Acceleration

XLT 2WD, V10	Limited 4WD, V10	Class Average
3	3	3.9

V10 and diesel engines get this heavy SUV to cruising speed fairly quickly. Highway passing response is adequate, too. We've not tested a V8 version.

Fuel Economy

XLT 2WD, V10	Limited 4WD, V10	Class Average
1	1	2.1

Test V10s averaged 9.6 mpg with 4WD, 10.8 with 2WD, among the lowest figures we've recorded. Gas engines use regular fuel. We haven't measured fuel economy with the gas V8 or turbodiesel.

Ride Quality

XLT 2WD, V10	Limited 4WD, V10	Class Average
3	3	4.8

A stable straight-line cruiser undisturbed by most broken pavement, though bigger bumps and ridges register fairly sharply.

Steering/Handling/Braking

XLT 2WD, V10	Limited 4WD, V10	Class Average
2	2	2.7

Ponderous on twisting roads. Steering itself is light, but turning diameter is huge, making it a chore to maneuver in parking lots. Brakes are easily modulated and feel strong, but drivers need to reacclimate to longer stopping distances.

Quietness

XLT 2WD, V10	Limited 4WD, V10	Class Average
3	3	5.2

Suppression of wind rush and road roar is quite good. Diesel idles noisily, but cruises without fuss, and the gas engines intrude only under full throttle.

Controls

XLT 2WD, V10	Limited 4WD, V10	Class Average
6	6	6.5

Gauges clear and handy, though audio and climate controls are a reach. Reverse-sensing system is helpful, especially since the deep-tinted windows reduce visibility at night. Interior decor ranges from pickup-truck functional on XLT to leather-plush on Ultimate; materials and workmanship are solid.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

XLT 2WD, V10	Limited 4WD, V10	Class Average
9	9	8.5

Accommodating seats, generous room, although wide transmission tunnel intrudes into front passenger's footwell. Power-adjustable pedals aid comfort and can help shorter drivers sit a safer distance from the steering-wheel airbag.

Room/Comfort (rear)

XLT 2WD, V10	Limited 4WD, V10	Class Average
9	9	8.3

Second-row passengers get the roomiest accommodations, highlighted by exceptional leg space. The 3rd-row seat is small, but not inhospitable to adults.

Cargo Room

XLT 2WD, V10	Limited 4WD, V10	Class Average
9	9	8.8

Huge, even with 3rd-row seat in place. That seat can be folded or removed, but it's heavy. The 2nd-row bench also folds. Cargo-bay access is by rear half-doors below a one-piece top-hinged tailgate window. These "Dutch" doors are less-cumbersome than a one-piece panel, but don't open or close unless the liftglass is open.

Value within Class

XLT 2WD, V10	Limited 4WD, V10	Class Average
3	3	6

Too cumbersome for a "suburban utility vehicle." But if you tow extremely heavy loads, need 4WD, and can tolerate abysmal fuel economy, the Excursion is actually an acceptable SUV value.

Total Score

XLT 2WD, V10	Limited 4WD, V10	Class Average
48	48	56.8

Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		48
Average Score		56
High Score		65