“The featured projector style headlamps with LED fog lights made the front end of the Platinum Edition tester look like a piece of jewelry!”

The popular Ford Expedition gets a makeover this model year, bringing this 2015 version into a different class of elegance.

Looks:

A completely updated front end aligns itself with the Super-Duty and the new F150.

I like the look of the grille, large and in charge. The featured projector style headlamps with LED fog lights made the front end of the Platinum Edition tester look like a piece of jewelry!

A raised power dome hood and nice bodylines certainly give this Expedition some class. The power retractable running boards are standard on this edition but I find they react too slowly for me when the door is opened. No doubt for some the boards would be a great addition while others might think of them being in the way.

When you design a sport utility vehicle, it is always tough to give the back end some shape. As an engineer, you’re worried about aerodynamics but in this case the designers still managed to match the back’s elegance to that of the front.

In the Cab:

As you open the door, you are greeted by ambient lighting that can be customized with a selection of colors. The Platinum has leather seats, leather door trim and console accented by wood inlays. The dash is hand warped and stitched giving this cabin a very upscale look.

The front bucket seats are heated and cooled. The second row folds flat along with the third row, which drops at the touch of a button.

The command center controls everything from entertainment to climate. Speaking of entertainment, the sound system is a Sony premium audio system that features 12 speakers and 390 watts of power.

Safety First:

Front seat mounted side airbags, safety canopy system with three row-side curtain airbags and rollover sensor. Advance-Trac with roll stability, tire pressure monitoring system, and trailer sway control are just some of the standard features.

Roadworthy:

The Expedition delivers on space, comfort and functionality while driving like a smaller SUV. Very little, if any, body roll. Steering is magnificent and easy, while responsive to changing lanes and finding a tight parking space.

Verdict:

The upgrade this vehicle has received raises the quality, safety and comfort to a new level.

Power:

This vehicle comes standard with a twin turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine that puts out 365 horsepower and 420 lb ft of torque. The transmission is a six speed select shift. 4.10 gear ratio. Towing is made easy by the transmission tow/haul mode, which helps keep you from gaining too much speed when towing downhill. The engine maintains its power band while towing up a hill keeping the speed and momentum constant.

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Pump frequency:

16.2 / 11.8 L/100 km (city/highway)

Warranty support:

Basic 4 years / 80,000 km

Corrosion 5 years / unlimited distance

Powertrain 6 years/ 110,000 km

Safety restraint 5 years/ 100,000 km

Roadside Assistance 5 years/100,000 km

Sticker price:

XLT $49,299

Limited $63,399

Platinum $65,399

Contact: ian [dot] harwood [at] drivewaybc [dot] ca