Refreshed SUV: 2022 Ford Expedition

Full-size sport utility vehicles remain a popular choice for large families, businesses, and sporting enthusiasts. New or updated models from Jeep and Toyota give consumers much to consider, along with mainstay versions from Ford and GM.

For 2022, the Ford Expedition receives a styling update along with tech and performance features customers are certain to love.

2022 Ford Expedition Review

Introduced in 1997, the Ford Expedition has undergone four generational changes. The most recent overhaul was in 2018. For 2022, the Expedition receives a mid-product-cycle update. The changes include a new front fascia, a vertical touchscreen interface, available BlueCruise semi-autonomous driving, and improved performance.

As before, the Expedition comes with standard rear-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive. This model offers regular and stretch (Max) wheelbase configurations.

Offering seating for five, seven, or eight, the 2022 Expedition is priced from $53,045 for the standard wheelbase XL STX with rear-wheel drive. Add $1,795 for the destination charge. Five additional trims are available with Expedition topping $90,000 with every conceivable package chosen. That top price is well within the range of the Lincoln Navigator, the Expedition’s hoity-toity twin.

Exterior Remarks

Full-size SUVs are based on the same platform underpinning large pickup trucks. In the Expedition’s case, that architecture also supports the Ford F-150. This design makes for a more robust vehicle, particularly when off-roading. This also means that a similar slab-sided design with a high beltline, towering pillars, and a long roofline is present.

Ford, though, manages to add styling elements to distinguish the Expedition from the competition. A bold front fascia with a sweptback grille and updated LED lighting elements imparts sportiness and elegance. The lower air intake is pressed in by large cutouts, completing the frontal presentation.

Along the sides, chrome trim, available signature striping, and massive side mirrors with embedded turn signal indicators add some flair. The rear is dominated by a liftgate that lifts high and out of the way with a touch of the key fob.

The list of standard features includes LED lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a manual liftgate. Move up through the trim range and features such as power-folding and heated side mirrors, a power liftgate, roof rail crossbars, and larger wheel choices come in.

Interior Highlights

The Expedition seats five in the base grade and seven or eight in the remaining models. Our test XLT Max model has seven seats, with the middle-row bench seat replaced with a pair of comfortable captain’s chairs.

In Max models, the wheelbase is 9.1 inches longer, with additional space for the cargo compartment. This means that the maximum cargo capacity of 104.6 cubic inches in the standard model expands to 121.5 cubic feet.

The updated touchscreen display is the focal point of the Expedition’s cabin. The dashboard is huge and uncluttered. Ample storage compartments between the front seats, in each door, and a two-tier glove box mean that there is a place for everything. We were impressed by the maneuverability of the second-row seats as they move forward with ease to supply access to the third row.

All grades come with full-power accessories, a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, and a power-controlled driver’s seat. Cloth seats are standard; leather seating surfaces are available.

The list of upgrades includes a power-adjustable front passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Step up to the Platinum series and front-row massaging seats are included.

Technology Features

For 2022, the Expedition gains the fourth generation of Ford SYNC infotainment system interface. As with the previous generation, this one is easy to understand and operate. The navigation system features a pinch-to-zoom function, zeroing in on local points of interest and destinations.

Standard wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality are a handy and welcome cord-free feature.

A 12-inch touchscreen is standard and a 15.5 display is available. Both are new this year and larger than the previous choices. Remote start, four USB ports, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and six speakers come standard.

The list of options includes a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a digital instrument cluster, HD Radio, satellite radio, a rear entertainment system, and additional USB ports. Choose the Platinum trim and a 22-speaker audio package holds sway.

Safety Features

Ford supplies the 2022 Expedition with forward collision warning with forward automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist are included. Every trim comes with automatic high-beam headlights, a driver attention monitor, and rear parking sensors.

Among the available features are front parking sensors. A surround-view parking camera system along with parallel and perpendicular park assist are also offered.

Ford’s BlueCruise technology arrives, although it is only available with the Platinum grade. This semi-autonomous driving system builds on adaptive cruise control with full stop and go, lane centering, and speed-sign recognition.

Currently, the system supplies hands-free driving capabilities on select roads across the country, although the driver must be seated and paying attention the entire time.

Enhanced Powertrain

Ford brought its 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 to the Expedition in 2015. This year, the engine delivers more power.

In the XL and XLT grades, this engine produces 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. In the Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum editions, the performance increases to 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque.

The all-new Timberline and Stealth Performance Editions supply 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission routes power to the wheels.

For off-road enthusiasts, the new Timberline edition is worth a look. This model rides on 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler all-terrain tires and offers improved ground clearance as well as best-in-class approach, breakover, and departure angles. Unique steering calibration, a seven-mode terrain management system, and a two-speed transfer case enhance this model’s off-road chops.

Driving Highlights

As expected, the Ford Expedition supplies a comfortable ride and a quiet interior. Light and direct steering, composed handling, and insignificant body roll are attributes of note. Cornering, though, requires a significant power reduction to maintain control. That’s common with high-profile vehicles.

Most competitors still offer a V8 engine. It isn’t missed in the Expedition. This engine supplies strong step-off acceleration and robust passing power. Turbo lag is minimal, and typically present when the engine is cold.

The transmission works seamlessly to supply the right cog for the moment. Incidentally, Ford numbers all 10 gears on the instrument panel; you’ll always know which gear is active.

The standard towing package supplies a 6,600-pound tow rating. When equipped with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Towing Package, upwards of 9,300 pounds of pulling power is possible, placing the Expedition near the top of its class.

Ford Expedition Competitors

The full-size sport utility segment is dominated by GM models. The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban as well as the GMC Yukon/Yukon XL are the top sellers. The Nissan Armada, the all-new Jeep Wagoneer, and the overhauled 2023 Toyota Sequoia are other models of note.

Two high-end models in this segment include the Lincoln Navigator and Cadillac Escalade.

Ford Expedition Considerations

Updates this year help the Ford Expedition stay relevant in a competitive segment. New Jeep and Toyota models are worth exploring, while the Armada seems dated. For customers pondering the top-grade Platinum series, a Lincoln Navigator is similarly priced.


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Matthew Keegan
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