2012 Ford Expedition

There are a total of four trims available for the 2012 Expedition. The base trim starts with a sticker price of $36,530 and for the price, the list of features is adequate. The expedition is no luxury SUV which can be seen in the lower trims of the SUV. The base XL trim is a five-seater while all other models provide seating for eight. The top-end King Ranch is fully loaded and luxurious and many of its standard features are available as options in the lower trims. The following table shows the detailed list of features and prices of each trim of the Expedition- 

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The XLT trim or the Limited trim is the choice to go for, as the base XL trim might cost less, but also lack the basic features and amenities which makes it pretty bare bone. The interior also feels relatively cheap when compared to that of the XLT or Limited trim. If you wish to ride in comfort and the interior of the Limited trim still does not satisfy your taste the top-level King Ranch trim should be your go-to choice, it offers the best cabin in the lineup.

The fuel economy of the V8 in the 2012 Expedition is not something one could be proud of. The engine might be potent in terms of power, but the fuel efficiency figures do not help in any way to applaud the powertrain. EPA estimates that the RWD Expedition would return 14 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway with a combined rating of 16 MPG. It comes with a 28-gallon fuel tank that offers a bit more range than a few other truck-based SUVs. Expedition offers a combined range of almost 500 miles.

The Nissan is the least fuel-efficient vehicle of the lot offering 14 MPG combined; its larger engine turned out to be a gas guzzler as expected. And the GM and Chevy cousins offer better fuel economy, but they suffer in terms of driving range due to a slightly smaller fuel tank. Ford offers better fuel economy figures than the Nissan and also has a bigger fuel tank than the GM and Chevrolet and that allows it to deliver a better range than the others in the class. 

The huge size of the 2012 Expedition is not just for the looks; it is actually quite a big SUV when you step in it. You get standard seating for eight except the XL trim, which comes standard seating for five. You can also opt for second-row captain's chairs which lowers the capacity to seven. Upfront you are welcomed to two bucket seats, which are standard on all the trim, and offer immense comfort and support. 

Ford has given attention to the cushioning of the seats which allow for better comfort. The rear seats can also accommodate regular-sized adults with ease and they will be as comfortable as the ones in the first row. With the third seats upright there is a bit of compromise that one has to do with the cargo space, but with foldable third-row seats, the cargo space increases significantly.

There is no lack of space inside the Expedition as it not only has a spacious first and second row but also has the biggest third-row seat on offer. Nissan has the biggest trunk and the GM cousins offer better second-row seating but compromise in cargo space and third-row seating. Nothing holds up with the Expedition in terms of exterior space as it is the absolute best. Overall the Standout interior features include-

• Leather-wrapped tilt-only steering wheel
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Leather upholstery
• 8-way power front seats
• Heating, cooling, and driver memory functions for front seats
• Heated second-row seats

How intuitive is the 2012 Ford Expedition’s infotainment unit?

A pretty basic six-speaker sound system paired with the traditional system from Ford is a standard offering in the 2012 Expedition. Alongside this, you get an auxiliary jack for audio input. In the higher trims, you get the SYNC voice control system with Bluetooth connectivity and navigation facilities. 

You can also add an optional rear entertainment system with two headrest-mounted screens. The infotainment system however has started to age and the system now shows the need for a major upgrade to match with the modern and updated systems that can be seen in a lot of other SUVs in the segment. Standout infotainment features include-

• Navigation system
• Bluetooth connectivity
• 6-speaker sound system
• SYNC voice-controlled system
• Satellite radio.

While it is based on the Ford F-150, the 2012 Expedition looks different. The mammoth-sized proportions would easily fulfill the desires of the people who are still intrigued by the dimensions of the SUV. Since a redesign in 2007, it has not changed much. Most of the design elements are shaped in square and rectangular fashion giving the car an overall boxy look. 

As standard, you get 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, fog lamps, a roof rack, running boards, and heated mirrors with integrated blind-spot mirrors. However, you can upgrade to 18-inch alloy wheels in the XLT trim and 20-inch polished alloy wheels with the Limited trim. At the top of the lineup King Ranch gets you special two-tone paint, 20-inch painted alloy wheels, and upgraded headlamps. You can also opt for load-leveling air suspension and a sunroof.

The 2012 Expedition is the heaviest SUV among the rivals, and while it is shorter than the Nissan it has used the space inside quite well which allows for a better third-row seat. The Nissan Armada has the highest ground clearance which allows for a better off-roading experience. Standout exterior features include-

• Special two-tone paint
• 20-inch painted alloy wheels
• Upgraded headlamps
• Load-levelling air suspension
• Sunroof

Such a huge mammoth-sized car is not only heavy but that extra metal and size also provide more safety to the occupants. The testing parameters for both the top safety institutions have changed for 2011, thus they left the Expedition out for the testing for this year. However, NHTSA gave the Expedition a safety score of five stars before the testing parameters changed. The standard list of safety features come with ABS, airbags stability, and traction control alongside these controls you also get a slew of advanced safety features which are either optional or are available as standard fittings in the Ford Expedition. Prominent safety features include-

• Ford trailer sway control
• Ford MyKey system
• Rear-view camera system 
• Parking sensors
• Blind-spot monitoring system

The big SUV segment is slowly seeing a decline in sales, people have started to opt for smaller and cleaner alternatives. Only a small part of the population is still interested in these big mammoth-sized SUVs. And if you are all about space and want to buy a big SUV for your big family then the Ford Expedition is a good choice. 

The big V8 engine offers acceptable performance with average fuel economy. Also, there are enough features to make the car look filled up and if you are willing to spend up to $50,000 then the Expedition will provide you a premium cabin, advanced features, and the capability to haul heavy loads with a significant number of passengers.