The Newest Ford Expedition Is the Only Model Year to Get Consumer Reports Official Recommendation
The Ford Expedition has been around for several decades. It debuted for the 1997 model year to replace the flagging Bronco, becoming Ford‘s first full-size four-door SUV, Blue Oval Trucks reports. It also shares parts with the F-150. However, despite the Expedition’s long history, it has never earned a Consumer Reports recommendation. That is until now.
The ‘CR Recommended’ designation
Any product that earns the CR Recommended label must also get high scores from the consumer site. Consumer Reports says it’s rolling out a new program making it easier for vehicle buyers to see which vehicles are CR Recommended and find out more info about them.
For vehicle models that earn designations, auto manufacturers can choose to pay to display the CR Recommended logo online or at dealerships. Clicking or scanning the logo gives consumers scores and info about each vehicle.
The 2021 Ford Expedition is CR Recommended
Though the Ford Expedition has been around since the late ’90s, the 2021 model is the first to earn Consumer Reports‘ CR Recommended designation. The 2021 Expedition is also ranked number one on CR’s list of large SUVs. In fact, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia is the only other large SUV Consumer Reports recommends.
The 2021 Expedition scored 69 out of 100 overall and 73 out of 100 on its road test. Its predicted reliability is an average 3 out of 5, but its predicted owner satisfaction is a good 4 out of 5.
Why the 2021 Ford Expedition won Consumer Reports’ approval
Consumer Reports praises certain aspects of the 2021 Ford Expedition. This full-size truck-based SUV boasts plenty of interior space and is quiet with user-friendly controls. It accelerates well and has good standard safety features. Here are more details.
Exterior
The current Expedition generation arrived for the 2018 model year. It comes in two body lengths. Max is the extended version, and it’s about a foot longer than the standard Expedition. And for 2021, a new two-row base trim is now available, U.S. News reports. But it doesn’t come in a Max version.
Power
The Expedition’s 375-hp, 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine provides plenty of power. The Platinum trim offers extra power, generating 400 hp. Four-wheel drive is also available. And the Expedition can tow an impressive 9,300 pounds when properly equipped.
Interior
The Expedition’s interior has a modern design and high-quality materials. There’s space for adults to sit in all three rows. The second row has its own climate controls, and there’s a power-folding feature for the third row. The driver’s seat is comfortable and supportive, even with only two-way lumbar adjustments. Consumer Reports says the seats are even more comfortable than the standard seating in its luxury cousin, the Lincoln Navigator.
Cloth upholstery comes standard in the Expedition, but synthetic or genuine leather upholstery is available. Also available are heated, ventilated, massaging front seats, heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and power-adjustable pedals. Remote start, proximity keyless entry, and a panoramic sunroof are also options.
Infotainment
The Expedition comes with an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment center with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. It also provides four USB ports, a six-speaker sound system, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An 8.0-inch digital gauge cluster is available. Other optional features are navigation, wireless device charging, a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo, satellite radio, HD Radio, two additional USB ports, and a two-screen rear-seat entertainment system.
Safety
Advanced safety features include a rearview camera, automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning, and lane-keep assist. Also available are a surround-view parking camera system, stop-and-go adaptive cruise control, parallel and perpendicular park assist, front parking sensors, and rear parking sensors.
Pricing
The two-row 2021 Expedition starts at $49,995, similar to other large SUVs. The three-row Expedition starts at $52,810. The most expensive trim is the Expedition Max Platinum, starting at almost $76,000, similar to some large luxury SUVs.
But, of course, not everything about the Expedition is perfect. Consumer Reports finds the ride to be a bit stiff and the handling “ponderous.” Being a large SUV, it also doesn’t have the best fuel efficiency, although it’s pretty standard for a vehicle this size. The Expedition gets about 16 mpg overall.
The 2021 Ford Expedition is the first model year to earn an official Consumer Reports recommendation. This stamp of approval will help buyers see how much this SUV has to offer and might even drive sales.
