The 2012 Ford Expedition combines the toughness of an SUV and the versatility of a wagon, making it ideal for families that want more space, more cargo and more muscle.
Engine
The 2012 Expedition sports a 5.4 liter V8 engine that delivers 310 horsepower and 365 lbs/ft of torque, enough to let you tow a weight of up to 9,200 lbs; thanks to the heavy-duty trailer towing equipment that comes as an optional package. The 6-speed automatic transmission comes standard with the new Expedition.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: SUV | Base Price: $36,530.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 28 gallons (106 liters) | MPG: 14 city / 20 hwy |
| Length: 206.5 in. (524.5 cm) | Wheel Base: 119 in. (302.2 cm) |
| Height: 77.2 in. (196 cm) | Width: 78.8 in. (200.1 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 5549 lbs (2517 kg) | Ground Clearance: 8.7 in. (22.1 cm) |
| Luggage Capacity: 18.6 cu ft (3rd row) | Maximum Seating: 7 people |
| Engine: 5.4L SOHC Flex Fuel V8 | Compression Ratio: 9.8: 1 |
| Horsepower: 310 HP | Max RPM: 5100 RPM |
| Torque: 365 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic OD |
| Max Towing Capacity: 6000 lbs (2721 kgs) | Maximum Speed: NA |
| Option:XL EL | MSRP: $40,250; MPG: 14 city / 20 hwy |
| Option:XLT | MSRP: $39,140; MPG: 14 city / 20 hwy |
| Option:Limited | MSRP: $45,270; MPG: 14 city / 20 hwy |
| Option:King Ranch | MSRP: $46,780; MPG: 14 city / 20 hwy |
| Option:King Ranch EL | MSRP: $49,430; MPG: 14 city / 20 hwy |
Performance
It is common for big vehicles to consume more fuel. The new Expedition has a fuel economy rating of 20 highway and 14 city mpg for its rear-wheel drive model and 18/13 mpg highway/city for the all-wheel drive model.
In the SUV arena, the statistics are definitely not the best. Many drivers praise the quick shifting transmission and most of them like the caliber of the engine. However, there are reports that the Tahoe from Chevrolet feels more powerful.
Interior
It is expected from a sport utility vehicle to have a spacious cabin and a versatile cargo space. Evidently, Ford’s flagship SUV succeeded in providing these important features to customers. Some things that do not seem to keep up with our modern needs is the inferior navigation system, a button studded dash and the use of plastics which is not uncommon in its class.
After all, using state of the art materials and technology for these features will certainly add to the vehicle’s selling price.
The XLT model has cooled and heated front seats which we find very comfortable. This variant also has a cooled and heated second row seat and a very comfortable third row seat. In its class, we can say that these seats are better. Furthermore, the front seats have ample rearward travel to accommodate passengers as short as 4’11” or as tall as 6’4″.
Exterior
The new Expedition is available in 4 trim levels which are the King Ranch Edition, the Limited, the XLT and the base XL. All Expeditions can seat up to eight persons except the standard size XL which begins with five.
Overall, the new Expedition looks boxy but that does not mean that it is ugly. The looks only compliment the muscle that the SUV provides. It can be intentional on Ford’s side; they maybe deviating from the smooth flowing curves, which is the trend in modern crossovers.
Safety
This years Expedition does well in crash tests conducted by the federal government. It scored 5 stars in side crash tests and 4 stars in front crash tests. The new Expedition is equipped with front air bags (dual stage), Ford’s MyKey system, brake assist features and anti-lock brakes.
MyKey can be used to configure the Expedition’s driving parameters, such as the speed or speaker volume, depending on who is behind the wheel.
Reliability
The Expedition comes with a 3-year/36000 miles bumper to bumper warranty, a 5-year safety system and powertrain warranty, and a 5-year perforation and corrosion warranty.
Pros
What we like about the Expedition is its great handling and superior comfort. In addition, it has the foldable rear seats that add up to cargo space. The rear seats are roomy and perhaps one of the bests in its class.
Cons
Plastics were used for the interior and the controls seem dated and cluttered.
Competition
The GMC Yukon (MSRP $45,570; 15 city / 21 hwy) and the Chevrolet Tahoe (MSRP $43,905; 15 city / 21 hwy) are perhaps the closest competitor to the Expedition. Curiously, all are American made SUVs.
With all the positive qualities of the 2012 Ford Expedition, we can conclude that it is a good choice for bigger families who need power, versatility and optimum comfort.
Overall Rating
71 out of 100
What others say:
“It outperforms expectations with steering and ride quality, and with overall road manners that belie its body-on-frame heft. But ultimately, the Expedition loses ground to some other big SUVs because its V-8 engine isn’t as powerful.”Car Connection
“Expedition and Navigator display impressive agility for large SUVs. Nicely weighted steering has a natural feel. There’s relatively little lean in corners for such large trucks. Except in close-quarters maneuvering, extended-length versions give up little to the shorter regular-length models.”Consumer Guide
“The noisy V8 produces 310 hp and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Our tested EL felt sluggish and returned 13 mpg overall. Towing capacity is generous.”MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“Respectable handling and road comfort; roomy third-row seat; easy-to-fold rear seats increase interior flexibility. V8 engine struggles under heavy loads; dated and cluttered controls; interior cheapened by some low-quality plastics.”Edwards
“If you and your family have needs as big as the 2012 Expedition itself (such as the need to fit eight people or tow up to 9,300 pounds), Ford’s full-size family hauler makes a great addition to any garage. With so many well-thought-out features, the 2012 Ford Expedition is easily the best Expedition to date.”KBB
