The largest SUV in the Ford Fleet, the 2012 Expedition combines classic lines, tons of comfort, plenty of passenger and cargo room and 9,200 pounds of towing capability. This is a full-size SUV, that makes the Toyota Sequoia look small.
The Expedition features a standard 5.4-liter V8, which puts 310 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque at your fingertips. The engine can run on unleaded gasoline or E85 or any mix of the two. This gargantuan SUV (I use SUV for lack of a better temr – it’s more like a tank) comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission that features a wider gear ratio than the typical 4-speed automatic. The result is a smoother shift, better fuel economy and peppier acceleration.
For a cushier ride and better towing, the Expedition gives you multilink rear suspension. This gives each of the rear wheels the ability to independently deal with bumps and potholes. Also available is a power lift-gate which opens and closes with the push of a button on your key fob or from within the cabin.
Towing technology is key in an Expedition. Standard on every Expedition is trailer sway control which teams with Ford’s AdvanceTrac® with Roll Stability Control™ to enhance the SUV’s keen control over trailer towing. Not only do these features give you more confidence and control when you have a trailer in tow, but the AdvanceTrac® system has software which measures the yaw and quickly responds by applying the brakes to individual wheels and/or reducing engine speed to eliminate any sway which might occur. Ford’s Control Trac® 4WD system gives your Expedition a traction boost by managing front-to-rear engine torque.
On the interior, the Expedition offers SYNC® which manages a multitude of functions using simple voice commands. From music, to hands-free calling, all the way to driving directions and customer support, your Expedition can keep you on track in a hundred ways. Also available with the SYNC® system are traffic alerts, audio content, and even an optional Vehicle Health Report feature.
Other interior features include seating for eight, with optional heated and cooled seats in the front, power-folding third-row seats, keyless entry, HD radio, rear-view cameras, an integrated blind-spot mirror, front park-assist and reverse sensing parking systems.
Of course, when you’re speaking about a heavy-duty vehicle like the Expedition the words “fuel” and “economy” should never be used in the same sentence. Nevertheless, the Expedition can get you 20 mpg on the highway depending upon whether or not you have your yacht in tow. That’s not a disgraceful number for a rig this big, just don’t count on anything above 14 mpg in town.
With sixteen trim packages available to choose from, the Ford Expedition has something for everybody and can be yours at prices ranging from $36,300 to $52,100. This top-of-the-line SUV is bound to meet your every need – except maybe gas mileage.
