2020 Ford Expedition Max Platinum Review

This week we are taking a look at the 2020 Ford Expedition Max, the extended 3-row version, intended to compete with the Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon XL.

This is the 4th generation Expedition since it came out in 1997. This particular model is the Platinum edition, the top-of-the-line that slots just above the King Ranch version.

My review vehicle is the four-wheel drive, but you can get it in a shorter version, you can get it in a two-wheel version, and from the Platinum, you can go down to the King Ranch, you can further step down to the Limited or on further to the XLT.

This is a great looking SUV overall. The clean lines and high beltline make it look long and lean with just the right amount of chrome and terrific 22” wheels.

Powertrain

Under the hood you’ll find a 3.5-liter Ecoboost V6. Before you question a V6 in an SUV this size, realize it has 400-horses, 480- pound feet of torque, and it will tow 9000 pounds. You get a 10-speed automatic that shifts silky smooth and pops into the right gear no matter the circumstances.

Interior

Inside, the Expedition is inviting and you get an immediate sense of how roomy this SUV is, even in the 3rd row. The seats are comfortable, the dash is well laid out with a driver info center that you can configure from the controls on the steering wheel.

There is a large center console, a round transmission knob, and there is a wireless phone charger built into the console.

Above that is the Sync 3 8” touchscreen that works quickly and is simple. From that screen you choose your audio, change the climate system, operate the navigation system, apps for Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and get real-time traffic and weather. Everything can be voice activated and a really handy feature is you can direct tune the radio station you want, which is awesome for Sirius XM channels.

Utility

Entry to the 3rd row is easy with a touch of a button that will electrically slide the second row easily, even if there is a child seat strapped in. The opening to enter the third row is sizeable. With all the seats behind the driver folded down, you have 121-cubic feet of cargo area. Buttons at the rear of the vehicle let you lower the second and third row seats. The power 3rd row seat folds up and down very quickly.

Standard Features

Notable standard features include: hands-free power lift gate, power deployable running boards, 2nd row heated seats, heated and cooled front seats, the special Platinum leather interior, power adjustable gas and brake pedal, powerfold 3rd row seat, power panoramic moonroof, and power tilt wheel. It has the trailer tow package with Ford’s slick trailer backup system.

Also included with the Platinum is blind spot monitoring that includes the length of your trailer, push button start, keyless remote entry with remote start, reverse sensing, rear camera, and a neat keypad on the driver’s door to unlock the doors.

In addition, my tester has a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 12 speakers, Wi-Fi hotspot, 10-way power seats, USB ports in the front and back, and a heated steering wheel.

Options

This Expedition has only three options, the $1570 heavy duty trailer towing package, the Burgundy Velvet paint is $395, and second row captain chairs are $595. Everything else you see comes standard.

Ride and Drive

Although large, the Expedition is not cumbersome to drive due to a very tight turning radius. The independent rear suspension system gives you a great ride, and the Expedition gives you a terrific view of the road ahead. All in all, it is a real joy to drive.

Fuel economy is 16 in town, 21 highway, and 18 combined.

What You’ll Pay

As you see this one, the MSRP is $84,065, which is right in line with other large SUVs on the market, and even less money than some.

Credit: Ford