Acceleration

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

V10 gets this heavy SUV to cruising speed fairly quickly. Highway passing response is adequate. No V8 or turbodiesel version made available for test.

Fuel Economy

2WD XLT V10	4WD Limited 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-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

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

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

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD XLT V10	4WD Limited V10	Class Average
2	2	3.2

Ponderous on twisting roads. Steering 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

2WD XLT V10	4WD Limited V10	Class Average
3	3	5.3

Suppression of wind rush and road roar is quite good. Engine intrudes only under full throttle.

Controls

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

Organized layout, though driver must stretch for audio and climate controls. View of road is big-rig tall, but small objects hide along flanks. Rear-obstacle-detection system helpful, especially since the deep-tint windows reduce night visibility. Interior decor ranges from pickup-truck functional on XLS to leather-plush on Limited; solid assembly.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD XLT V10	4WD Limited V10	Class Average
9	9	8.7

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

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD XLT V10	4WD Limited V10	Class Average
9	9	7.8

Second-row passengers get the roomiest accommodations, highlighted by exceptional leg space. Third-row hospitable to adults if not sofa comfortable.

Cargo Room

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

Huge, even with 3rd-row seat in place. That seat folds or removes, but it's heavy. The 2nd-row bench also folds. Cargo-bay access is by a top-hinged window above rear half-doors. 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

2WD XLT V10	4WD Limited V10	Class Average
3	3	6.7

Excursion is too cumbersome to act as a "suburban utility vehicle." But if you tow heavy loads and can tolerate abysmal fuel economy, this huge wagon is an acceptable SUV value.

Total Score

2WD XLT V10	4WD Limited V10	Class Average
48	48	58.6

Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		48
Average Score		58
High Score		64