2010 Ford Expedition EL

Enhanced Utility
The EL's 12-inch longer wheelbase and nearly 15 inches of additional length provide a huge improvement in capacity with little increase in cost or reduction in fuel efficiency. Sure, your garage may not accommodate the extra length, but that's a small price to pay if you're actually intending to use your full-size SUV.

Keyless Entry Keypad
No more worrying about where to hide your keyfob; with the keyless keypad entry system you can simply lock your keys and other items safely inside the vehicle. A preset combination entered via the door-mounted keypad unlocks the doors.

The Expedition's seats offer excellent support, with improved contours, big side bolsters (we'd still hope for a little more lateral support), soft cushions and upgraded materials. Additionally, seat-track travel for the driver's side can accommodate people from 4'11" to 6'4" tall. In the Eddie Bauer package, driver and passengers will enjoy tone-on-tone leather, attractive and legible instrumentation, a stylish center stack on the instrument panel and cup holders galore. Access to the third row is relatively easy and the seating is reasonably comfortable, even for adults. Opt for the EL variant and you'll enjoy both a third row and lots of storage space behind it. Finally, some of the plastic textures, though not cheap, do not seem to quite match the expectations of a $40,000-plus price point.

The 2010 Ford Expedition carries over with only minor exterior changes after undergoing a complete makeover in 2008. While retaining the same basic architecture as the 2006 model, the newest Expedition's modifications are immediately recognizable. The most prominent alteration is the nose job, where Ford's now-signature four-bar grille sits front and center. What Ford describes as "crisply-defined surfaces and chiseled good looks" certainly remain, though augmented by the raised "powerdome" hood, new headlamps and large wheel "lips." Finally, 20-inch rims are optionally available from the factory, so there's no need to seek out the aftermarket variety.

While the 5.4-liter V8 is certainly adequate, Ford's one offering is overwhelmed by the multitude of choices available from Chevrolet, GMC and Dodge. The V8's 310 horsepower and 365 lb.-ft. of torque are well-matched to the chassis, and that power is enhanced by a six-speed automatic, but the package falls short of GM's 5.3-liter V8 (at least in horsepower), GM's 6.0-liter V8 and Dodge's 5.7-liter HEMI V8.

5.4 liter V8
310 horsepower at 5100 rpm
365 lb.-ft. of torque at 3600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 (gasoline, 2WD), 9/13 (E85, 2WD), N/A (4WD)