Full-size body on frame SUVs are still popular in many parts of North America including right here at home. So it’s no wonder Ford and GM invest big money in these vehicles for really big profits.
For 2015 the Ford Expedition has received a refresh with updated styling, more technology, a new trim level and a new powertrain, which includes an EcoBoost V6. I like the new exterior look; a contemporary masculine theme that also appealed to my oldest daughter. She liked the clean lines and interior execution even though this would not be the vehicle of choice for her family. Yet, that says something about how Ford has pulled off the exterior redo to even attract the attention of a young woman. Big black Chevrolet or GMC SUVS are always seen in the movies driven by bad guys, government agents or some wealthy person. Even Daryl Katz has a fleet of big black Chevys for his bodyguards. Maybe Daryl should update the fleet this year. I’d suggest the Ford Expedition. Much better looking, more fuel-efficient with comparable interior room and fold down second and third row seating if you need to haul more than thick-necked tough guys in dark suits.
Although the exterior has been freshened up, the basic interior design for the Expedition carries over, the gauge cluster now features two 4.2-inch LCD colour screens and the redesigned cent`re stack features an available 8.0-inch touch screen for SYNC with MyFord Touch. A 10-speaker, 700-watt Sony audio system, seven-colour ambient LED lighting, smart key with push-button start and rearview camera are available. New safety technologies include a Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert and Ford truck apps to assist trailer towing and off-road driving. The Expedition 4X4 is rated at 6,804 kg maximum towing capacity with the EcoBoost V6. The 5.4 litre V8 has been dropped which is OK, as the V6 being turbocharged has ample power for whatever is required of it. No other engine is offered in 2015. Keep a light foot on the accelerator and you’ll get perhaps 16.2L/100km in urban driving and 11.8L/100km on the highway. Again, a lot depends on the driver. I didn’t drive much on the highway with the weather we had at the time, but around town my consumption was in the 15L/100km range.
Cargo capacity as you might expect was enormous in the Expedition. The shorter wheelbase model, which my tester was, offers 3,065 litres with the second and third seats folded down. The box-like shape also gives you plenty of height to fill the cargo area right to the roof. An active family that carries lots of “stuff” would find this ideal for their needs. Particularly if said family lives in a rural area with road surfaces that are ice and snow covered in winter or sometimes muddy in summer.
While the Expedition is the only mainstream full-size SUV with an independent rear end, the 2015 model is enhanced with a new Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) with comfort, normal, and sport settings. The 2015 Expedition is the first Ford model to feature CCD. First seen on Lincoln vehicles, the CCD uses sensors to monitor 46 body, steering, and braking inputs to continuously adjust the damping system to control body motions and improve ride quality. The Expedition also features a variable electric power steering system that improves low speed manoeuvrability and high-speed feel. The electric power steering is also more efficient than the outgoing model's pump-driven power steering.
