Rental Review - 2024 Ford Expedition XLT

OVERKILL

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This is the sister review to my GMC Yukon Denali post:

I did err in my description of the Expedition, I thought it was a Limited, but when I went to take pictures, found it was an XLT.

Some exterior pictures:
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Exterior impressions:
Definitely a more subdued approach to styling. Was surprised by the relatively small rims (and subsequently healthy sidewalls) which help with the ride quality. Not as attractive as the Yukon, but not ugly.

Ford has hidden the exhaust, rather than making it part of the aesthetic like on the Yukon. That's likely personal preference as to which one thinks is more attractive.

Performance:
This thing hauls. It feels much more powerful than the Yukon 6.2L and the EcoBoost just keeps pulling. Ford's transmission programming, as I mentioned in the other review, is also more spirited, so the shift feel and programming is less lethargic and it doesn't have the noticeable torque management. The engine is smooth and refined feeling with gobs of power everywhere.

Lots of room under the hood:
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Packaging is typical Ford, not focused on looking good or likely accessibility/serviceability.


Infotainment:
Not quite as fancy as the GM offering. Typical Ford Sync setup, works as expected, the screen is nice sized and responsive but the integration is less attractive than in the GMC, with the protrusion above the dash and the "slab" approach to the screen/HVAC setup. Menu layout was intuitive, but I've used Sync a lot, so I may not be the best judge for somebody who has no experience with the system.

Cluster is mostly analog with a digital centre, unlike the Yukon, which has the fancier full digital cluster, which I think is more attractive and modern feeling. Gauges are large and easy to read.

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No QC issues that I could see with the HVAC and infotainment.

Interior:
This is an XLT trim, so I think one needs to somewhat temper their expectations. It's not "premium leather" or anything and that's rather obvious. It's a typical Ford "Fisher Price" interior, lots of hard plastic, not a lot of focus on soft touch or making things feel upscale, but the seats are very comfortable, the ride is very good and one can gobble up the miles in solid comfort.
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There were no obvious QC issues with the interior.

Overall, I found this the more impressive performing of the two vehicles and better put together (lack of QC issues) but found the Yukon was decidedly more upscale oriented with a better dash and aesthetic.

The Ford powertrain feels not only more competent (no odd vibrations, super smooth, clean, smooth, fast shifts) but considerably higher performance.

Of the two vehicles, even given the GMC's interior trimmings advantage, I favour the Expedition. This is mostly due to the powertrain.
 
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Thanks for your review. I rented one a few years ago and also found it to be an enjoyable vehicle. I usually drive an Explorer as my DD so I too was familiar with Ford’s approach to interiors and felt right at home. If I were younger and still had the kids at home it would be my choice for a family/gear hauler.
 
Another solid and factual, non biased review - good job. I think your remarks are right on and clarifying that this was a lower trim level helps people understand it is not the same as the Denali trim but more like a Tahoe LT/Yukon SLE trim level. Having driven plenty of ecoboost Fords they flat out do haul butt and turbos always make the power seamless and strong vs a NA engine. I do think the 6.2 wins in the sound department, however. Both of these trucks will serve customers well. Me, personally, I just never cared for Ford interiors and the exterior styling is cheap in my opinion. Things such as the exposed rear wiper, the view under the rear bumper etc scream cost cutting to me. You hit the nail on the head about the Ford typical engine compartment lol - ugly and everything just tossed in there. The interior's center screen looks like an afterthought and just stuck there. I think this is why the large GM SUV's sell better - they look better inside and out and the power level is fine for most purposes. I just don't think any of these trucks are worth $80-100k+
 
Me, personally, I just never cared for Ford interiors and the exterior styling is cheap in my opinion. Things such as the exposed rear wiper, the view under the rear bumper etc scream cost cutting to me. You hit the nail on the head about the Ford typical engine compartment lol - ugly and everything just tossed in there. The interior's center screen looks like an afterthought and just stuck there. I think this is why the large GM SUV's sell better - they look better inside and out and the power level is fine for most purposes. I just don't think any of these trucks are worth $80-100k+


My thoughts exactly. Overall, this Expedition looks and feels 10-15 years old. As Nissan has taught us with the Armada, that's a problem at this price point.
 
Nice comparison of the two vehicles.

My nitpick on the Ford is that slab info screen. I hate the look. Toyota has done that a lot too. It looks like such an afterthought.

If the Ford hauls more ass like your seat of the pants feel says it does, then that would be my pick. Ill take performance over interior any day.
 
I generally prefer how Ford's drive to GM cars, as they feel less muted and distant, but I don't have much of a horse in this race. Turbo power and a 10-spd sure sound nice for high-elevation driving, though. On that note, I see more of the GM triplets as livery cars here in LA than the Expedition/Navi- by a considerable margin.
 
I generally prefer how Ford's drive to GM cars, as they feel less muted and distant, but I don't have much of a horse in this race. Turbo power and a 10-spd sure sound nice for high-elevation driving, though. On that note, I see more of the GM triplets as livery cars here in LA than the Expedition/Navi- by a considerable margin.
Noticed the same in New York GM triplets dominate livery
 
Dad let me borrow his timberline edition about a month ago. The thing is a monster..

I just dislike all the tech. Massive iPad style center screen as well as the fully electric hatch. All just one more thing to break. Averaged 21.5 mpg on my hour commute though. Not bad for a ~9600 lb towing capacity 4WD that’ll smoke just about everything on the road.
 
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