2023 Ford Expedition Review

LIKES

Big cabin
Trio of turbo V-6 choices
Good infotainment system
Lots of standard features
Gigantic range

DISLIKES

A hybrid would be neat
Top trims inch into Lincoln territory
Bigger screen doesn’t integrate well
Plenty thirsty

BUYING TIP

A well-equipped Expedition XLT is probably enough for most shoppers, but you’ll need to step up to the Limited for leather seats.

The 2023 Ford Expedition offers comfortable, high-tech family-hauling ability.

What kind of vehicle is the 2023 Ford Expedition? What does it compare to?

The 2023 Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV available in two lengths. Shop it against the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Is the 2023 Ford Expedition a good SUV?

By big SUV standards, the 2023 Ford Expedition lineup is hard to beat. These SUVs pair a swell ride with good turbocharged power and a huge array of optional convenience and safety features. They earn a TCC Rating of 6.7 out of 10.

What's new for the 2023 Ford Expedition?

After a light revamp for 2022, the biggest Ford SUV—and its even bigger Max sibling—see no notable tweaks for 2023.

The Expedition gained fresh front and rear styling last year including big LED headlights and a broad grille that comes in various finishes depending on the trim level. The long-wheelbase Max adds about a foot behind the rear wheels dedicated primarily to cargo space.

Inside, the standard 12.0-inch touchscreen is no slouch, while an optional 15.5-inch touchscreen mounted vertically alters the appearance considerably. All models have nice enough finishes inside, but the range-topping Platinum is more like a Lincoln than a Ford (and it’s priced like a Lincoln, too).

Twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 engines offer between 380 and 440 hp, depending on the trim, and they send power rearward or, optionally, to all four corners via a mostly well-behaved 10-speed automatic transmission. The boosted V-6 delivers smooth power, which is matched with a balanced chassis that helps this big beast feel a bit more nimble than it really is. Ride quality is very good. Last year’s new Timberline trim level offers a dose of off-roading hardware, too, though these SUVs are awfully big for most trails.

They’re also thirsty. Figure well under 20 mpg combined in typical driving.

Given its 210-inch length in standard form (and a foot longer as a Max), it’s no surprise that the Expedition offers genuine stretch-out space inside in all three rows. The separate frame that helps boost towing capacity to as high as 9,300 lb means some compromises in interior layout compared to, say, a minivan. Still, you’ll find as much as 121.5 cubic feet of cargo space, plush seats, and lots of features.

How much does the 2023 Ford Expedition cost?

The base Expedition XL STX runs $55,670 to start this year, while four-wheel drive bumps the price by about $3,000. That model comes with five-passenger seating, which may be fine for you, but we figure most shoppers in this range want to entertain the possibility of hauling people in all three rows.

That means stepping up to the XLT that also adds three-zone climate control, a power-folding third row, and some chrome exterior touches. It’s just under $60,000.

The price can climb rapidly from there, with a loaded-up model easily topping $90,000.

Where is the 2023 Ford Expedition made?

In Louisville, Kentucky.

Styling

The 2023 Ford Expedition’s Robocop looks help it stand out.

Is the Ford Expedition a good-looking car?

There’s only so much an automaker can do with a conventional two-box shape, so we applaud Ford for pushing the limits with the Expedition’s exterior. Its interior is a cut above, too, so we score it a 7 overall for style.

An update last year brought a wide band of trim to the front end, which surrounds standard LED headlights. Each version has a slightly different take, from blacked-out trim on the base XL STX to gobs of chrome on the Western-themed King Ranch. Each has a distinctive personality, though we like the hints of orange on the Timberline the most. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 22 inches, with various designs available depending on the trim level.

The Expedition’s interior is dominated by its big screens. Even the standard 12.0-inch touchscreen in the center of the dash takes up a lot of room, but wait until you see the huge, vertical display that stretches 15.5 inches on higher-trim versions.

We actually like the smaller screen’s integration better, and we prefer its additional conventional buttons for climate controls.

Performance

The 2023 Ford Expedition pairs great acceleration with a luxury-grade ride.

Is the Ford Expedition 4WD?

It can be. A full-time transfer case with a low mode is available across the line. All Timberline versions come with four-wheel drive.

Timberline versions also include extra drive modes and a Trail Turn Assist function that helps this big, wide SUV handle tight narrow trails a little better. Those models also include an electronic limited-slip rear differential (which is optional on some other versions) to better transfer power between the rear wheels.

How fast is the Ford Expedition?

All Expedition models are light on their feet, though some are zippier than others. A smooth twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 comes standard across the line, rated at 380 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque in most trims. Platinum versions up the ante to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, though you’ll need to run premium fuel to unlock that extra power.

A loaded-up Expedition Max with four-wheel drive weighs the better part of 6,000 lb, but even it has no problem with big hills or high-speed passing.

The Timberline and the Stealth package that’s optional on the Limited trim go for broke with 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. In our limited testing, we’ve noticed a modest improvement in performance. Ford promises a 0-60 mph sprint of about five seconds in the lightest version, which is downright fast for a big SUV.

For the most part, the 10-speed automatic behaves well, clicking down a cog or three when needed and then upshifting to allow for relaxed cruising.

Handling is reasonable for such a big vehicle thanks to quick-responding steering with reasonable heft. The suspension is fairly soft in any guise, though adaptive dampers on higher trims help compensate for big wheel options that include narrower sidewalls, which can render the ride rougher on some rival SUVs.

The Stealth package includes a lowered, firmer suspension, though there’s no disguising the fact that this isn’t a true performance SUV such as, say, a Mercedes-AMG GLS 63.

With a towing capacity that approaches 10,000 lb, though, the Expedition understands its mission.

Comfort & Quality

Ford makes great use of the Expedition’s considerable interior real estate.

The 2023 Ford Expedition is huge inside, which means terrific space for passengers in all three rows and massive cargo space. If the standard model isn’t enough, the optional Expedition Max grafts on an extra foot of badonkadonk for even more cargo.

The Expedition is an easy 9 on our scale. High-end versions could even rate 10, if we looked at them separately.

The front seats are proper thrones, with great support and available heating, cooling, and massaging as you work your way up the lineup. Base models wear cloth, but hard-wearing synthetic leather can come on the XLT. Limited and higher versions have various grades of leather.

The second row serves up equally plush captain’s chairs in most configurations, or a 40/20/40 bench seat. With more than 41 inches of leg room, row two is positively limo-like in its space, and it can slide fore and aft to open up cargo or third-row space.

Row three is easy to access for an SUV. It’s a bit narrow for three adults, but it’s perfect for kids or teenagers.

Cargo space impresses no matter the version. Standard models include 19.3 cubic feet of room behind row three, 63.6 cubes with it folded, and a maximum of 104.6 cubic feet. Look for a gargantuan 34.3/79.6/121.5 cubic feet in the Max.

Safety

The 2023 Ford Expedition has fared well in crash tests, and it offers hands-free tech.

How safe is the Ford Expedition?

A five-star score from the NHTSA earns the 2023 Ford Expedition a point above average, but it’s not done there. This big SUV also benefits from an especially high-tech suite of crash-avoidance tech, which helps earn it two more points. The 2023 Expedition is an 8 on the TCC scale.

All models come with standard automatic emergency braking, active lane control, and blind-spot monitors, while adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera system, and parking sensors are optional.

More impressive is the automaker’s BlueCruise driver-assist system that offers limited hands-free driving on on around 130,000 miles of mapped highways.

Features

The 2023 Ford Expedition comes in numerous configurations, but none are cheap.

Ford offers six basic trim levels—XL STX, XLT, Limited, Timberline, King Ranch, and Platinum—most of which are offered with numerous options. Set your budget first, though, since these big Fords cost big money.

Our 8 out of 10 rating here comes courtesy of good standard fare on the base model, big touchscreens, and the wide selection available.

Base XL STX models seat five passengers for $55,670, or nearly $3,000 more with four-wheel drive. They come with active safety tech, cloth seats, and a 12.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Shoppers who want a third row will need almost $60,000 for an XLT, which has dressier trim inside and out, a power-folding third row seat, and additional climate controls. The long-wheelbase Max configuration runs $2,000 more on most trims.

A 3-year/36,000-mile warranty is included across the range.

Which Ford Expedition should I buy?

The XLT is a good enough starting point, though the $3,795 for the High option package adds synthetic leather upholstery, keyless start, power-adjustable front seats with driver-side memory, and a power tailgate.

Real leather means stepping up to the $68,810 Limited trim, which also includes a sunroof, adaptive cruise control, B&O audio, and active noise canceling. Before you start adding options to an XLT, a Limited might make more sense.

How much is a fully loaded Ford Expedition?

The Platinum trim can quickly crest $90,000 with its softer leather, upgraded audio, vertical touchscreen, and additional features. That money also buys a Lincoln Navigator, so shop wisely.

Fuel Economy

The 2023 Ford Expedition has a real taste for unleaded fuel.

Is the Ford Expedition good on gas?

It’s not great, though there are thirstier big SUVs.

With rear-wheel drive, the Expedition is rated at 17 mpg city, 23 highway, 19 combined, while four-wheel drive means a slide to 16/22/18 mpg. Long-wheelbase versions can be slightly thirstier depending on the configuration, too.