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Caraganza Review 2022 Ford Expedition: Change is good, except for Facebook

Like most people in my age group (meaning old) I don’t like change. Like, usually not even a little, teeny bit. I mean I get it; things change, people move on, prices rise, my pants don’t fit anymore.

Oddly though the same can’t be said, at least by me, when it comes to cars. I think back to some of the cars I’ve owned in the past, and I shudder to think what they looked like back in the day, or even just a few years ago, compared to today.

The first new car I bought was a 1984 Camaro. I bought it in 1984 from a new car lot in Miami. At the time I thought it was the best dang thing on wheels. Today’s Camaro looks nothing like that 1984, and that’s a good thing. I’m fine with it.

Facebook changed its algorithm recently and I thought I would lose my freaking mind.

So then, when I heard that the Ford Expedition had undergone a “refresh” in 2022, two years after I spent a week with one, I knew I’d be okay with it. The Ford Expedition you see had earned a spot as my favorite large SUV that wasn’t named “Jeep” back in 2020. The 2020 I had with its roomy interior, comfortable seating and power, beat out others like the Yukon.

When I heard the 2022 was coming to my driveway though, I had to admit I was a bit nervous. I mean what if Ford had done too many changes? Made it uglier, took away room, or some power?

For the uninitiated, usually when an auto manufacturer gives something a “midcycle refresh” it means they aren’t ready (or able) to shell out a lot of bucks to pay the highly educated designers to jump in start a new “generation.” I really don’t know that for a fact, sounds plausible though.

Bottom line: I wasn’t expecting much from a “refresh”. Turns out I was wrong.

On the trim side the 2022 Ford Expedition now has six (up from four) levels: XL, XLT, Timberline (new for 2022), Limited, King Ranch and Platinum (the King Ranch was added in 2020). Like 2020, you can still the extended-length Expedition Max on all but the base XL (gives you more cargo space). Also, like 2020 the lineup is powered by a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine. For most trims it makes 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft of torque, but the Platinum trim gets a slight bump to 400 hp and 480 lb.-ft. An even more powerful version makes 440 hp and 510 lb.-ft and is available in the Timberline trim and in the Stealth Performance package.

I had the Limited level with the Stealth Performance package. The middle child of the lineup adds to the already nice array of standard features (among other things) leather upholstery, second row captain’s chairs, a panoramic sunroof, a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, power-deployable running boards, adaptive cruise control with a navigation system and a surround-view camera system.

On the outside the Stealth package adds dark trim, red brake calipers, dual exhaust, a sport suspension, and 22-inch black wheels.

In the cabin, which is still roomy and comfortable, the biggest, and in my opinion nicest, change was smack dab in the middle of it all. Not only is the dash redesigned, but some genius at Ford decided to take the portrait-oriented 15.5-inch touchscreen from a Mach-E and put it right in the middle of this new dash. All this surrounded by upgraded materials that seem much more premium than before.

On the road the upgraded 3.5 with 440 horses seemed ready to go the distance and with 4 wheel drive I have little doubt the Expedition could jump off the pavement anytime.

The 2022 (L) compared to the 2020 (R)

I suspect that if I really wanted a big off road capable SUV, the Expedition Timberline, with its off road addons including a heavy-duty radiator, electronic limited slip diff, and off-road tuned shock absorbers might just give the fabled Jeep a run for its money. Then again, I might be getting ahead of myself.

At the end of it all, not only did Ford update the exterior, and interior of the Expedition, they made it all better than the 2020 I had. The front end looks great, more modern, and beefier, and the interior, especially with the new 15.5-inch touchscreen is like night and day from just a few years ago.

The “refreshed” Expedition is more than a mild change; but it’s a change I can get onboard with. Now as for Facebook and its algorithm, well don’t get me started.

The 2022 Ford Expedition Limited 4X4 (with Stealth Package)

MSRP: $67,345
MSRP (tester as optioned): $83,000
Engine (as tested): 3.5-liter V6 400 horses @5000 rpm, 510 lb.-ft torque @3250 rpm
Transmission: 10 speed shiftable automatic
Fuel Mileage (EPA): 22 highway, 17 city, 19 combined
Fuel Mileage (as tested, mixed conditions): 20mpg
Base curb weight 5623 lbs.

Exterior Dimensions (inches)
Wheelbase: 122.5
Length: 210
Width, without mirrors: 79.9
Height: 76.4
Front Track Width: 67.6
Rear Track Width: 67.2
Minimum Ground Clearance: 9.8
Liftover Height: 35.3

Interior Dimensions (inches)
Passenger / Seating Capacity: 7
Front Head Room: 42
Front Leg Room: 43.9
Front Shoulder Room: 64.9
Front Hip Room: 62.2
Second Row Head Room: 40
Second Row Leg Room: 41.5
Second Row Shoulder Room: 64.8
Second Row Hip Room: 62.6
Third Row Head Room: 37.3
Third Row Leg Room: 40.9
Third Row Shoulder Room: 64.2
Third Row Hip Room: 51.4
Cargo Space/Area Behind Front Row (cubic feet): 104.6
Cargo Space/Area Behind Second Row (cubic feet): 63.6
Cargo Space/Area Behind Third Row (cubic feet): 20.9
Maximum Towing Capacity (pounds): 5900

Warranty
3 Basic Years / 36,000 Basic Miles
5 Drivetrain Years / 60,000 Drivetrain Miles
5 Corrosion Years / Unlimited Corrosion Miles
5 Roadside Assistance Years / 60,000 Roadside Assistance Miles

 

 

 

Greg Engle
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