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.