Ford takes Expedition to the MAX
There are times when size really does matter — especially when hauling people and cargo. That’s where the 2018 Ford Expedition MAX comes in. It’s called the Max because its wheelbase is longer at 131.6 inches versus 122.5 in for the standard Expedition. The MAX is available on the mid-trim Limited and toptrim Platinum (as tested). Ford does not offer a MAX version of the base XLT. Not surprisingly, the Expedition has a lot in common with the F-150 pickup, such as an aluminum body on steel frame architecture resulting in a 136 kg (300 lb) weight saving over the previous model. And like the F-150, it is powered by a 3.5-litre EcoBoost twin turbo, direct injection V6 engine, but in this case power is increased from 375 hp and 470 lb/ft of torque on the base XLT to 400 hp and a whopping 480 lb/ft of torque on premium fuel. It uses Ford’s new 10-speed automatic transmission with driver selectable four-mode four-wheel-drive through a rotary knob on the centre console. That is enough grunt to tow up to 4,082 (9,000 lb) on the MAX model. Ford knows Expedition owners like to tow, with surveys showing 50 per cent of buyers value towing and a full 15 per cent tow weekly or monthly. To that end, Expedition adopts the available limited slip differential for easier on- or off-road travel. Making a good thing better is the Heavy Duty Trailer Tow Package, which includes a heavy-duty radiator, Pro Trailer Backup Assist, and integrated trailer brake controller. In addition, it can limit vehicle speed to increase ride comfort over various road surfaces. The bonus is less time needed to back up a trailer, improving driver ability and reducing maneuvering mistakes. Another feature is Ford’s Terrain Management System with driver selectable modes including normal for around-town driving, sport for more spirited trips, tow/haul for improved towing and hauling performance, eco for enhanced fuel economy, grass/gravel/snow for loose terrain, sand for low traction situations and mud/rut for uneven surfaces. But the main reason why somebody buys a big SUV like the Expedition is about cargo and people capability, with the MAX boasting 3,440 litres of cargo volume. Ford claims the Expedition is the first full-size SUV with sliding second row seat with tip/slide function that is big enough to remove a child seat from the second row with ease. Both the second and third rows fold by pushing a button, creating a flat floor capable of taking 4X8 plywood sheets. At the same time, there is an adjustable cargo shelf behind the third row that holds whatever is being stowed so it won’t roll around or fall out when the liftgate is opened. Tested here is the Platinum MAX with just about everything you’d ever want in a premium SUV standard, such as 22-inch polished alloy wheels, with starting price of $83,349 and a destination fee of $1,790. The standard wheelbase Platinum MAX is $81,349. As now widely reported, Ford is concentrating on the truck side of its business with the Expedition clearly the flagship. The vast interior is swathed in leather and premium trim accents while the seats are really chairs, which I wouldn’t mind having in my living room at home. You expect all the leading edge driver and safety technology in something like this $84,349 SUV, but Ford ups the game with a number of standard features, such as a 360-degree split view camera that shows all sides and the system comes with its own washers to always provide a clear picture. With something this big, parking in difficult places such as an underground garage is something to deal with, but the Expedition has an answer called Enhanced Active Park Assist. Believe it or not, it can spot a perpendicular or parallel parking space and the system can plot the trajectory to steer the Expedition into it. On top of that, there is also standard Park-Out Assist that helps the driver exit a tight parallel space using the Side Sensing System to alert the driver when too close on either side of a vehicle or object in the next space. Driving the Expedition was interesting because it handled like something smaller, aided immensely by the computer damping system with three suspension settings – Comfort, Normal and Sport. It can sense no less than 46 different road surfaces and can calibrate braking, steering and shocks in a split second for the best feedback and response to driver inputs. Yes, at the end of a week I came to the conclusion that when you want to live large there’s no better way then in a 2018 Ford Expedition Platinum MAX. What’s Best: It’s hard to find a fullsize SUV to match the Expedition Platinum MAX for utility, luxury, technology and connectivity. What’s Worst: Heavy on fuel when pushed. What’s Interesting: This SUV sets the tone for Ford’s formal move to becoming a primarily truck/mobility maker.