One of the fastest growing segments the past half-decade, five-door car-based crossovers, owes its good fortune to the elder statesman of multi-tasking versatility, the stately, rugged, full-size sport utility vehicle.
While car-based, uni-body crossovers enjoy versatility and strong demand, truck-based SUVS such as Ford's Expedition serve an important niche for those needing to trail water-bound pleasure cruisers and seven fellow riders simultaneously. Ford's Chicago-built mid-size five-passenger Explorer now sports a uni-body car-type structure after years employing body-on-frame, truck-like underpinnings. Ford also offers the toaster-shaped three-rowed Flex in 2015, a car-based, three-row multi-functional vehicle; but if towing a 9,200 pound trailer tops a honey-do list, the hefty five-door Expedition rates as the only one of the trio up for the task while rating as a towing leader for its class.
Sales of full-size SUVS have dropped precipitously across the board since their Halcion days of the late go-go 1990s (Expedition debuted in 1996); but remain the darling of manufacturer bean counters thanks to hefty full-size profit margins.
In 2014, Dearborn, Mich.-based Ford Motor Company sold 44,632 Expeditions, up about 5,300 units from the 2013 calendar year but down wildly from ten years earlier which registered a six-figure quantity of 159,846. The recent drop in fuel prices(however temporary) have full-size truck sales moving forward and the 2015 Expedition extends petro farther than ever before.
Expedition comes nicely refreshed in2015, with the biggest boost comes from Ford's 'EcoBoost' turbocharged under hood technology. The once standard 5.3-liter V-8 engine from the 2014 model year is no longer available, even as an option, setting Expedition apart from other full-size SUV competitors. The sole powertrain in all 2015 North American trims is a workhorse 3.5-liter V-6 twin turbocharged EcoBoost generating an impressive 365 horses along with 420 lbs.-ft. or torque all mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It's the same engine Ford successfully incorporated into its light-duty aluminum-body-intensive F-150 full-size pickup truck, America's best-selling vehicle. Currently, Ford offers seven different EcoBoost engines ranging from a 1.0-liter to Expedition's 3.5-liter.
Ford promotes its 3.5-liter EcoBoost as providing the power of a V-8 combined with the fuel economy of a V-6. The 365 horsepower provided by Expedition's V-6 EcoBoost engine outshines the outgoing 2014 V-8's 310 horses.
By comparison Chevrolet's three-row full-size 2015 Tahoe and Suburban SUV duo sport one engine, a 5.3-liter V-8 delivering 355 horses. Expedition's 2015 fuel economy is two miles per gallon stronger in both city and highway for both two and four-wheel drive compared to retired V-8. Regular 87 octane fills large 28-gallon tank.
Other notable 2015 updates include new sound dampening materials in side pillars and dashboard along with improved body seals to reduce air leaks for a quieter interior. Trim schedule for 2015 includes entry XLT, Limited, King Ranch and new-for 2015 seven-passenger exclusive Platinum.
Despite its girth, Expedition dances lightly even at low speeds and turns thanks to electric power assist steering and four-wheel independent suspension.
As with past editions, drivers get to choose between rear-wheel drive and multi-functional four-wheel drive with an electronic dashboard dial for switching between rear wheel and four-wheel functions. For those desiring super-sized packages Expedition offers an extended EL body girth adding 12 inches to the wheelbase (distance between front and rear axle) and 14 inches in overall length.
This week's tester, a standard-length 2015 Expedition King Ranch 4 x 4 listed at $59,910. Stand-alone options included highly recommended power-retracting side running boards ($995) along with 22-inch polished aluminum wheels ($2,180) for a $64,280 bottom line. The lowest-priced Expedition, a rear-wheel-drive standard-length XLT starts at $44,040.
King Ranch, pays homage to the wide-open southwest United States with brown (Ford calls it Mesa) leather-trimmed front seats and steering wheel along with special badging on bucket seats, outside fenders and center arm rest cover. Blind-spot and cross traffic alerts are wonderfully helpful when navigating a burly Expedition and come standard in King Ranch.
Distance between the ground and cushy front buckets remains formidable. Optional, retracing lower side running boards found on both sides make the hike tolerable. Also assisting are A and B pillar grab handles, easing entry from all four side doors. A select number of SUV's pass on a driver's door grab bar, but it's good to know one is nearby if needed.
The well-executed, newly tweaked instrument panel features a center analog three-quarter circle speedometer flanked by full-color, 4.2-inch digital message boards controlled by steering wheel face buttons at 3 and 9 o'clock. Audio information displays inside the right-side window while vehicle data scrolls up or down through the left-side window.
Smartly, Expedition includes a multitude of ways to scroll through station and audio presets outside the steering wheel including the eight-inch center-dash multi-function four-color touch screen, old-school, large center dash twist dials and push panels. Climate controls locate below center dash audio functions with a similar layout. Large dual-zone twist knobs flank fan direction and speed push panels.
A rear backup camera fed though the center screen comes standard in all trims. The 'home' center screen selection depicts four quadrants; all working in sync with Ford's modified 'SYNC-My Ford Touch' hands-free, voice activated interface, now more driver intuitive than the first go round. SYNC remains optional in XLT trims and standard in the remaining trio.
Push-button start is optional, although a relocation to a higher dashboard spot during the next redesign would be advised. For a big rig, the right-side glove box remains humble for its diminutive size.
All riders enjoy decent headroom. Expedition borrows a cue popular in family-friendly minivans; a ceiling drop-down horizontally-opposed beveled mirror allowing drivers to I-Spy on rear seat activities. In between front bucket seats is a large arm rest/storage bin with a power outlet and plug in ports assisting portable electronics. A nice touch is a hammock-like pouch, serving as a second home for such devices.
The bold dash includes four circular air vents and long front design. Two illuminated inline beverage holders sit to the right of the automatic transmission shifter. The mechanical parking brake remains foot operated in the driver's foot well.
Second row seatbacks include a 40/20/40 split with fold-down backrests, and outboard '40' units easily flip forward for access to row three. Clearly detailed diagrams assist in the process. All trims sans Platinum come with seating for eight. Optional are two second-row captain's chairs reducing musical chairs to seven.
With third row prone, a usable 18.6 feet of cubic space remains in standard-length Expeditions. Third row seatbacks also fold down on seats, creating a flat cargo surface. Second row seats, when folded, manually push down an extra inch or so to match the same plane as a folded third row, a level ready-made surface if transporting bulky or long items; a thoughtful design.
Three adults occupy row three with decent head room and acceptable knee space and same-level flooring as row two. Leaving the confines involves flipping second-row outboard seats forward, easily accomplished by tugging a bottom pull strap.
The rear lift gate allows ample headroom when open and a lower-lift over floor than most competitors. The Ranch King's power rear door closes with the touch of a button on the inside left panel. On the right panel, buttons raising and lowering power third-row seat backs.
2015 Ford Expedition King Ranch
At A Glance
2015 Ford 4 x 4 Expedition King Ranch
Price as Tested: $64,280
Engine: 3.5-liter V-6
Horsepower: 365
Length: 206 inches
Width: 78.8 inches
Wheelbase: 119.0 inches
Fuel Economy: 15 City/20 Highway
Curb Weight: 5,789 pounds
Powertrain warranty: Five years/60,000 miles
Built: Louisville, Kentucky