Used 2019 Ford Expedition MAX Limited SUV Review

Compared to the typical three-row crossover SUV, the 2019 Ford Expedition looks like a superhero. It's able to carry eight passengers and tow nearly as much as a full-size truck. And while it's certainly a large vehicle, there's very little else that can match the Expedition for outright capability.

Available in three trim levels, each with multiple options, the Expedition should suit a wide variety of needs. You can get the XLT for just the basics, or you can spring for the loaded-up Platinum that can rival a luxury SUV for features. Its expansive interior is attractive and remains comfortable and quiet on the highway.

The Expedition's powerful turbocharged V6 engine (375 horsepower, or 400 hp for the Platinum trim) also gives the SUV impressive gusto and makes it one of the quickest in the class. The 10-speed automatic transmission helps to make the most of this engine's power and aids fuel economy. Premium fuel is needed to get the most power from this engine, though.

As is typically the case for this class of vehicle, you'll probably be better off with one of those three-row crossover SUVs if you're not planning on doing a lot towing. A Honda Pilot, for instance, is easier to drive, more fuel-efficient and less expensive. But as traditional SUVs go, the Expedition is the best of the bunch. It's more refined than the Chevrolet Suburban and the Toyota Sequoia and more versatile than the Nissan Armada.

Notably, we picked the 2019 Ford Expedition as one of Edmunds' Best 3-Row SUVs, as well as one of Edmunds' Best Gas Mileage SUVs for this 2020.

The 2019 Ford Expedition is available in three trim levels: XLT, Limited and Platinum. The XLT offers a balanced mix of comfort and utility, and plenty of available options, while the Limited introduces more premium elements. The top-trim Platinum loads on the luxury and comes with nearly every feature standard. An extended-wheelbase Expedition, which has a bigger cargo area, is called the Max. It's available for the XLT and the Limited.

The XLT starts with a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine (375 horsepower, 470 pound-feet of torque) paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission and a choice of rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

Standard equipment highlights include seating for eight passengers, 18-inch alloy wheels, running boards, roof rack rails, rear parking sensors, heated side mirrors, air conditioning, a power-adjustable driver's seat, push-button ignition, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a sliding and reclining 40/20/40-split second-row seat, and a 60/40-split fold-flat third-row seat.

For technology, the XLT has an 8-inch touchscreen with Ford's Sync 3 interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, four USB ports (two in front and two in the second row), and a six-speaker sound system with satellite radio.

The XLT offers two optional packages: 201A and 202A. The 201A package adds simulated leather upholstery for the first and second rows and a power-adjustable front passenger seat. More significantly, the 202A package builds on those items with a hands-free liftgate, keyless entry, remote engine start, power-folding mirrors, heated and ventilated front seats, driver-position memory settings, a power-adjustable heated steering wheel, power-adjustable pedals, dual-zone automatic climate control, ambient cabin lighting, a 110-volt household style outlet, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Stand-alone options include 20-inch wheels, roof rail crossbars, a panoramic sunroof, a navigation system, a heavy-duty trailer tow package, and a Driver Assistance package, which adds adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams and automatic wipers.

An FX4 4x4 Off-Road package adds trail-ready components such as all-terrain tires, off-road shocks, low-range gearing, a 3.73 limited-slip rear axle and skid plates.

The Limited trim bundles the features from the 202A package and adds 20-inch wheels, front parking sensors, retractable running boards, heated second-row seats, and a 12-speaker premium B&O Play sound system.

Like the XLT, the Limited offers two optional packages, 301A and 302A. The former includes the panoramic sunroof, navigation and the driver assistance features listed above, while the latter tacks on 22-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, LED headlights and foglights, a 360-degree view parking camera, and an automated parking system.

Many of these features are available as stand-alone options, as are second-row leather captain's chairs (which reduce seating capacity to seven) and a rear-seat entertainment system with dual headrest-mounted displays. The new-for-2019 Stealth Edition (303A) includes 22-inch black painted wheels, lots of gloss black exterior trim, and red interior stitching.

Finally, the Platinum trim builds on the Limited and 302A features with interior wood accents, enhanced front seats with massage function, upgraded leather for the steering wheel, leather door trim and active noise cancellation. Options mirror those of the Limited. Notably, the Platinum also offers increased horsepower (400 hp) and torque (480 lb-ft) when 93 octane fuel is used.