2026 Ford Expedition MAX

There are some traits that are shared by all full-size SUVs, like a big 3-row interior, a strong engine, and truck-like capability. But some competitors execute this formula better than others. The Ford Expedition MAX is our Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award winner in its class because it checks the boxes we expect from a big SUV in this segment and delivers more than we expect. Its Ford Digital Experience is one of the smoothest executions we’ve seen of integrating multiple screens in the dash, and its available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system is one of our favorites. It also boasts some cool, class-exclusive features, like a handy split liftgate and exterior zone lighting. There’s also the more affordable standard-wheelbase Ford Expedition, which we review separately.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and evaluating this generation of full-size SUVs, including the Ford Expedition MAX.

Following a full redesign for 2025, the 2026 Ford Expedition MAX gets an optional rear entertainment system. It also gets an available 24-inch wheel design and a new paint option called Marsh Gray.

The 2026 Ford Expedition MAX starts at $67,995 for the base Active trim. The top King Ranch model kicks off at $89,655.

The Ford Expedition MAX is priced on the higher side of the full-size SUV class, close to a similarly equipped GMC Yukon XL. The Chevy Suburban and Jeep Wagoneer L are a bit more affordable.

Before buying an Expedition MAX, check the Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price to know what you should really pay. Ford Expedition MAX resale value is above average for the segment. Recouping more money when selling a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on the next one.

Although the Ford Expedition MAX entered a new generation last year, it carried over the turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine that powered the previous generation. However, the new standard tuning makes 400 horsepower, and it’s upgradeable to 440 horsepower. A 10-speed automatic transmission sends output to the rear or all four wheels.

The 2026 Ford Expedition MAX provides plentiful power, even with a full load of passengers and a boat in tow. The base 400-horsepower engine is more than adequate for daily driving duties, but the enthusiast in us loves the extra 40 horsepower in the high-output tuning that’s optional in the Platinum trim. That extra boost in power makes a big difference when sprinting on an on-ramp or passing on the highway.

The Expedition MAX’s handling is a little sharper than we expect for such a big SUV when equipped with the optional sport suspension system that comes with the Stealth Performance package. With the standard suspension, this drives like the big truck that it is, which is typical for this class. Taking a sharp turn too fast can result in some predictable body roll. However, this is a truck made for devouring miles on the highway, and it’s perfectly engineered for that task, especially when equipped with the BlueCruise hands-free highway driving system. Smooth, comfortable, and powerful, the Expedition MAX drives exactly like a full-size SUV should.

We wish we could tell you how an Expedition MAX Tremor performs off-road, but that SUV doesn’t exist. The rugged Tremor trim is limited to the standard, non-MAX version of the Expedition. Meanwhile, the Ford’s long-wheelbase GM rivals do have dedicated off-road trims: the Chevy Suburban Z71 and GMC Yukon XL AT4.

Fuel Economy

There’s no EPA rating specifically for the Expedition MAX, but the regular Expedition gets 16 city/24 highway/19 combined mpg with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and 15 city/22 highway/18 combined mpg with 4-wheel drive (4WD).

These fuel economy ratings are about average for this class, but the diesel versions of the Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon XL are more efficient. The Jeep Wagoneer L, also powered by a turbo 6-cylinder engine, is about as efficient as the Expedition MAX. The fact that this Ford runs on regular-grade gas helps keep the fuel costs manageable; the optional 6.2-liter V8 in its GM rivals requires premium.

Historically, some full-size SUVs have had interior dimensions that don’t feel so full-size, especially in the third row. However, clever packaging in the Ford Expedition MAX yields a truly massive interior. There’s also plenty of cargo space to boot, and the second- and third-row seats all fold flat, creating an enormous cargo hold with a flat floor. Notably, the legroom in the second or third row doesn’t change when you spring for the Expedition MAX. However, the longer Expedition serves up 36.1 cubic feet of cargo room behind the third row. That’s a 67% increase over the standard wheelbase, but less cargo space than the Suburban and Wagoneer L.

We can confirm that each of the many seats in the Ford Expedition MAX is adult-friendly. Tilt-and-slide second-row seats make the third row easy to access, and there’s plenty of room back there with amenities like cupholders and USB-C ports. Even the middle third-row seat has decent width for when you need to use every seat. With a generous 36.5 inches of third-row legroom, the Expedition MAX’s third-row space is almost identical to the Chevy Suburban, GMC Yukon XL, and Jeep Wagoneer L.

Interior materials get nicer as you work your way into pricier trims. All but the base Active trim have leather seats, and the King Ranch model boasts what Ford calls Mesa Del Rio leather with Kingsville stitching. A fully loaded Expedition MAX feels like a luxury SUV inside, but it’s also priced like one.

The Expedition MAX has a unique screen arrangement. A large 24-inch display is perched on the dash in front of the driver, serving as a digital gauge cluster and a Google Maps screen with a small section that’s customizable. But that’s not meant to be tapped with your fingers; a more traditional 13.2-inch infotainment display is on the center stack for controlling your maps, music, and other functions. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard. We love what Ford calls the Ford Digital Experience; it’s an excellent execution of multiple big screens that are clear and easy to use. The oval-shaped steering wheel helps to keep it all easy to read.

Speaking of the steering wheel, it comes with a bit of a learning curve. It has two square pads where your thumbs go with haptic controls that can change based on what you’re trying to do. As you swipe your thumbs on these pads, their functions show up on the screen in front of you so you can manipulate your cruise control and audio. We found this system pretty intuitive, and we like the uncluttered look of the steering wheel, but we know some drivers might prefer a more traditional steering wheel button layout. Also of note, the HVAC and seat climate controls are all on the screen, forgoing physical knobs and switches.

The exterior design of the Ford Expedition MAX strikes a nice balance of modern and traditional. It’s satisfyingly boxy, but a handsome light signature and stylish wheels make it look modern. The look changes quite a bit throughout the lineup; the Active is humble yet stylish, the Platinum looks fancy, and the King Ranch is like a cowboy wearing his Sunday best.

The Ford Split Gate is a unique exterior feature of the Ford Expedition MAX. This class-exclusive split liftgate has a clamshell design, with the bottom part folding down like a truck’s tailgate. That means you can open the hatch from the driver’s seat and not worry about a bottle of wine rolling out and shattering on the ground. A Cargo Tailgate Manager option integrates a serving table and a backrest for the split gate, making the Expedition MAX the ultimate tailgating SUV.

Ford Split Gate
The Ford Split Gate makes the Expedition MAX the only full-size SUV in its class with a split tailgate. We love the convenience and versatility it brings to this family SUV.

Towing muscle
The Ford Expedition MAX is among the best in its class when it comes to towing. With a max tow rating of up to 9,300 pounds, it’s ready and willing to pull boats, campers, and a wide range of other toys.

BlueCruise
BlueCruise is Ford’s hands-free highway driving system, and it’s one of our favorites. It allows for safe and relaxed hands-off-the-wheel, eyes-on-the-road driving on over 130,000 miles of North American highways. It’s standard on the King Ranch and optional on all other trims.

Ford Digital Experience
The Ford Digital Experience consists of a 24-inch panoramic display working in concert with a 13.2-inch central infotainment display. Wireless smartphone connectivity, crisp graphics, and a user-friendly interface make for a pleasant experience.

360-degree zone lighting
A nice touch of the Ford Expedition MAX is optional zone lighting all around the exterior of the SUV. It can project light in any direction, which is helpful for setting up a campsite or just lighting the way in a dark parking lot.

Luxury trims
The Western-inspired King Ranch trim and the fancy Platinum Ultimate package turn the Expedition MAX into a luxury SUV with features like BlueCruise, nicer leather seats, a High-Output engine, and a B&O premium audio system with up to 22 speakers.

Every 2026 Ford Expedition MAX is powered by a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The standard tuning produces 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, but a High-Output version is available, making 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. Like all of its rivals, rear-wheel drive is standard, and 4-wheel drive is optional.

3-Year/36,000-Mile Warranty

Ford’s new vehicle warranty lasts three years or 36,000 miles, whichever happens first. Powertrains are covered for five years or 60,000 miles. These are typical terms among mainstream manufacturers.

Safety

This generation of the Ford Expedition got mixed ratings in its crash testing by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It earned the top “Good” score in the side test, but “Marginal” ratings in the small overlap front and moderate overlap front tests. It has not yet been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Its standard safety features include automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera, and parking sensors.