Are you looking for a land yacht that’s equally at home on the trail and in line at the valet? Luxury and capability aren’t mutually exclusive in the large SUV category but finding both in one trim is where it sometimes gets trickier. The 2023 Ford Expedition bucks the either/or standard, offering a diverse trim lineup that blurs the lines between truck-like capability and premium luxury.
With seating for eight passengers and plenty of room to spare for their gear, the 2023 Expedition does its job as a big SUV, providing comfortable accommodations across three rows and configurable seating for easy stowage of large cargo. Unlike full-size SUVs, large utes like the Expedition skip unibody construction for a body-on-frame chassis. The Expedition shares its underpinnings with the full-size F-150 pickup, giving it enough heft to achieve a 9,300-lb maximum towing capacity.
Despite its pickup truck architecture, the Expedition delivers comfortable ride handling and a generous amount of on-the-road performance capability. Inside the quiet cabin, occupants can relax and enjoy an array of infotainment and convenience features. The higher the trim range, the more elegant and refined the Expedition becomes.
Comfort & Convenience
Starting at the top of the six-trim lineup (ten trims if you count the MAX variants) is the best way to understand the potential for luxury in the 2023 Expedition. The elegant Expedition Platinum includes 22-inch aluminum wheels and a power liftgate, along with LED headlights, taillights, fog lights, and signature exterior lighting. Power running boards help little ones climb inside, and an innovative zone lighting feature allows drivers to isolate and illuminate specific areas around the vehicle with an app-based controller.
Inside the cabin, the seven-passenger setup includes second-row captain’s chairs and a power 60/40 third row with a power recline and power fold capability. Heated and ventilated seats await the driver and front passenger, as does Ford’s Active Motion Massage feature, which is said to combat driver fatigue. The second-row seats include heaters. If needed, buyers can opt for a 40/20/40 power-folding bench seat in the second row to accommodate up to eight passengers.
As for technology, it’s abundant in the 2023 Expedition. A massive, portrait-mounted 15.5-inch infotainment touchscreen sits prominently on the dash. The driver’s 12.4-inch gauge cluster is among the largest available. Ford equips all Expedition Platinum models with a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system that includes a subwoofer, along with connected navigation and a wireless smartphone charging pad. Multiple USB ports are sprinkled throughout the cabin for passengers. Select the optional dual-headrest rear seat entertainment system to keep the kids happy on road trips. It includes Amazon Fire TV for content streaming.
Even the base model Expedition XL STX offers a nice assortment of standard comfort and convenience features. A 12-inch touchscreen with SYNC technology, 18-inch wheels, and an eight-way power driver’s seat with lumbar are just a few of the standard features. Ford also includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a push-button start. The standard automatic high beams make nighttime driving a lot less stressful. The six-trim lineup includes the XL STX, XLT, Timberline, Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum, with all but the XL STX and Timberline offered in a longer MAX version.
Safety Features
All 2023 Ford Expedition trims receive rear parking sensors to aid the driver while backing into tight parking spaces. Ford Co-Pilot360 is also standard and has multiple driver-assist technologies that include a blind spot monitor that extends to your connected trailer. Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Braking continuously scans the road ahead for potential hazards, alerting the driver when an object is detected and performing emergency braking if necessary.
Lane Centering Assist is also part of the Co-Pilot360 package and works by sending gentle steering nudges when the vehicle drifts to the edge of its intended lane of travel. If the drifting continues, the system will alert you and suggest a break. It’s especially helpful on long, boring highway drives. These features rely on cameras, radar, and sensors to perform the task of constant monitoring, offering a second set of eyes that’s especially welcome when piloting a large SUV.
Upper-level trims offer Ford’s available BlueCruise, a truly hands-free driving tool that lets you relax your feet and hands on long highway road trips. BlueCruise works on over 130,000 miles of divided highways in North America.
Cargo Capacity and Versatility
The 2023 Expedition comes in two sizes: the smaller 210-inch version and the MAX, which adds more cargo capacity for a total overall length of 221.9 inches. Total passenger volume comes out to 171.9 inches and 172 inches, respectively, and cargo volume is 104.6 inches on the shorter version and 121.5 inches on the MAX. The configurable interior accommodates longer cargo like paddleboards and lumber while still leaving room for passengers.
The 2023 Expedition comes with a Cargo Management System. The system includes in-floor storage and compartmented spaces that keep items from shifting on the drive home. Multiple cubbies and storage options within the cabin offer ergonomic solutions for everyday items like smartphones and sunglasses. Up to 15 beverage holders are scattered throughout the cabin, as are several USB chargers.
If you plan to tow with your Expedition, expect up to 9,300 pounds of towing capability, more than enough to haul a good size trailer or a boat. The available Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 system makes trailer hook-up a breeze. For off-roading, consider the Timberline trim, which takes advantage of 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque to tackle trails easily. The Timberline has 10.6 inches of ground clearance, skid plates, and additional underbody protection.
The Versatile 2023 Ford Expedition
From the five-passenger XL STX to the high-end, oversized Expedition Platinum MAX, the 2023 Ford Expedition lineup offers versatility and a range of trims that each offer a unique list of standard features. This is a top choice for any family because of its powerful engine and family-friendly appointments.
With up to 440 horsepower and impressive performance stats on and off the road, the 2023 Expedition walks the walk when it matters, yet it is still a fit for the carpool line. The Expedition is a large family-friendly SUV with a trim range designed for mass appeal. The base EcoBoost turbocharged V6 engine delivers exceptional performance without compromising fuel economy, given its 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway rating.
The Expedition’s two infotainment touchscreens––a 12-inch screen and a gigantic portrait-mounted 15.5-inch screen––are designed for easy operation. They both run on SYNC 4, the latest version of Ford’s operating system. Connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enables voice texting and easy access to playlists and podcasts. The available Wi-Fi Hotspot allows all occupants to stay online and connected.
Overall, the 2023 Expedition is a busy family’s best friend. From road trips to daily errands, the huge cargo area and voluminous passenger space give parents options. Having a larger vehicle means more comfort for even third-row passengers, something other full-size SUVs can’t offer. Ford’s expansive trim range and available packages make finding a trim that fits your lifestyle the easiest part.
