Two wheelbases are available: the 119-inch Expedition and the 131-inch Expedition EL, which has 24 cubic feet of additional cargo space. Both versions can be ordered with either rear or four-wheel drive in XLT, Eddie Bauer, or Limited trim. All Expeditions, regardless of trim or wheelbase, continue to be equipped with a 300-horsepower5.4L V8 engine, though a six-speed automatic transmission is now standard instead of a four-speed. The two additional gears help this large and extra-large SUV accelerate with more vigor, and also improve fuel economy.
Standard equipment on the XLT includes power mirrors, fog lamps, aluminum wheels, anti-lock brakes, roll stability control, speed-sensitive windshield wipers, autolamp feature, a power driver's seat, power windows and locks, a CD player, air bags all around, and air conditioning.
The Eddie Bauer adds on/off road tires, a number of exterior cues, heated mirrors, and a keyless entry keypad. Inside, leather seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a six-disc CD changer, a power folding third row of seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an electrochromic rearview mirror are added. The top-of-the-line Limited trim adds chrome accents, heated and cooled front seats, and larger wheels, among other items.
Ford allows those who desire to go all out. Load leveling air suspension, satellite radio, power pedals with memory, a reverse sensing system, a moonroof, a navigation system, a rear seat entertainment system, and a 9,200-pound tow package are all optional.
In many SUVs the third row of seats is suitable only for small children, but the Expedition's optional third row provides room for passengers taller than six feet. Standard bench seats or optional captain's chairs in the second row (and vice versa for the front) mean any Expedition can be configured to seat anywhere from five to eight people.