The year was 1997, and Ford, like many automobile manufacturers, was still trying to figure out where this SUV thing was going. The Expedition was introduced as a large SUV that could take the place of the Bronco, which was just a little too wild for the suburban crowd of the time. Now that the Bronco is back and even wilder than it was back then, many have wondered what this means for the fate of the Ford Expedition. Looking at the new specs for the 2022 Ford Expedition vs 2021 Ford Expedition, it appears it’s just going to get cooler than it’s ever been.
SUVs have had a few strange twists in their story so far. At first, they were all-terrain adventure vehicles that had the ground clearance, the torque, and the audacity to take on anything drivers could throw at them, including snow and mud. Then they became more sedate people-movers, sacrificing their off-road chops for more cargo room and heated bucket seats. Today, more and more manufacturers are incorporating a vast array of talents into their SUVs, providing models that are well-mannered enough to haul priceless antiques alongside those that thrive on dirt, sand, and rugged terrain.
This brings us to today’s Ford Expedition. As the name implies, the Expedition is all about the journey. But we all know that one person’s adventure is another person’s nightmare, and one person’s relaxing trip might mean endless boredom to another. Therefore, the Ford Expedition has been reimagined to encompass many definitions of “adventure,” making it a thrilling ride for more drivers than ever. Let’s take a look at how the 2022 Ford Expedition is taking SUV driving to the next level.
Where We Started: The 2021 Ford Expedition
In order to get appropriately excited about the 2022 Ford Expedition, it’s a good idea to take a look at how things are now.
The 2021 Ford Expedition is an exceptional vehicle. JD Power has named it #3 in the Large SUV category, with high marks for driving experience and resale value. It provides three rows of seating for up to eight passengers with incredible cargo space. The standard Expedition includes 20.9 cubic feet of space with all seats occupied, which turns into 104.6 cubic feet with seats folded and stashed. For those who crave more, there’s the Expedition Max, which is a foot longer and provides a whopping 121.5 cubic feet of space behind the front seats. Towing tops out at an impressive 9,300 pounds, and a towing technology package can be optioned in to assist those who will be hauling frequently. From stowing your overnight gear to towing an entire camper, the Expedition has all the bases covered.
Under the hood of the 2021 Ford Expedition is a 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 engine, good for 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque for all models except the Platinum, which boosts those numbers to 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard, though four-wheel drive is available for all trims except the base XL. The EPA estimated fuel economy is 17 miles per gallon on the city streets and 23 miles per gallon on the highways for the rear-wheel drive Expedition and Expedition Max.
There are five distinct trim levels offered for 2021. The base XL is a bit of an anomaly, with seating for just five passengers but includes the necessities, such as WiFi, roof rails, and 15 cup holders. The XLT brings in an additional three seats as well as some important comfort features, such as power-folding and reclining third-row seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch infotainment system, and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum trims add increasingly luxurious features, such as leather upholstery, power-folding captain’s chairs in the second row, and massaging front seats.
So What’s New? The 2022 Ford Expedition
The SUV market has been having a bit of an identity crisis lately. Lots of people want off-road capabilities, but some prefer towing. Some like the three-row setup, but they don’t want anything too rugged. So what is an auto manufacturer to do?
According to Kumar Galhotra, president, Americas & International Markets Group within Ford, “Expedition is more than family transportation. It’s a full-size SUV that allows families to share adventures and make connections confidently and comfortably.” That means figuring out what everyone wants and incorporating it into the lineup in a way that makes sense. Galhotra continues, “We’ve refined almost every part of our new Expedition – from improved interiors to more connectivity enhancements to make the ownership experience as convenient as possible for the always-on lives of our customers.”
The first big new thing for the 2022 Ford Expedition is the Timberline trim. For those who want the full-on, dirty, gritty, off-road experience, the Timberline is ready to rock. Not only has Ford given this model a higher clearance of 10.6 inches and Trail Turn Assist technology, but they’ve added the same skid plates used on the F-150 Raptor to keep drivers rocking. With a new and improved engine providing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, it has the power needed to clear all sorts of terrain, too. Plus, the Timberline gets major cool points with its uniquely styled grille and Active Orange accents.
For those who are performance-focused, consider the new Stealth Edition Performance Package. Offered only the Limited trim for both Expedition and Expedition Max, the Stealth Edition Performance Package complements the vehicle’s already powerful output with a sport-tuned suspension, 22-inch black aluminum wheels, and red brake calipers. The exterior is sleekly decorated in gloss black, including the grille, roof rails, running boards, and skid plates.
More Class-Exclusive Features in the 2022 Ford Expedition
Premium features are nothing new to the Ford Expedition, but the 2022 version takes things to a whole new level. All Expeditions will include a full suite of safety and driver assistance technology. This includes a variety of cutting-edge safety technologies designed to get the most from your ride.
- Road Edge Detection assists in keeping drivers centered in their lane.
- Intersection Assist employs the front camera and sensors to help make safe left turns.
- Reverse Brake Assist provides automatic braking when driving in reverse.
- Evasive Steering Assist provides maneuvering assistance in emergency stops.
Those who select the Platinum trim will be able to add Ford BlueCruise to this package as well. Ford’s new hands-free highway driving assistance feature uses the existing Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering, and Speed Sign Recognition technology to offer Hands Free Blue Zones, where drivers can engage BlueCruise and let the Expedition take the wheel.
Also new for 2022 is the inclusion of Ford Power-Ups software, which provides over-the-air updates to features and capabilities within the Expedition, allowing drivers to stay up to date at all times with the latest and greatest technology for their vehicle.
Final Thoughts
The Ford Expedition has been an impressive vehicle since the first models rolled off the line. In our current day and age, it’s hard to decide whether drivers want an off-road-ready beast, a well-mannered family vehicle, a road-trip-ready standby, or something that looks flashy in the office parking garage. While it might not be possible to have it all, Ford believes you should definitely get what you want out of your vehicle. Offering the new Timberline gives drivers an opportunity to get dirty, while the Stealth Edition is that sleek and glossy model that will turn heads everywhere it goes.
The new interior features also help drivers create and enjoy the Expedition they need for their families. A more powerful engine, accompanied by a broader suite of driver assistance and safety technology, can make many drivers feel more secure, regardless of where their adventures take them. Whether soccer practice is the wildest thing you do this week or summiting El Capitan is in the cards, there is a 2022 Ford Expedition waiting to make the trip with you. By creating a variety of Expeditions, Ford is honoring the many different adventures each of us take as human beings.
