2021 Ford Expedition

It was in 1996 that the first-ever Expedition rolled out from the Ford plant in the US. Ever since then the Ford Expedition has always been one the most popular and top-selling full-size three-row SUVs in the US. The Ford Expedition is based on the legendary F-150 truck and has recently gone through a major update in 2018. The 2020 Ford expedition is available with both RWD and 4WD and has a whooping towing capacity of 9,300 pounds.

 For 2020, a new variant called King Ranch was introduced and it sits right between the Limited and Platinum variant. In 2021, the Ford Expedition is expected to have stiff competition from the redesigned 2021 Chevrolet Tahoe and its larger sibling Suburban.

We are not expecting a generation change for 2021 but there will be a few important updates for next year. One of the major reasons why Ford Expedition always tops the selling charts is its well-crafted variant split up. The XLT and Limited edition offer practicality and affordability while the high-end King Ranch and Platinum edition offer luxury and more features.

 We expect Ford to retain the same variant list and remain in the 4th generation platform. There will be an optional 4WD package with some upgrades to improve off-roadability. Ford has been recently developing their Cruise control and Advanced driver assistance, we expect the new 2021 Ford Expedition to feature these upgrades. There will be some minor updates to the infotainment system to make it more seamless and responsive.

Trim	XLT	Limited	Platinum
MSRP(RWD)	$52,130	$63,015	$73,365
MSRP(4WD)	$56,535	$67,535	$77,910
Features	Auto Start Stop Technology	Heated Second Row Seats	Continuously Controlled Damping suspension
	EPAS Rack and Pinion Leather-wrapped Steering with Audio Controls	Front Perforated, Leather-Trimmed, Heated and Ventilated Bucket Seats	Rotary Gear Shift Dial and Heated Steering Wheels
	Trailer Sway Control	Wireless Charging Pad	3rd Row USB Port Connectivity
	18 Aluminum Machined Alloys	20 Premium Tarnished Wheel	22 Polished Aluminum Wheels
	Underbody Mounted Full Size Spare Tire	Class 4 Trailer hitch Receiver	Illuminated Entry with Courtesy lamp delay
	Second Row 40/20/40 Split Seats and Third Row 60/40 Flat Folding Split Seat	Second and Third Row Power Folding Seats and Headrests	Enhanced Active Noise Control and Rain Sensing Wipers and Wi-Fi Hotspot
	6 Way Power adjust driver seat	LED Tail Lamps	Ambient Lighting
	Roof Rails and Running Boards	Bright Stainless Roof Rails	Satin Aluminum Roof Rails

*2020 data used for reference

Expected Price and Release Date of the 2021 Ford Expedition

The same way we expect Ford to retain its variants, we also expect them to go into 2021 with similar pricing. The XLT and Limited will be priced directly against the Nissan Armada and Chevrolet Tahoe. While the King Ranch and Platinum are expected to undercut the top variants of BMW X5 and Audi Q7 by up to 20 grand. We predict the base XTL model will be priced at $50,000 and will go all the way up to $78,000 for Platinum MAX. The efficient price range will attract buyers who are in search of a practical 3 row SUV or a luxury SUV that can rival the likes of BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Mercedes GLS.

While there is no official announcement from Ford regarding the launch date of the 2021 Ford Expedition, we can speculate that it will follow the trend of the 2020 Ford expedition and be launched in the summer of this year. However, amid the pandemic, the launch may be delayed by one or two months.

The 2021 Ford Expedition is expected to feature the same 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 engine that did duties in the 2020 F-150 pickup truck and 2020 Ford Expedition. The oil burner is expected to produce 375 HP and 470 pound-feet of torque in the lower trims. While in the top Platinum trim, the engine produces 400 HP and 480-pound feet of torque. The engine is a joy to drive and the turbo lag is very well contained.

There is a chance that Ford might retune the engine to offer better performance which will certainly be appreciated by the buyers. The fact is that rivals need V8 engines to produce similar power outputs produced by the 3.5L V6 engine.

Models	2021 Ford Expedition XLT (expected)	2020 Chevrolet Tahoe LS	2020 Nissan Armada SV	2020 GMC Yukon SLE
MSRP	$53,000	$49,195	$48,185	$50,795
Engine	3.5L V6 Twin Turbo Premium Unleaded	5.3L V8 Gas/Ethanol	5.6L V8	5.3L V8 Gas
Transmission	10 Speed automatic	6 Speed automatic	7 Speed automatic	6 Speed automatic
Horsepower	375 hp@ 5000rpm	355 hp@ 5600rpm	390hp@ 5800 rpm	355 hp@ 5600rpm
Torque	470 ft-lbs@ 3500rpm	383 ft-lbs@ 4100rpm	394 ft-lbs@ 4000rpm	383 ft-lbs@ 4100rpm

*2020 data used for reference

The rear independent suspension provides better ride and handling than the solid axle in the Chevrolet Tahoe. However, the independent suspension will slightly compromise off-road capabilities. The higher stance of the Ford Expedition will affect its cornering speed. Though the Ford Expedition will not faint, you will find yourself not being able to use the entire engine power due to the body roll at high speeds. The 22-inch tires will provide great handling around the corner but are louder than its rivals. The independent suspension both at the front and rear also ensures a smooth ride on bad roads.

How quick is the 2021 Ford Expedition?

The electric power steering of the 2020 Expedition lacks feedback and can hurt the driving feel. We hope this issue will be addressed in the 2021 Ford Expedition. 0 – 60 mph in the Platinum trim comes at just 6.2 seconds highlighting the impressive power from the engine and drivetrain. The selectable drive modes include Normal, Sport, Eco, Grass/Gravel/Snow (4WD), Sand (4WD), Mud ruts (4WD), and Tow haul. These drive modes enable the driver to obtain optimum performance as required. Overall, one will not feel bored driving around this monster SUV.

Models	2021 Ford Expedition XLT	2020 Chevrolet Tahoe LS	2020 Nissan Armada	2020 GMC Yukon SLE
0-60 MPH	6.7 sec	6.7 sec	6.5 sec	6.8 sec
Quarter mile	15.1 sec	15.2 sec	15 sec	15.3 sec
Engine	3.5L V6	5.3L V8	5.6L V8	5.3L V8
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	N/A	10.4	11	N/A

 

When it comes to performance, the expedition is a monster on the tarmac with very quick acceleration from a stop. The high performance comes as a surprise considering its immense size and weight. It breaks all the mythology about how a large SUV is expected to perform. The engine is paired with a 10-speed select shift automatic transmission that works very efficiently offering smooth shifts. As mentioned before, the 2021 Ford Expedition will come with an RWD and 4WD option. The 4WD option will feature some upgrades over the regular version such as 18 inches All-Terrain (A/T) tires, 3.73 electronic limited-slip differential, heavy-duty radiator, and fuel tank underbody protection and skid plates to ensure good off-road capabilities. However, this is not a car that is meant to be used as a hardcore off-roader.

How well does the 2021 Ford Expedition brake?

Considering the humongous proportions of the expedition, one shouldn't expect the braking performance of the same to be similar to the Focus. In reality, the Expedition brakes work decently well in most conditions except for when they are used in emergency or panic situations. The stability from the brakes is top-notch and the feeling from the same is consistent throughout.

Model	2021 Ford Expedition XLT	2020 Chevrolet Tahoe LS	2020 Nissan Armada	2020 GMC Yukon SLE
Brake Front (in.)	13.9	N/A	13.8	13
Brake Rear (in.)	13.6	N/A	13.8	13.6
Curb Weight (lbs.)	5815	5355	5822	5379
60-0 MPH (ft.)	121	121	128	125

*2020 figures used for reference

We could possibly see improved braking for the 2021 model but considering the proportion, the 121ft braking distance of the outgoing model isn't bad considering other rivals are nearly at par with the Ford and aren’t separated by a big margin. The Nissan Armada has the highest stopping distance while there is not much separating the others in this comparison.

How well does the 2021 Ford Expedition Handle?

The excellent 3.5L EcoBoost V6 motor which is being carried over to the 2021 Ford Expedition delivers huge bursts of power whenever you step on the gas. The engine performs best when it's in its maximum power rev band range. What tends to disappoint is the steering, which we feel, lacks the intuitiveness and connectivity that we get from other SUVs in the class. Being a full boxed frame-based car, body roll is heavily pronounced, with the SUV being at its best driving manners when driven at city speeds.

The steering as well isn't the quickest or the most sensitive in feel. This means that taming winding roads starting left or right will mean heavy exercise for your hands, as your hands have to be on the steering to handles those turns. The plus point is that if you are able to deal with the body roll and the numb steering, you will get past those curves easily because of the powerful engine.

The 2021 Ford expedition is expected to give similar fuel numbers as its 2020 predecessor. The numbers are really impressive for a large SUV with such spirited performance. The fuel economy will be around 17 MPG in cities and 24 MPG in highways for the RWD model. The 4WD will get around 17 MPG and 22 MPG in cities and highways respectively.

Model	2021 Ford Expedition XLT	2020 Chevrolet Tahoe LS	2020 Nissan Armada SUV	2020 GMC Yukon SLE
MPG (city)	17	15	13	15
MPG (highway)	24	22	18	22
MPG (combined)	20	18	15	18
Range (miles) (city/highway)	418/590	390/572	338/468	390/572
Tank Capacity (gal)	24.6	26.0	26.0	26.0

Regardless of the trims, the fuel economy of the 2021 Ford Expedition is expected to be more than that of its rivals. Competition such as the Nissan with its massive motor delivers the least impressive mileage figure while the GM siblings offer identical figures. In terms of the tank capacity though, all the SUVs have a higher fuel tank capacity of 26 gallons than the Ford. In terms of range, the Expedition XLT offers the most with 418 miles of range in city driving and 590 miles on the highway.

Similar to its predecessor, the interior of the 2021 Ford Expedition is going to be spacious and comfortable and varies with each trim level. The high stance will give you a commanding view out of the vehicle. We expect Ford to retain its square-ish styling inside the cabin. The dashboard is made up of soft material that offers a premium feel and the aircon vents are boldly designed. The dashboard layout will be similar to that in its predecessor with well-integrated control dials and buttons. The driver’s ergonomics will be improved slightly and more driver assistance features will be added. For cost-cutting, there will be a lot of hard plastics inside the cabin but we do not expect them to be as dominating as seen in its predecessor.

Overall, the interiors of the 2021 Ford Expedition will offer solid build quality and practicality. 2021 Ford Expedition will also feature a panoramic sunroof with two panels. The front panel opens for an open-air driving experience. 2021 Ford expedition will offer the best in class legroom in all three rows. Unlike its rival, the third-row seats are generously spacious and can accommodate 3 adults comfortably. The rear seats have a 60-40 split. With the second and third rows folded, an impressive 104.6 cu. ft of the cargo area is available in the Ford Expedition. This value increases by 16.9 cu. ft for the MAX trim totaling up to a maximum of 121.5 cu. ft.

Model	2021 Ford Expedition XLT SUV	2020 Chevrolet Tahoe LS SUV	2020 Nissan Armada	2020 GMC Yukon SLE SUV
Passenger capacity	8	8	8	8
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	42/64.9/43.9	42.8/64.8/45.3	40.9/63.8/41.9	42.8/64.8/45.3
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40/64.8/41.5	38.7/65.1/39.0	40.0/63.4/41.0	38.7/65.1/39.0
Third (Head/Shoulder/Leg)(In.)	37.3/64.2/36.1	38.1/62.6/24.8	36.4/60.5/28.4	38.1/62.6/24.8

The luxury in the interior will improve with each trim level, with the Platinum trim offering features such as multi-contour front seats with massage function, heated and ventilated seating, leather door trims, the center console made up of real wood and a premium leather-wrapped steering wheel. For the second row, 3 seat bench is standard making the Ford Expedition an 8 seater SUV. However, there is also an option for a pair of captain seats with more comfort and luxury. Every variant has power foldable third rows that can be operated from the cargo area and automatic climate control dual-zone air conditioning. The second and third rows fold flat making it convenient to load cargo.

Some of the noteworthy interior features of the Ford Explorer Include:

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Perforated Leather-Trimmed, Heated, and Ventilated Bucket Seats
• Heated, Sliding and Flat folding 2^nd Row Seats
• Flat Folding 3^rd Row Seats
• Rotary Gear Shift Dial and Real Wood Accented Center console
• Dual-Zone Electronic Automatic Temperature Control
• Center Console Armrest with large Storage Bin and Lid
• Cargo Protector and Cargo Net
• Power Adjustable Brake and Accelerator Pedals
• Auto-Dimming Rear-View Mirror
• 360 Degree Camera with Split-View and Front/Rear Washer
• Heated, Leather Wrapped Steering Wheels with Audio Controls
• Ambient Lighting and Push-button start
• Dual Second Row Coat hooks and Dual 3^rd Row Coat hooks

What about the infotainment system of the 2021 Ford Expedition?

The 2021 Ford Expedition will feature an 8.0-inch Sync 3 touch screen infotainment system with Apple Carplay, Android Auto, 4G Hotspot as standard. The infotainment system will be tweaked to better functionality. The higher trims will offer navigation plus real traffic data, weather, and rear-seat entertainment systems. Also available is the premium B&O sound system by Bang and Olufsen. Adaptive cruise control, wireless charging, 360-degree camera, air filter, auto-dimming rearview mirror and HD radio are the other features offered in higher trims. On the whole, the interiors of the 2021 Ford Expedition will offer a rich combination of luxury, practicality, and tech-savviness.

Some of the key features of Ford’s infotainment system include:

• Android Auto and Apple Car Play Compatibility
• USB Ports on each Row and 4 12V Powerpoints and a 110V/150W AC power outlet
• Voice Recognition
• Ford Pass Connect
• Navigation with Pinch to Zoom
• Sirius XM Traffic and Travel Link
• HD Radio and Wi-Fi Hotspot
• B&O audio with 9 Speakers
• Wireless Charging pad for Compatible phones
• Rear View Camera with Adaptive Guideline

How much cargo can the 2021 Ford Expedition carry?

The Ford Expedition is a big SUV and the 2021 model will remain unchanged in terms of the overall dimensions and cargo space on offer. The Ford has one of the biggest cargo areas in its segment. With a mammoth 20.9 cubic feet of available cargo space with the rear seats up, people won't complain about the lack of space in the Expedition. What adds to the practicality is both the 2^nd and 3rd-row seats can be flat folded, to reveal an even enormous amount of storage area.

Model	2021 Ford Expedition XLT SUV	2020 Chevrolet Tahoe LS SUV	2020 Nissan Armada SUV	2020 GMC Yukon SLE
Cargo Volume (ft.3)	20.9	15.3	16.5	15.3

In terms of the competition, the Lincoln Navigator is the closest to the Ford in terms of the Space on offer as both the Ford and Lincoln have nearly the same build. On the other hand, the GM Stable Cousins, the Chevy Tahoe, and the GMC Yukon offer just 15.3 cubic feet of space and looks pale in comparison to the ford.

What are the other storage spaces inside?

Being a practical full-sized SUV, the 2021 Ford Expedition will come equipped with plenty of storage in the cabin. Apart from a huge glovebox, the central armrest for the front passengers opens up to reveal a huge compartment with USB ports.

The rear seat pockets are deep and all four doors feature huge bottle holders that can easily fit a 2L bottle. The third row also has cup holders built into the sides. The cargo bay has grocery nets and hooks to help organize and keep things from flying around and tumbling in the boot.

Similar to the interiors, the square-ish design language also carries over to the exterior. The chrome lining on the front grill will attract attention on the road. The 2021 Ford Expedition will feature contemporary yet retro design appeal. The fog lamps are well integrated to the front bumper and surrounded by beautiful chrome lining. The overall looks of the Ford Expedition are intimidating and it demands road presence. It certainly acquires a lot of space on the road with an overall length of 210 inches and a width of 79.9 inches. The boxy design continues on the side of the vehicle with chrome door handles.

The large 22-inch alloy wheels stand out and does not feel undersized. However, the lower trims come with 20 inches and 18-inch alloy wheels. The footsteps are well hidden and integrated into the underbody. The design will get boxy as ever at the rear with a chrome lining across the tailgate The rear lights are C shaped and similar to that of headlights. The 2021 Ford Expedition will have a powered tailgate and manually openable tail glass. Ford Expedition is the tallest and longest among its rivals, it also has the longest wheelbase as well.

Model	2021 Ford Expedition XLT	2020 Chevrolet Tahoe LS	2020 Nissan Armada	2020 GMC Yukon SLE
Curb weight (lbs.)	5815	5355	5822	5379
Length(in)	210	204.0	208.9	203.9
Width(in)	79.9	80.5	79.9	80.5
Height(in)	76.6	74.4	75.8	74.4
Ground clearance (in)	9.8	7.9	9.1	8.0
Wheelbase (in)	122.5	116.0	121.1	116.0

A ground clearance of 9.8 inches, which is once again best in the segment, offers the driver peace of mind while going through rough roads. When compared to other SUVs in its class, the Expedition does look noticeably bigger.

Some of the key exterior features include:

• Auto high beam headlamp
• Class 4 Trailer hitch receiver
• Panoramic Sunroof
• 22" Aluminum Alloy Wheels
• Heated and powered Exterior Side Mirrors with Turn Indicators, memory Function and Blind Spot assist and Drivers Side Auto-Dimming functionality
• LED Headlights, Fog lamps, Tail Lamps and configurable DRLs
• Hands-Free Foot Activated Liftgate
• Rear Window Defogger and Washer
• Rain Sensing Front Wipers
• Satin Aluminum Finished Roof Rails

The build quality of the 2021 Ford expedition will be top-notch, except a 5-star crash rating from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Overall, the 2021 Ford Expedition will be very well built and proportioned giving it an imposing stance on the road.

Since the 2020 Ford Expedition gets strong scores in tests conducted by the IIHS and the NHTSA and is a perfect testimony to Ford's commitment towards safety we can expect the 2021 model to deliver on that promise. We do however believe that Ford could have made all the safety features present in the top end limited as standard across the range. That being said, Some of the noteworthy safety features of the Expedition include:

• Safety Canopy System
• Dual Stage Front and Side Impact Airbags
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• SOS Post-crash alert system
• Second Row Inflatable Safety Belts
• Remote Keyless Entry System
• ABS with ESC and Roll Stability Control
• Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control
• Auto high beam headlamp
• LATCH and Child Door Lock for all doors
• Personal Safety System

Ford Expedition vs Chevrolet Tahoe

The Chevrolet Tahoe is one of the most popular SUVs in the segment. The Tahoe offers a lot of equipment in the technology front yet fails to offer the kind of interior space that the Ford offers. It likewise has less amount of cargo space when compared to the Expedition. The Ford Expedition, then again, has the higher towing limit and delivers better mileage. The Chevy Tahoe, however, is less pricier than the Ford by around 4 grand and hence is worth a look.

Ford Expedition vs GMC Yukon

The 2021 Ford Expedition is going to be a much more modern SUV than the Yukon but offers a lot of bang for the buck for that price difference. The Expedition has a massive towing capacity and offers gargantuan levels of space on the inside. In terms of the infotainment as well, the SYNC infotainment system is the easiest to get used to in the industry and get acquainted as well. However, if you are tight on your budget, the Yukon isn't a bad buy for the price.

If you are in the market for a large 3 row SUV, the 2021 Ford Expedition is a vehicle you can’t ignore. Whether you look for practicality or luxury, the Ford Expedition will have its variants to cover your needs. The base variants, XLT and Limited, are meant for buyers who look for practicality and affordability. The high-end variants, King Ranch and Platinum, are aimed at buyers who look for luxury. On the whole, we feel that the Ford Expedition King Ranch MAX is the Best Large SUV choice available in the US market.

The King Ranch offers the best mix of luxury and affordability. It has a number of premium and luxury features over its direct rivals and on the other hand, it costs much less than the Audi Q7 and Mercedes GLS with similar features. On that note, If you are looking for a large SUV with a large amount of space and doesn’t drive like one, then we suggest you wait for the 2021 Ford Expedition before making your decision.