recall temper confidence for sustained hard-use duty versus a dedicated fleet workhorse.
An available 110V/150W AC outlet and standard roof rails give some worksite/accessory utility, but factory roof-rack load ratings are modest (125 lbs with sunroof / 200 lbs without, dynamic) and there's no bed or truck-grade upfit ecosystem, so jobsite practicality lags dedicated work vehicles.
Spacious, well-cushioned seating (segment-leading per cat4), standard adaptive cruise/Co-Pilot360 to ease fatigue, and roughly 419 miles of combined range on the standard 23.3-gal tank make the Expedition a strong mile-eater, with the larger MAX tank stretching range further still.
The 2024 Timberline trim adds an electronic limited-slip rear differential, off-road-tuned shocks, underbody skid plates, all-terrain tires, and up to 10.6 in of ground clearance, while the wider lineup's available 4x4 with Terrain Management System and 9,300-lb towing enable hauling boats, campers, or off-road toys.
A 10-way power-folding, flat-folding 2nd/3rd row opens up to 104.6 cu ft of max cargo (121.5 cu ft on the Expedition MAX), and standard roof rails plus available factory hitch/tow package add flexibility for roof boxes, bikes, and trailers alike.
9Driving ExperienceMid-pack among this car's ten categories.2.20C
The 2024 Expedition handles securely thanks to its independent rear suspension and optional adaptive air springs, but reviewers consistently note pronounced body roll and a lumbering feel through corners at speed — secure but unremarkable dynamics typical of a body-on-frame full-size SUV.
Steering is light and easy to manage around town, prioritizing low-effort maneuvering of a large SUV over feedback — precise enough for daily use but numb, with little road feel transmitted to the driver.
Brakes deliver confidence-inspiring, quick stops for a nearly 6,000-lb SUV, though the pedal feels soft over the first inch of travel — adequate, well-calibrated stopping power rather than segment-leading feel.
The carryover 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 paired with the 10R80 10-speed automatic delivers quick, nearly imperceptible shifts and a refined, responsive feel befitting a premium full-size SUV, though some owners report occasional harsh or delayed shifts during early adaptive-learning periods.
NVH is well controlled for the segment — the twin-turbo V6 is audible but unobtrusive under load — though there are documented service bulletins for occasional EcoBoost variable-cam-timing phaser noise at cold startup.
At roughly 41 ft curb-to-curb, the standard-wheelbase Expedition sits near the wide end of the full-size SUV band, reflecting its long wheelbase and body-on-frame architecture; the extended MAX is wider still.
A commanding seating position, wide adjustment range, and available massaging multi-contour front seats make for a comfortable driving perch; the large 12-inch (15.5-inch optional) touchscreen and standard/available 360-degree camera help offset the size-related blind spots inherent to a full-size SUV.
The Expedition is a pleasant, confident cruiser with strong V6 power on tap, but its size, body roll, and numb steering keep it from being genuinely engaging — reviewers frame its appeal around refinement and capability rather than driver enjoyment.
10Value & Market PositionMid-pack among this car's ten categories.2.32C+
Even the base XL comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360 driver-assist tech, a 12-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4, and tri-zone climate control — content that rivals often reserve for mid or upper trims — though cloth seats and fewer power features keep the entry XL feeling fleet-oriented.
The twin-turbo V6's strong power and standard tech give the Expedition solid content for the money, but base MSRP has climbed past $58K and loaded Platinum/King Ranch trims push well over $80K, landing it at fair-but-unremarkable value versus the similarly priced Tahoe/Yukon twins.
The 2024 lineup spans XL, XLT, Active, Limited, King Ranch, Platinum, and the newly added off-road-oriented Timberline, each available in standard or extended-length MAX wheelbase and RWD or 4WD — a wide, well-spaced range from work-focused to luxury and off-road niches.
Expedition remains a steady mid-pack seller in the full-size SUV class, consistently trailing the higher-volume Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban and GMC Yukon in US sales, running closer to Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada volumes.
Ford carries a strong, trusted mainstream image reinforced by its truck/SUV halo (F-150), giving the Expedition solid but not aspirational brand pull — neutral-to-positive perception rather than a luxury-tier following.
Ford regularly runs financing offers and modest cash incentives on Expedition rather than pricing at a premium over MSRP, giving buyers some room to negotiate, though discounts are not as deep as on slower-turning rivals.
The current generation launched for 2018 and received a substantial mid-cycle update for 2022 (new front/rear styling, 12-in. SYNC 4 touchscreen, revised suspension); the 2024 addition of the off-road Timberline trim keeps the lineup feeling current, but the underlying architecture is now several years old with a full redesign anticipated later in the decade.
Reviewers consistently praise the Expedition's refined ride, strong V6 power, and tech-forward cabin, frequently ranking it near the top of full-size SUV comparison tests, though it has not racked up the same volume of outright comparison-test wins or major awards as some rivals in recent cycles.
