Used 2020 Ford Expedition MAX

The 2020 Ford Expedition takes the 20th-century idea of an 8-seater full-size American SUV and brings it bang up to date. It does this by deploying aluminum body panels, a fuel-efficient turbocharged engine, driver-assistance technology, and a sophisticated independent rear suspension. So even though it’s still based on a truck platform, its refinement is readily apparent. The Expedition Max versions are longer, providing more space for passengers and cargo.

The main competition in this sector comes from the Chevrolet Tahoe and its longer Suburban variant, plus the extremely similar GMC Yukon and Yukon XL. Compared with those rivals, the Expedition has a higher tow rating, superior ride and handling, a level cargo floor and tolerable fuel economy.

There’s also another plus point. Kelley Blue Book gave the 2019 Expedition its Full-Size SUV Best Buy award.

There’s no denying the expansive size of the 2020 Expedition, but that doesn’t automatically mean lumbering weight. The combination of aluminum-intensive construction, turbocharged V6 engine and 10-speed transmission doesn’t exactly make the Expedition sprightly, but it’s more responsive and accelerative than its dimensions might suggest.

Things like moving off from a stoplight or merging onto a freeway are all tackled with confidence. The steering and brakes are also well calibrated, making the Expedition a pleasure to drive rather than a mere task.

Naturally, there’s some body roll, but the Expedition’s independent rear suspension and adjustable shocks mean it’s not to the same extent as a Toyota Sequoia or Chevy Tahoe.

For greater reassurance, we recommend opting for the 360-degree camera system.

There’s a premium look and feel to the 2020 Expedition’s cabin. It’s achieved in part by knurled surfaces of the controls for things like volume, temperature, gearshift and the driving-mode selector. And there’s no shortage of features, especially in the high-end Platinum model.

Second-row passengers enjoy comfortable seats with plenty of scope for adjustment and up to 42.6 inches of legroom. Circus entertainers can leave their stilts on (an exaggeration, but you get the idea). Passengers in the third row also have spacious quarters, especially in long-wheelbase Max versions.

Cargo area is similarly ample: 20.9 cubic feet, expanding to 104.6 behind the front seats.

Instead of employing the design language of Ford’s F-150 pickup, which provides the foundation for the Expedition, the company chose to keep all its SUVs in one stylistic camp. So there’s a family resemblance to the Explorer in the overall profile and lighting units. And we’d argue that this is a good thing, since the 2020 Expedition exhibits a certain boldness and sophistication.

To some, Platinum models might be a bit too lavish with the chrome, but it almost gets lost among the wide expanses of sheetmetal. Expedition Max models have more of everything, with a longer wheelbase and additional cargo space.

INDEPENDENT REAR SUSPENSION
The Expedition’s rear axles move independently. Unlike the solid axles on the Tahoe, Sequoia and Suburban. This brings benefits in ride and handling as well as enabling a flat cargo space when the 3rd-row seats are folded down.

BANG & OLUFSEN AUDIO
This high-end audio make is more often associated with high-end names like Audi and Aston Martin. Now a fabulous 12-speaker B&O setup is available in the Ford Expedition.

The big change here for the 2020 Expedition is that the whole lineup receives a set of driver-assistance features as standard. Under the term Ford Co-Pilot360, buyers acquire forward-collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance and automatic high beams. Elsewhere in the safety department, the Expedition also has a rearview camera with grid lines and washer, multiple airbags, post-crash alert for emergency response, and trailer-sway control.

Other features in the entry-level XLT trim include power-folding 3rd-row seats, keyless entry/ignition, Bluetooth phone/audio, four USB ports, AM/FM/MP3/CD player and satellite radio, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, and a 6-speaker audio system.

Perhaps the first option to consider in the 2020 Expedition is all-wheel drive, which comes with a terrain-management system. Features like leather upholstery, tri-zone automatic climate control, panoramic sunroof and heated/ventilated front seats are standard in the higher trims but available as options at the lower levels.

The Limited trim is eligible for the FX4 off-road package, plus the Texas and Stealth cosmetic packages. King Ranch has its own theme that involves a distinctive black/brown leather combination. Platinum models ramp up the luxury ambience even more with retractable running boards and active noise cancellation.

Other extras include a dual-headrest rear-seat entertainment system and 2nd-row captain’s chairs.

One engine powers the 2020 Ford Expedition range. It’s a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 generating 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. In Platinum models, it’s tuned for 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. That’s a lot of muscle, even for a full-size SUV. And the Expedition makes good use of it, thanks to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is the basic setup, with all-wheel drive (AWD) on the options list. This system comes with a terrain-response function to maximize traction on different surfaces.

Considering the Expedition’s size, fuel economy is pretty good, averaging up to 23 mpg on the highway.

3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6
375 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm (400 horsepower Platinum)
470 lb-ft of torque @ 3,500 rpm (480 lb-ft Platinum)
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/23 mpg (RWD), 17/22 mpg (AWD), 17/23 mpg (RWD Max), 16/21 mpg (AWD Max)