Ford Expedition review

The Expedition starts at $63,995 for the base ‘Active’ trim that comes with the standard feature like the split gate, the 400hp turbo V6 engine and the 360-degree camera, along with the safety suite of alerts and such. Next up, the Platinum trim steps things up and adds the available extras like the higher-output engine, perimeter lighting and a handful of creature comforts.

The new Tremor model follows that at $81,030, bringing with it the off-road hardware, the Tremor-specific color scheme, integrated LED fog lamps, panoramic roof and a unique grille. Platinum tops the range, coming in hot at $85,650 throwing in everything available including some premium interiors, distinguishing Platinum body accents, 22in wheels and a big wet kiss from the ghost of Henry Ford (unconfirmed).

If it weren’t for the new Tremor version, we’d be happy with the offerings of the Platinum. More horsepower is always welcome but the extra power on offer isn’t enough on its own to compel us to upgrade. It’s really the package of things that keep the Expedition from being a bare-bones hauler. With that said, the Tremor version is so impressive off-road that it’s hard to deny the allure, even if we’re likely never taking it across fjords or uncharted wilderness.

Alternatives? The Chevrolet Suburban is the most direct, big-body competitor, though it’s strictly road-going. Same for the Cadillac Escalade, even if that’s more of a Lincoln Navigator rival. Toyota’s Sequoia is quite substantial and has a TRD version to give it more terrain-tackling capabilities than usual.