2022 Ford Expedition Review: A Refined and Capable Family SUV
2022 Ford Expedition Review:
- 2022 Ford Expedition $52,405 – $79,560
- Best Buy/Best Full-Size SUV for five years in a row – Kelley Blue Book
- Pros: Athletic acceleration, tons of passenger and cargo space, stout towing capacity
- Cons: Weak fuel economy, tall liftover height, gets expensive in a hurry
The 2022 Ford Expedition sits at the top of the food chain as the largest SUV in the lineup. It has a traditional truck-like body-on-frame build yet is more nimble and refined than the Ford F-150.
This three-row family SUV can check multiple boxes in terms of cargo space, passenger space, an engaging ride, comfort, towing power, and even off-roading capabilities. It’s a versatile beast, but its size takes a toll on its fuel economy and limits its agile performance.
2022 Expedition, what’s new?
The 2022 Expedition gained the 15.5-inch vertical touchscreen from the Ford Mustang Mach-E for higher trim levels, while a 12.0-inch unit comes standard. Also, the Expedition is now available with the Ford BlueCruise semi-automated hands-free driving system.
There are a few notable upgrades across the lineup, such as upgraded interior materials and more standard features. The exterior gained minor tweaks, and the interior is now more similar to what’s found in the Ford F-150.
Also, the new Ford Expedition Timberline trim adds 33-inch tires and an increased ride height. The Stealth Performance model looks more confident with a sport-tuned suspension and Ford F-150 Raptor power.
Which Ford Expedition trim is best?
There are six different 2022 Ford Expedition trim levels:
- Ford Expedition XL – $52,405
- Expedition XLT – $57,440
- Expedition Limited – $67,055
- Expedition Timberline – $70,450
- Expedition King Rnach – $77,110
- Expedition Platinum – $79,560
There are three packages:
Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package – $795:
Includes an upgraded radiator, trailer backup assist, 3.73 rear-axle gearing, and a trailer brake controller.
FX4 Off-Road Package – $2,035
It comes with all-terrain tires, a surround-view camera system, an electronic limited-slip differential, an off-road-tuned suspension, an upgraded radiator, and skid plates.
Stealth Performance Package – $9,880
Adds the upgraded 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque, 22-inch black wheels, dark exterior trim, a sport-tuned suspension, dual exhaust, power running boards, red brake calipers, 22-speaker audio system, a surround-view camera, and park assist.
The Ford Expedition Limited trim is a pretty nice option in the middle of the lineup. It includes comfort and convenience upgrades such as leather-trimmed seats, power deployable running boards, and a premium Bang & Olufsen audio system.
You can spice it up with the Stealth Performance Package for a more engaging ride. Plus, this model is available with robust off-roading chops. It’s a capable adventurer and offers savings against the Timberline trim.
How does the 2022 Ford Expedition drive?
The 2022 Ford Expedition has a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine with 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque across the lineup. The Expedition Platinum has a little extra juice with 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque.
With the Timberline trim and Stealth Performance Package, you get 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. Each option is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
According to Edmunds, the Platinum model can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.9 seconds, but the Stealth Performance Package improves this time to about 4.9 seconds. This beast has an impressive amount of muscle.
It doesn’t hesitate to get off the line, and the transmission is pretty smooth. The steering is direct and responsive, making the Expedition feel smaller than it actually is. It doesn’t feel too heavy or lumbers around curves.
However, the suspension can seem a bit floaty at times. There is a little body roll around sharp bends, but the seats have the right amount of bolstering to hold you in place.
The Expedition does have squishy brakes, but it doesn’t take long to master smooth stops. It has a 20.5-foot turning radius, which is incredibly convenient. It’s easy to park and maneuver in narrow areas in the city and out of the off-roading trails.
It’s a comfortable and relaxing daily driver, but you can also hit the gas for an athletic performance to add some excitement to everyday errands.
There are eight Expedition driving modes to suit different moods and needs:
- Normal – The default mode that’s great for daily driving.
- Eco – Maximizes your fuel efficiency for savings at the pump.
- Sport – Increases the accelerator response and lengths lower gear times so you can go even faster.
- Tow/Haul – Provides boosted power for hauling trailers and heavier loads.
- Snow/Wet – Increases grip for enhanced control in inclement weather situations.
- Grass/Gravel/Snow – Adjusts the torque to limit sliding on gravel, ice, packed snow, water, and thin layers of sand.
- Mud/Rut – Allows for wheel spin to maintain momentum in muddy, rutted, soft, or uneven ground.
- Sand – Manages traction control and gear shifting in soft dry sand.
Can the Ford Expedition go off-roading?
Heck, yes, the 2022 Ford Expedition is an excellent off-roader. It has plenty of power to dominate obstacles. We took it over steep inclines cluttered with rocks, and it provided an excellent grip with no fuss. The Expedition only slipped a little when piles of dry leaves covered the trail.
We had a Limited trim with the Stealth Performance Package, which still has a broad range of off-road modes, including hill descent control 4×4 High and 4×4 Low. We didn’t need a differential lock, but it would have been helpful in wet conditions.
It has a 9.8-inch ground clearance, and the Ford Expedition Timberline takes it up to 10.6. It also improves the approach angle from 23.3 degrees to 28.5 degrees.
The parking sensors and 360-degree rearview camera help to avoid obstacles. Also, the Expedition felt light despite weighing between 5,443 to 5,623.
Is the 2022 Expedition comfortable?
Yes, the 2022 Ford Expedition provides a comfortable ride. The independent rear suspension cushions the ride for a soft and smooth experience. It’s smooth over cracks and bumps in the pavement and off-roading trails.
The front seats can feel a bit firm at first, but there are plenty of adjustment controls to provide the right amount of padding and lumbar support. The seats can recline pretty far if your copilot needs a nap.
We are impressed by the seats in the second row as well. They are spacious and well-padded, with a wide range of adjustment controls.
The third row is comfortable, too, but it might feel a little tight for taller adults. The third row reclines pretty far too. Adults under 5’5′ can hang out back there just fine.
We were surprised by how quiet the interior is. Wind and road noise is well-controlled, even at highway speeds. Occasionally you can hear a deep engine roar, but the climate control system is a bit loud.
The tri-zone climate control system is fast and effective for keeping the entire family comfortable. The ventilated seats could be a little stronger, but we have no complaints about the toasty heated steering wheel and seats.
How is the 2022 Ford Expedition interior?
The 2022 Ford Expedition interior is surprisingly nice and impressive. It features higher quality materials than the Ford F-150, with more attention to detail. The soft-touch leather-wrapped surfaces provide a premium feel.
Red accent stitching, a textured grey pattern on the dash trim, and blue ambient lighting break up large sections of black leather for an attractive look. Also, the panoramic sunroof is massive but has the perfect amount of tint. Natural light fills the cabin without being too bright.
Forward visibility is a little limited over the massive hood, and the rear window feels miles away. But large side mirrors, the 360-degree camera system, and parking sensors make up for the difference.
Plus, the layout is simple and convenient. Everything you need is within reach, and the buttons are clearly labeled. However, it may seem a bit button-heavy at first. Also, the climate controls in the second row could be hard to reach.
The doors open wide for easy entry, but the step-in height is pretty high. Shorter folks will appreciate the running boards. The second row has tons of space for quick and convenient access.
Does the ford Expedition have good tech?
Yes, the 2022 Ford expedition feels pretty advanced thanks to the vibrant optional 15.5-inch touchscreen infotainment system. But the climate control settings are controlled by the touchscreen, so some drivers may want more physical controls.
The Ford Sync 4 software runs quickly and is highly intuitive. You can adjust vehicle settings in seconds. Also, it has a few neat options. For example, you can use it for doodling when the vehicle is parked.
The digital gauge cluster could be spiced up a little with different themes upon changing driving modes. But that’s not a negative. We’re just spoiled. It provides excellent information for towing and off-roading.
It’s easy to connect phones, and it has standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The wireless charging pad is in a good spot in front of the center console, with USB ports in each row.
We love BlueCruise, but there isn’t a clear indicator of when it’s available. It keeps a respectable distance from other cars, can stop at red lights, and change lanes. But if you don’t keep your hands on the wheel, it will deactivate.
The voice controls work well, and the Bang & Olufsen audio system does a great job of filling the massive beast with immersive sound quality.
How much space does the Ford Expedition have?
The 2022 Ford Expedition has made the most of its available cargo space. There are plenty of storage trays and cubbies available, including a massive center console and an extra compartment above the glove box.
The door pockets are wide, but the seat pockets are a little tight. Cup holders are readily available everywhere you look. There’s plenty of space for installing child seats, even rear-facing options. There’s nothing in the middle row that blocks access to the front.
You can access 20.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, up to 57.5 cubes behind the second row, and up to 104.6 cubes overall. This is slightly less than the Chevy Tahoe has to offer.
The power-folding third row is helpful, and the second-row seats fold flat too. But the liftover height is a little tall. Thankfully, the rear hatch opens wide. The 2022 Expedition can tow up to 9,300 lbs if you need more room.
Is the Ford Expedition safe?
The 2022 Ford Expedition is pretty safe. It received a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA). It passed a variety of crash simulations with flying colors and is well-equipped to protect drivers and passengers.
Also, it has a low rollover risk with a score of three out of five starts. It got a 20.80 percent rollover risk with no tip during the Rollover Risk Test that simulates a loss of control scenario.
It got an acceptable rating for child seats because the tethers could be hard to find. But they aren’t too deep in the seat and are easy to attach.
Standard safety features include:
- Automatic high beams
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keeping assist
- Automatic emergency braking
Is the 2022 Ford Expedition reliable?
The 2022 Ford Expedition is incredibly reliable. It’s one of the most durable and longest-lasting SUVs available. With regular care and proper maintenance, the Expedition can make it between 200,000 to 300,000 miles.
If driven conservatively and with an average of about 15,000 miles annually, the Expedition can provide between 13 to 17 years on the road before breaking down or needing severe repairs.
It costs around $861 to maintain a Ford Expedition yearly. This is on the cheaper side since it costs $651 to maintain the average vehicle.
MotorBiscuit awards the 2022 Ford Expedition with a score of 8.2 out of 10
The editors at MotorBiscuit have provided the 2022 Ford Expedition with a score of 8.2 out of 10. The 2022 Expedition is a powerful and refined beast with plenty of muscle, comfort, and capability.
However, it’s massive, which takes away from an athletic performance, and is quite the gas guzzler. Also, moving up in trim level and adding packages gets expensive rapidly. However, the off-roading upgrades and extra speed are nice perks.
The Expedition has a high-quality interior with tons of cargo and passenger space. It’s comfortable for the entire family and provides a stout towing capacity with powerful off-roading abilities.
We can’t wait to see how the Timberline model compares to the Limited trim with the Stealth Performance Package.