The 2015 Ford Expedition gets a refresh along with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission that makes it the most fuel efficient Expedition ever. A new Platinum model and new technology should help it compete with the likes of the Chevy Tahoe, which is all-new for the coming year.
The current Expedition has a 5.4-liter V8 with 310 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque which the new EcoBoost engine bests with 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. It’s also rated to tow a best-in-class 9,200 pounds when properly equipped and has best-in-class cargo in the extended-length version.
Those looking for a more luxurious ride can opt for the new Platinum model that’s already offered on the Ford F-150 and the rest of the F-series truck line. This new trim for the Expedition will include thinks like Brunello leather-appointed seats in red wine color with tuxedo-stripe accents and French-seamed stitching, or Ebony leather-appointed seats with Agate Gray accents.
The new Ford Expedition also benefits from updated styling, standard electric power-assisted steering, SYNC with available MyFord Touch, available Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert, and continuously controlled damping to give drivers better control of their SUV.
Despite these improvements, the Ford Expedition faces some pretty stiff competition from other full size SUVs. The 2015 Chevy Tahoe is all-new with a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8, although that V8 only delivers 355 horsepower and 382 lb-ft of torque.
The GMC Yukon Denali offers V8 6.2L EcoTec3 and this one has the Expedition beaten with with 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, but it can’t tow as much with an 8,100 tow rating. And if luxury is really where you’re looking, then there’s the Cadillac Escalade also with the 6.2L V8 engine providing 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque with luxury features galore.
The 2015 Ford Expedition is due to hit dealer showrooms later this year where it will be up to customers to decide if this refresh has the Expedition keeping pace or falling behind in the full size SUV marketplace.
Watch our coverage of the competing Yukon below.
Nicole Wakelin fell in love with cars as a teenager when she got to go for a ride in a Ferrari. It was red and it was fast and that was all that mattered. Game over. She considers things a bit more carefully now, but still has a weakness for fast, beautiful cars. Nicole is a member of the New England Motor Press Association and also writes for Automotive IT News, NerdApproved, and GeekMom. You can find her on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+
