When Expedition was introduced in 1997 to replace the fleeing Bronco it was flanked by Explorer, enjoying its resurgence nowadays, and Excursion, which has since been phased out. Now Expedition is the biggest boss patrolling Ford dealerships, satiating hunger for the brand’s full size SUV market. Today’s version boasts size inside of size, easy interior arrangement configuration, and ample towing capacity.
Let’s map out the 2012 Ford Expedition’s vast area.
Ford Expedition Trims and Features
Base XL Expedition starts at $37,600. Trims come in XL, XLT, Limited, and top of the line King Ranch editions, along with EL versions of each. Choosing an EL Expedition in any given trim gives buyers 8 more cubic feet of passenger space, and over 22 cubes of additional cargo space behind the front seats. Expect typical Ford interior/exterior options, which increase for higher trims and include a Power Liftgate, moonroof, rear view camera, and SYNC services.
Options include a Driver’s Vision package which comes with rain sensing wipers and a rear-view camera, along with various exterior and interior accessory upgrades.
Ford Expedition Performance
Propelling that mass forward is no easy task. Ford has chosen a 5.4L V8 throwing out 310 HP and 365 lb.-ft. of torque. The yeoman’s effort is put to the task for both Expedition and Expedition EL models. That means, with the optional towing package, it must adequately pull up to 9,200 pounds.
Ford says that its V8 is equipped to deliver 85% of its peak torque at 1,500 rpm, providing a needed push from complete stops when faced with heavy loads.
Drivers are handed a 6 speed auto standard with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel optional. And independent rear suspension helps to smooth out what could be a cumbersome drive, making Expedition drive surprisingly smaller than its stature.
Ford Expedition Fuel Economy
MPG varies from 14/20/16 (city/highway/combined) for 2X4 trims to 13/18/15 with 4X4.
Ford Expedition Interior Highlights
Equipped with Ford niceties, the 2012 Expedition’s interior impresses well enough; downsides include some plastics- even with higher trims- and a dash layout that can prove confusing. Obviously Expedition’s biggest interior asset is its amble space. Non EL models get 160.3 cubic feet of passenger volume with seating for up to 8 (7 with the optional 2nd row bucket seats), and 18.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the folding 3rd row. Dropping passengers allows for more stuff, to the tune of 55 cubic feet behind the 2nd row, which has a 40/20/40 split, and an impressive 108.3 cubic feet behind the 1st row. Opt for the Premium Package, and the PowerFold system will automatically retract the 3rd row seats.
Go for EL models and it’s 8 passengers again, but 168.3 cubic feet overall, 130.8 cubic feet rear seats unused, 85.5 cubic feet behind the 2nd row, and 42.6 cubic feet behind the 3rd.
Ample, to say the least.
Ford Expedition Safety
Standard features for 2012 Expeditions include four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, roll stability control, a post-crash alert system, MyKey, and 6 standard airbags- including the Canopy Safety System with full-length curtain bags and rollover sensor. Options include reverse sensors, a rear-view camera, and rain sensing windshield wipers. Government crash test results have yet to be fully published.
Welcome aboard Expedition, enjoy your drive
Fuel costs will be tough, but that’s a given. Expedition is versatile, offers surprising comfort on the road, and is very space conscious. And while the Chevy Tahoe, Toyota Sequoia, and GMC Yukon aptly prove that Expedition isn’t the only beast on the block, Expedition is one of the best at making big an asset, and within the segment, that’s always what is most important. Snack service is up to you. If you’re ready, you can buy the Expedition now.
