2023 Ford Expedition

While the Platinum trim definitely is expensive, it’s not a real necessity to have a premium leather package for everyone. Hence, we find the mid-tier Limited trim to pack the most value and carry the right balance between luxury and practicality. However, for those who intend to take the Expedition on tough trails and have an interest in off-roading, the Timberline trim is specially made to target such a crowd. 

The trim levels for the Ford Expedition MAX will be similar to that of the regular Expedition except that the base XL will not be available for the Expedition MAX. The line will start with the XLT model which will sell for $61,685 for the rear-wheel drive model and go all the way up to $86,005 for the 4WD Platinum trim. Ford chose to include the Ford Co-pilot 360 suite of safety assistance, a smartphone-friendly infotainment system, and LED headlights in the XLT level as much as they could for the price.

The list further extends with features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver seat, along with many other amenities. Unlike the regular Expedition, the MAX does not get the Timberland trim, which is completely off-road oriented. Those looking for a plush feel and superior quality in their Expedition MAX can pick the Platinum trim and Ford has also made 4WD optional on all trims, giving the buyers a choice depending on the kind of terrain they mostly would be driving on.

We Recommend

Though the Platinum trim might be tempting due to its enhanced cabin feel, we do not feel the necessity to shell out the high asking price and would rather stick to the Limited trim, which offers ample features and is priced reasonably for a vehicle of this size.

Release Date

The early fleet of manufacturing is anticipated to begin in November 2022. Depending on how the brand responds to the chip shortage scenario, this could be delayed until early 2023.

Things aren't all that great when it comes to the fuel economy of this SUV and EPA has rated the Expedition MAX with combined gas mileage of 18 mpg. Despite the vehicle carrying a smaller V6 engine, the fuel economy falls in the territory of gas-guzzling V8s. In the city, the Expedition MAX is expected to push out 16 mpg, and on the highway, the number goes up to 21 mpg. Though it comes with a massive 28.3-gallon tank, it shouldn’t take all that long for the Expedition MAX to display empty on the fuel gauge.

Though the Ford isn't all that efficient and can be complained about in terms of its fuel economy, it feels like the best option to pick wh compared to its rivals. The Expedition MAX is the only option that surpasses the 500-mile range in the city. The least fuel-efficient vehicle here is surprisingly the Jeep, despite it carrying a 6-cylinder engine. Both the V8 options carry identical EPA ratings and place themselves much higher than the Jeep. However, both the Chevy and GMC provide a higher combined range than the Expedition MAX, making them the better choice in mixed drive conditions.

Every passenger in the Ford Expedition MAX has adequate room to move around inside thanks to the efficient use of internal space. This SUV has one of the best third-row accessibility features, making it simple for adults to enter and exit the third row without having to be a contortionist. The Expedition's center console has a lot of buttons, which could be confusing for a novice operator. Although the design is not user-friendly, getting used to it won't take too long.

For the second row, a three-seat bench is standard, but if you like, you can specify a pair of captain's chairs. The inside cubby storage in the MAX is unmatched. Every model has a third row that can be powered down and folded up from the back seats or the cargo compartment. For a level floor that makes it simpler to carry cargo, the second and third rows can both fold entirely flat. The major difference between the regular SUV and the MAX variant comes in the form of additional cargo room as it offers a total of 121.4 cu-ft instead of 104.6 cu-ft.

All the SUVs are massive and there will be no complaints regarding the passenger space or cargo area. All these extended SUVs are specifically targeted at the crowd looking to take a whole camping unit along with them. All these SUVs provide a very similar cabin space and only differ in terms of the storage room they provide. Both GMC and Chevrolet take the lead in terms of the maximum cargo area while the Ford in comparison falls at the bottom of the table. This does not however mean the Expedition MAX lacks space in any way as it offers enough space to convert it into a makeshift motorhome.

Some standout interior features on the 2023 Ford Expedition MAX include

• 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat
• 8-way power adjustable front passenger seat
• Heated leather steering wheel
• Heated second-row seats
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Massaging and ventilated front seats
• Power folding second and third row seats

How intuitive is the 2023 Ford Expedition MAX infotainment system?

Users are greeted by a gigantic 12.0-inch display that is quite useful and sensitive to touch inputs up front. If that isn't big enough, though, there is the option to select a 15.5-inch touchscreen that stands tall in a portrait configuration, picked straight from the Ford Mustang Mach-E. The system has the perfect number of physical buttons and knobs, a seamless navigation system, and wireless phone connectivity to maintain user interaction as alive and engaging as possible without becoming overly difficult. The base variant's audio unit comes equipped with a 6-speaker arrangement, but when consumers upgrade, they are greeted by a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen system. With the King Ranch and Platinum trims, Ford has opted to go one step further and offer a 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen system that would delight any music enthusiast.

Some of the standout infotainment features on the 2023 Ford Expedition MAX are

• 15.5-inch infotainment screen
• 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster
• Surround view camera system
• 22-speaker audio system by Bang & Olufsen
• Sirius XM
• Sync 4 infotainment system

The design will not change, and the 2023 Ford Expedition MAX won't have any distinguishing visual features that would set it apart from the 2022 model. The exterior gives away the major difference between the standard variant and the MAX as the latter model measures 12.0-inches longer. It has a striking design that is both tough and fashionable. The headlamps are more angular and sleeker, and the grille is bolder, with a more aggressive take on the classic Ford Expedition design. The wheels have been modified to give the SUV a more contemporary look, and the tailgates have been redesigned to make it simpler to reach the back cargo compartment. Speaking of wheels, the XLT comes standard fit with 18-inch alloys while upgrading to the higher trims will unlock 20 and 22-inch sets.

All these SUVs are humongous and it's no easy task to maneuver them. The Expedition MAX in comparison is the smallest of them all while the Jeep comes with the largest proportions giving it a very commanding road presence. The ground clearance shouldn’t be an issue for any of these SUVs and the 9.7-inch space is ample to get the MAX across harsh terrains. Though the figure for the Jeep isn't available, the adaptive suspension lets the user increase the height to a maximum of 10-inches. Both the GM cousins sit 8-inches off the ground and carry the same wheelbase as they're based on the exact same platform.

Some of the standout exterior features include

• Power running boards
• Panoramic sunroof
• 22-inch alloy wheels
• Foot activated tailgate
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Automatic high beam headlights

The 2023 Ford Expedition MAX hasn't been mentioned on either NHTSA or IIHS. Since there were no significant changes made following the debut of the 2021 Ford Expedition lineup, the results may be expected to be the same, with NHTSA ratings of 5 stars. The Ford Co-pilot 360 is one of the best driver-assistance features that come with the Ford Blue Cruise hands-free driving system. Ford doesn't skimp on safety features as usual and promises great safety.

Some of the standout safety features available with the 2023 Ford Expedition MAX are

• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Roll stability control
• Hill start assist with hill descent control
• Full-speed adaptive cruise control
• Roll stability control
• Full-speed adaptive cruise control

2023 Ford Expedition MAX vs 2023 Chevrolet Suburban

The Ford Expedition outperforms the Chevrolet Suburban in all respects other than total cargo capacity. The Ford has a significant advantage in terms of build quality and driving dynamics since the 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 offers rapid acceleration while maintaining a far more refined driving experience than the naturally aspirated V8 found in the Chevrolet. Our pick is definitely the Ford and is worth the additional cost that the Expedition MAX demands over the Chevy.

2023 Ford Expedition MAX vs 2023 GMC Yukon XL

The GMC Yukon XL is the corporate cousin of the Chevrolet Suburban, which led to both automakers using the same platform to the point that, in most situations, the numbers and measurements are nearly identical. Compared to Ford, the Yukon XL has better brakes, but altogether, the Expedition MAX is the superior SUV. The GMC gets significantly worse gas efficiency, requiring refueling much more frequently than the Ford Expedition.

2023 Ford Expedition MAX vs 2023 Jeep Wagoneer L

The Wagoneer L being the newest kid in the block packs in a lot of features and tech under its sleeve. Both Ford and Jeep chose to use a 6-cylinder engine but unlike the Ford, the Jeep takes a massive dip in terms of gas mileage. The Jeep sure does feel plush and does offer more space than the Expedition MAX for cargo, but the enormous size of the Wagoneer L makes it unpleasant in terms of the drive. The Jeep also costs slightly more in comparison, making the Ford a clear winner amongst the two.

The 2023 Ford Expedition MAX is a carryover from the previous year, it is still a powerful competitor with enough power to outperform its rivals. Ford has paid close attention to detail when it comes to the cabin structure, and even the base trim manages to carry a well-laid-out quality sense that strengthens in the higher trims. This attention to detail is not just found in its performance. Ford also considered fuel efficiency, and they were able to do so while still making the Expedition MAX the quickest among the competition. The infotainment system is the only place where the Ford isn't very user-friendly because it takes some getting used to, especially for someone who isn't at all familiar with the Ford Sync system. Additionally, as compared to its competitors, the steering feels a little heavier. The perfect choice, however, if you're searching for a potent people transporter with a quality interior and comparably higher fuel efficiency, is the 2023 Ford Expedition MAX because it's a value-packed SUV and the best alternative available on the market.