The Ford Expedition has proven it’s still the one to beat, winning its third straight Kelley Blue Book Best Buy award for 2021. This full-size SUV boasts power and lots of space, and the new model also offers something the Expedition never has before: a reasonable sticker price.

Instead of modifying its proven formula for powerful engines and design, Ford changed the price. Now, this truck-based SUV is more appealing than ever.

3-time Kelley Blue Book Best Buy award winner

The Kelley Blue Book Best Buy award looks at quality, comfort, dependability, cost, and safety in models eligible for this award for the best overall buy. For the best full-size SUV, the Expedition, KBB notes its powerful EcoBoost V6 engine and a best-in-class 9,300-pound towing capability.

It also seats up to eight people and has an excellent safety suite that comes standard. Plus, it starts at only $49,025. That’s almost $4,000 cheaper than the 2020 model.

Using a rugged ladder frame and an independent rear suspension, this family hauler is equally adept at towing a trailer and running errands, Kelley Blue Book reports.

A closer look at the 2021 Ford Expedition

Using a formula that has been proven to work in the past, the 2021 Ford Expedition pairs a twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain can harness up to 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. KBB says the engine feels like a more powerful V8. Not only does this allow it to tow up to 9,300 pounds, the most of any full-size SUV, but it also gets a 24 mpg highway fuel-economy rating. That’s impressive for such a large SUV.

The interior is roomy and easily seats up to eight people in its spacious three rows. Its 19.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row is decent, but space increases to 63.6 cubic feet when you fold down that row.

And though the 2021 Expedition’s infotainment system isn’t as fancy or modern as those in other new SUVs, it boasts convenient, easy-to-use controls and is made with high-quality materials. You’ll also find standard features such as a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and wireless smartphone charging. Plus, on higher trims, you can get luxurious amenities such as a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and heated leather seats, KBB reports.

As for safety features, the Expedition comes standard with the Ford Co-Pilot 360 driver-assist suite. It includes forward-collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, automatic high-beam headlights, and other advanced safety features.

Chevy Tahoe tried and failed to knock off the Ford Expedition 

The 2021 Chevy Tahoe debuted a new design to best the Expedition. Providing a modern and luxurious interior, a bit more cargo space, and a $49,000 starting price, the new Tahoe came out swinging. It also boasts a quieter and smoother ride than the Expedition, KBB says.

The Tahoe offers more engine options, including a diesel. Its 6.2-liter V8 puts out an impressive-looking 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. But it still can’t beat the Expedition in power and towing capacity.

Also, Consumer Reports doesn’t recommend the Tahoe as a reliable large SUV. Other 2021 SUVs, including the Chevy Suburban, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, and Nissan Armada, failed to meet CR’s reliability standards as well. The Expedition and Toyota Sequoia are the only ones CR recommends. 

Though the 2021 Ford Expedition is on the higher end of the price range for this class of vehicles, there’s no denying its supremacy. With the Blue Oval lowering the 2021 model’s cost, the Expedition remains the king of SUV best buys. Ford has shown once again that sticking to its decades-old formula still produces a winner.