Asian Journal

2019 Ford Expedition LTD Stealth: roomy, luxurious SUV is a winner all-round

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system. The Expedition achieves best-in-class fuel-efficiency ratings and boasts best-in-class towing capability of 9,300 pounds (4219 kg). We tested an upper range Blue metallic 2019 Limited model Expedition Stealth Edition that looked very impressive on its huge 22 inch black and aluminum wheels. There was the driver assistance package, 360 degree camera, enhanced park assist and a slew of other goodies. Optional equipment included the power running boards, black headlamp accents and black roof rails, convenienc­e package, second row captain’s seats, heavy duty trailer package, rear headrest DVD entertainm­ent system and the cargo management system. Basic price for our tester was $73,449. With options, destinatio­n and delivery charges, the final price came to $87,595.

Interior wise, the Expedition offer a huge interior and a plethora of equipment such as a new touchscree­n using the newest Ford Sync 3 infotainme­nt system. There is also Apple Carplay or Android Auto, and premium audio via the 12-speaker system, and sumptuous leather heated and ventilated seats offering supreme comfort. The Expedition also has a Wi-fi hot-spot that supports up to 10 devices up to 50 feet away. The interior features a smart, refined look with nice soft-touch surfaces. Seats feature raided red stitching. Fit and finish is excellent with plenty of storage. The available panoramic sunroof spans two rows of seats and its huge size allows for a bright and airy interior.

The Expedition

offers the ultimate in interior room and flexibilit­y. The second row seats can be configured as optional captain’s chairs as on our tester, which are heated, and can slide fore and aft and recline. A thirdrow seats are standard, which makes the roomy Ford Expedition a true eight-seater. There is separate climate control zone for the rear. Note that the third row is probably the most spacious in this class and also reclines. Both second and third rows fold flat – via power buttons in the trunk, leaving a huge 3,439 L of cargo space behind the front seats.

The optional rear entertainm­ent system as fitted to our tester adds two 8-inch screens in the front headrests and wireless sound-cancelling headphones. Devices can connect via USB, HDMI plugs, Bluetooth or Wi-fi – and there are charging points in every row. There are six USB outlets, four 12V plugs, an 110V household plug and even wireless charging at the front of the centre console. Driver assistance technology is also available depending on which model and options pack you choose, with feature such as: Blind-spot monitoring, 360-degree camera with parking sensors, park assist, and pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, cross-traffic alert, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. On the road, as expected, the Expedition offers a smooth ride thanks to its full box frame and independen­t rear suspension. I was surprised to find the Expedition quite easy to park thanks to a relatively tight turning circle. I can see the Expedition doing stalwart duty as a big rig hauler. The Heavy Duty Trailer Tow package incorporat­es all the necessitie­s to allow you to tow up to 4,173 kg/9,200 pounds – the best capacity in this vehicle class – including the Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which makes for much easier trailer hitching and unhitching. In summing up, the latest generation Expedition is a very impressive. It offers a comfortabl­e ride a roomy cabin with all the luxury you could want. With seating for eight, and a huge cargo and towing capacity, the 2019 Expedition ticks all the boxes. Highly recommende­d.

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