2013 Ford Expedition Review

The 2013 Ford Expedition loses last year's base XL trim level but gains a few upgrades, like an integrated brake controller for improved towing.

Though aged, the 2013 Ford Expedition still meets the requirements for shoppers needing a vehicle with significant passenger, cargo and towing capacities.

Whether it's due to recurring price spikes at the gas pumps or just the inevitable passing of another automotive fad, the widespread popularity of large sport-utility vehicles is clearly a thing of the past. Even so, there are some folks who still have a legitimate need for a full-size SUV like the 2013 Ford Expedition.

Actually, full-size is a bit of an understatement, as the eight-passenger Expedition and extended-wheelbase Expedition EL are among the largest passenger vehicles on the road. While the resulting interior room is undeniably an asset when it comes time to move lots of people and cargo, it also means these big trucks can be a handful when trying to maneuver through rush hour traffic or cramped parking garages.

In addition to their sheer size, the Expedition twins offer a couple of advantages over their main competitor, the 2013 Chevrolet Suburban, including better ride quality and a comfortable third-row seat that folds neatly into the cargo floor. The Toyota Sequoia matches the Expedition on these points, albeit with an interior that's just a tad tighter on headroom and legroom. Both the Suburban and Sequoia also have an edge by virtue of their more powerful V8 engine options, an important consideration for buyers expecting to tow sizable trailers.

In addition to the Suburban and Sequoia, buyers looking for a roomy eight-passenger interior should also consider large car-based crossovers, especially if they don't need the Expedition's considerable towing capacity. Topping this list would be the Chevrolet Traverse and 2013 Ford Flex, both of which offer noticeably better driving experiences and fuel economy.

With all of that said, the 2013 Ford Expedition still fills an important role for those few buyers who really need both maximum passenger space and towing capacity.

The standard powertrain for the 2013 Ford Expedition and Expedition EL is a 5.4-liter V8 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It produces 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque.

Rear-wheel drive is standard but buyers can opt for four-wheel drive with low-range gearing. The last Expedition we tested (it produced 10 hp less than the current model) accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds, a below-average time for this segment. Properly equipped, the Expedition has a maximum tow rating of 9,200 pounds. This is solid, but more powerful competitors will feel more capable when towing in hilly terrain.

The EPA-estimated fuel economy for a two-wheel-drive Expedition is 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined -- average for a full-size SUV. EPA estimates for 4WD versions drop to 13/18/15.

The Ford Expedition comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, trailer sway control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Ford's programmable MyKey system, which allows parents to specify maximum speed limits and stereo volumes for their teenage drivers, is also standard. A rearview camera and parking sensors are optional.

In government crash tests, the Expedition and Expedition EL earned an overall rating of four stars out of five, along with four stars for frontal crash protection and five stars for side impact protection.

Though the 2013 Ford Expedition is a sizable beast, the independent rear suspension gives it a decent ride quality not normally associated with big trucks. The precise and responsive steering feel also contributes to its easy-to-drive nature, though there's just no way around the limitations caused by its considerable dimensions when trying to negotiate tight spaces.

In most situations, the 5.4-liter V8 provides decent performance. Take on a full load of passengers and cargo or hitch up a large trailer, however, and the engine's weakness becomes all too apparent. And unlike its rivals from GM and Toyota, the fact that there's no more powerful engine option offered puts the Expedition at a distinct disadvantage. The six-speed automatic transmission is a strong point, though you may find yourself shifting it manually to maintain the desired gear when hauling a heavy load.

Inside the 2013 Ford Expedition you'll find a passenger cabin that's both attractive and spacious. Limited and King Ranch models are especially classy, though some low-quality materials take away from the otherwise upscale atmosphere. No matter which trim level you go with, however, you'll find gauges and controls that are simple in design and easier to use than those in Ford's more recently designed vehicles.

With a passenger cabin this size, everyone -- even third-row occupants -- has a good amount of room to stretch out. The standard 40/20/40-split second-row seat both slides and reclines for greater comfort, and includes a center section that can be scooted forward to put small kids within reach of mom or dad. The available second-row captain's chairs are a small luxury, even though they drop seating capacity to seven passengers. The third-row seat folds flat into the floor when you need more cargo room, which is a major advantage over the Suburban's heavy, awkward seats that have to be completely removed to free up that same space.

Speaking of cargo room, there's no shortage of it here. The standard Expedition offers 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row, while the Expedition EL sports 42.6 cubic feet. Fold down both rows of rear seats and you get a flat load floor with 108.3 and 130.8 cubic feet respectively.