Vincentric recently named the 2022 Ford Expedition the best value in America among large SUVs. Other models that won Vincentric’s Best Value in America honors include the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Audi A7 in the sports car and luxury sedan categories. However, if you’re unfamiliar with Vincentric, that might not make much sense. Here’s a breakdown of what these awards mean and why the Ford Expedition offers the best value among full-size SUVs.

What are the Vincentric Best Value in America awards?

Determining the value of a vehicle sitting in a showroom is easy because you only have to look at the features. However, that doesn’t tell you much about what to expect once you own the vehicle. That’s where Vincentric comes in.

Vincentric uses cost factors to analyze vehicle models and their overall ownership costs before using the results to determine which cars offer the best value long-term.

Costs include fees and taxes, insurance, repairs, financing, fuel, maintenance, depreciation, and opportunity cost. Vincentric also evaluates various car models in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and uses different insurance profiles and annual range intervals.

Only vehicles with lower-than-expected ownership costs for their market segment and price earn Vincentric Best Value awards. Also, there are as many as 34 car categories — e.g., large SUV, compact, sports car, luxury convertible — with winners in each.

The Ford Expedition’s 2022 best value win

The Ford Expedition took the crown in the large SUV category for Vincentric’s 2022 Best Value awards, beating rivals such as the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator. Worth noting is that it’s not the first time the Expedition has earned the honor, having first snagged the award in 2018.

Vincentric notes that the 2018 model had the best fuel economy in its class, among other positives. That led to ownership costs 4.1% below expectations, helping propel the vehicle to the top spot. As for the 2022 model, the main reason for the award is maintenance costs.  

According to Vincentric, the 2022 Ford Expedition has a comparative maintenance cost advantage over competitors that helps lower the ownership costs by 5.1% below expectations.

Overview of the 2022 Ford Expedition

Like Vincentric, Consumer Reports praises the Ford Expedition, giving it an overall score of 73 out of 100. The SUV also makes CR’s recommended list. The closest is the Toyota Sequoia, with a 69 overall score.

According to Consumer Reports, the 2022 Ford Expedition performed reasonably well in road tests, earning favorable ratings for the transmission and acceleration. That applies even to the base model, which packs a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that produces 375 hp and can tow 9,300 pounds. Nevertheless, Ford offers two other engine options: a 400-hp 3.5-liter V6 and a 440-hp 3.5-liter V6.

As for comfort and convenience, the Expedition offers plenty of positives in seat comfort, interior fit and finish, the cargo area, and other areas. However, CR testers say the ride seems a little stiff compared to some rivals, although that doesn’t significantly affect the driving experience.

However, fuel economy is one area where the Ford Expedition performs poorly. But that isn’t unexpected considering its size. Also, it might not handle well in emergency situations, again, thanks to its size.

Pricewise, buyers can get the Ford Expedition starting from $50,110, making it an excellent value for everything it offers.