Buying a 2021 Ford Expedition is cheaper than ever before thanks to a new XL STX base-spec variant, priced from US$ 49,995 (w/o destination charge). While it offers savings of US$ 2,815 compared to the XLT model, it is missing quite a few amenities.
The most noticeable absence is that of the
third-row, which is standard on all other Expedition models. You also don’t get
the Ford Co-Pilot360 driver assist bundle as standard, nor do you have rear
parking sensors or satellite radio.
The Expedition XL STX is also not
available in extended-length Max form. You do however benefit from Magnetic
metallic 18-inch alloys, a gloss-black five-bar grille, gloss black mirror
caps, body-color lower body cladding and a body-colored fascia.
What’s interesting is that when you add
the US$ 1,695 destination charge for a total of US$ 51,690, that puts the Expedition
XL STX in the same ballpark as the Chevrolet Tahoe (US$ 50,295 with destination
charge). However, the latter does include third-row seats, even in base-spec.
Powering the entry-level Expedition is the
same 375 HP 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 unit you get with the rest of the range. It
also comes with a 10-speed automatic gearbox, while rear-wheel drive is
standard (AWD is available for US$ 3,050).
The Expedition is Ford’s only full-size
SUV and it’s underpinned by the T3 platform – a modified version of the F-150’s
half-ton architecture. Similar offerings, other than the Tahoe, include the
likes of the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, Chevy Suburban, Nissan Armada, Cadillac
Escalade, Infiniti QX80, Lincoln Navigator, Mercedes GLS and BMW X7. Some of
these models of course wear premium badges and are considerably more expensive
to purchase.
