Ford->ke31 released the third-generation Expedition->ke363 in 2007, and it has remained relatively unchanged since then, with the exception of some trim changes. If you were hoping for big changes in 2014, then you are in for a serious disappointment, as it remains nearly unchanged once again. The only real change is the addition of a new mechanical load-leveling system in place of the loud air-based system.

Don't fret, however, as the Expedition also retains the ruggedness that it always has had, and is one of the few SUV->ke145s to retain its body-on-frame construction. This ruggedness includes a 9,200-pound towing capacity and a sub-9-second run to 60 mph.

Is this enough to keep the Expedition competitive with the likes of the 2014 Chevrolet Suburban and the 2014 Toyota Sequoia->ke1836?

Click past the jump to read our full review on the long-in-the-tooth Expedition to find out if it remains a class leader or loses some real estate to its competitors.

ford-expedition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: ford-expedition
Pros
Cons

2014 Ford Expedition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Ford Expedition
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 310 @ 5100
  • Torque: 365 @ 3600
  • Transmission: Six-Speed Automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The body of the Expedition remains completely unchanged from last year. The 2014 Expedition remains one of the few SUVs on the market that still has that truck-with-a-cap look. It's square face and boxy body scream "1995," but it is now almost a refreshing contrast to the lifted sedans that make up the SUV realm today.

Sure, the Expedition's boxy body makes it hard to see over the hood, nearly impossible to back up, and a potential disaster for anyone under 6 feet tall walking behind it, but it's an SUV dammit .

To make the Expedition lineup even more gargantuan than it already is, Ford also offers up an EL (Extended Length) model that jumps its total length from 206.5 inches to a hulking 221.3 inches. To help support that extra length, the wheelbase also grows from 119 inches to 131 inches. This extra length nets the cabin a cool 130.8 cubic feet of max cargo space -- a nice 22.5-cubic-feet expansion over the base model.

Overall, the Expedition is big and a little long in the tooth, but for traditional SUV buyers, it is exactly what they're looking for.

2014 Ford Expedition -- Standard Exterior Features

- Flip-up liftgate glass

- Body-color bumpers and front-lower fascia

- Chrome exhaust tip

-Chrome grille

- Chrome door handles

- Fog lights

-Black running boards

-18-inch machined aluminum rims

Exterior Dimensions

Body

Expedition (4x2/4x4)

Expedition EL (4x2/4x4)

Wheelbase (In.)

119.0

131.0

Length (In.)

206.5

221.3

Width (including mirrors) (In.)

91.8

91.8

Width (excluding mirrors) (In.)

78.8

78.8

Width (mirrors folded ) (In.)

79.7

79.7

Height (with options ) (In.)

77.2

77.7/78.3

Track width, front/rear (In.)

67.0/67.2

67.0/67.2

Minimum running ground clearance (In.)

8.7

8.7

Approach angle

22.8 degrees/22.6 degrees

23.1 degrees/24.1 degrees

Departure angle

21.4 degrees/21.5 degrees

20.1 degrees/20.9 degrees

Ramp breakover angle

18.4 degrees/18.3 degrees

17.6 degrees/18.7 degrees


Interior

Much like the exterior, the interior of the 2014 Expedition is nearly identical to the 2013 model. This isn't a bad thing either, as Ford has done a great job at refining its interiors as of late, and the Expedition is no exception. This is especially true when you start checking off the option boxes and adding things like leather interior, PowerFold third-row seating and voice-controlled navi with SYNC.

The cabin, of course, includes just the basics as standard, like cloth seats, power accessories and an AM/FM/CD sound system. But where the Expedition really flexes its muscles is in hauling your junk... With all three rows of seats in their upright position, the Expedition hauls 18.6 cubic feet of stuff and the EL goes up to 42.6 cubic feet. With the third row folded, these number jump to 55 cubic feet in the standard model and 85.5 cubic feet in the EL model. Folding all three rows gives the Expedition up to 108.3 cubic feet in the standard model and a cavernous 130.8 cubic feet in the EL model. Sure, in its base setup, the Chevy Tahoe beats it out in capacity all the way around, but the EL model is simply too much for the Tahoe. Even the Tahoe's big brother, the 2014 Suburban, can't touch the Expedition EL.

2014 Ford Expedition -- Standard Interior Features

- Nine cupholders

- Power locks and windows

- Power-adjustable foot pedals

- Auto-dimming rearview mirror

- Reverse Sensing System

- Four 12-volt power points

- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls

- Universal garage door opener

- AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system with input jack and SiriusXM radio

- SYNC with AppLink

- Split second- (40/20/40) and third-row (60/40) seating

Interior Dimensions

Expedition

Expedition EL

Headroom

Front row

39.6

39.5

Second row

39.8

39.7

Third row

38.3

38.0

Legroom

Front row

41.1

41.1

Second row

39.1

39.1

Third row

37.7

37.7

Shoulder room

Front row

63.2

63.2

Second row

63.7

63.7

Third row

51.9

67.1

Hip room

Front row

60.2

60.2

Second row

59.9

59.9

Third row

50.2

51.8

Cargo volume

Behind first row

108.3 cu. ft.

130.8 cu. ft.

Behind second row

55.0 cu. ft.

85.5 cu. ft.

Behind third row

18.6 cu. ft.

42.6 cu. ft


Drivetrain, Suspension and Brakes

Under its hood, the Expedition is same ol'-same ol' with its 5.4-liter V-8 powerplant. This engine delivers 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque at 5,100 and 3,600 rpm, respectively. The old Windsor 5.4 was, at one time, a leader in its class in ponies, but it now finds itself pulling up the rear with the GM SUVs using a 320-horsepower, 5.3-liter engine and the 2014 Toyota Sequoia packing a 5.7-liter, V-8 engine with 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque.

The 5.4-liter engine pushes power through a six-speed automatic transmission and a 3.31-to-1 axle ratio on its way to the rear wheels as the standard setup. The EL gets a 3.73 rear end, which buyers can also opt for on the base model.

Now, we all know that horsepower is awesome, but torque, an effective driveline and a sturdy chassis all mean something too, especially in SUVs. This is exactly why the Expedition's 9,200-pound maximum towing capacity easily trumps the Sequoia's 7,400-pound max capacity and nudges the Tahoe's 8,500-pound capacity to the side. The Ford's standard trailer-sway control and available integrated trailer brake all help it out too.

Drivetrain Specifications

Type

5.4-liter V-8 FFV

Configuration

Cast-iron block and aluminum heads

Redline

5,400 rpm

Valvetrain

SOHC, three valves per cylinder, variable camshaft timing

Horsepower

310 @ 5,100 RPM

Torque

365 Pound-Feet. @ 3,600 RPM

Fuel Economy

4x2 (Non-EL): 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway, 4x4 (Non-EL): 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway


Suspension Specifications

Front

Independent, double-wishbone, short- and long-arm design with coil-over shocks and 36 mm (1.42-inch) stabilizer bar

Rear

Independent, multilink design with coil-over shocks and 18 mm (0.71-inch), 19 mm (0.75-inch) or 21 mm (0.83-inch) stabilizer bar


Brake Specifications

Type

Four-wheel power disc brakes with standard four-sensor, four-channel anti-lock braking system (ABS) and AdvanceTrac with RSC (Roll Stability Control)

Front

343 x 34 mm (13.5 x 1.3 Inches) ventilated

Rear

334.5 x 22 mm (13.2 x 0.9 Inches) ventilated


Pricing

Trim

Base MSRP

XLT

$41,180

XLT EL

$43,890

Limited

$47,455

Limited EL

$50,105

King Ranch

$54,365

King Ranch EL

$54,365


Competition

2014 Toyota Sequoia

The Toyota Sequoia essentially carries over from last year, but with 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque in tow, it clearly out-muscles the Expedition. Sure, its towing rating is significantly lower, but would you prefer to haul 9,200 pounds with only 310 horsepower or 7,400 pounds with 381 horsepower? Of course, you have to consider that the Sequoia does check in at a base price over $43k.

2014 Chevrolet Tahoe

The 2014 model year was supposed to be the year for the redesigned Tahoe, but that was pushed back a year. What we get from the Tahoe is a lot of the same we have seen for many years. Like the Expedition, it is one of only a handful of traditional SUVs remaining on the market and tows about 8,500 pounds. Additionally, it packs 10 more horsepower than the Expedition and is priced about the same as its Ford rival.

Conclusion

The Expedition has certainly lost its luster since it replaced the Bronco, but it still has a loyal group of buyers, and that is likely Ford's reasoning for carrying its design for so long with no changes. The weak 5.4-liter engine is a glaring sore spot on this big Ford, and it really huffs and puffs when towing near its maximum capacity. Ford definitely needs to consider some other engine options to keep up with the competition, because Toyota is a stronger transmission and chassis away from breaking the 10,000-pound towing mark with that beastly V-8, and the 2015 GMC Yukon is shaping up to crest the 400-horsepower mark.

Your move, Ford...