Acceleration

4WD XLT	4WD Eddie Bauer	Class Average
5	5	4.8

Revised 5.4 V8 delivers good pickup with markedly better midrange performance than its predecessor. Maximum towing capacity is 8900 lb.

Fuel Economy

4WD XLT	4WD Eddie Bauer	Class Average
2	2	2.1

Test 4WD with previous-generation 5.4 averaged 13.2 mpg in even city/highway mix. Expect about the same with the new engine.

Ride Quality

4WD XLT	4WD Eddie Bauer	Class Average
5	5	5.2

Long wheelbase, substantial weight, and independent rear suspension combine for surprisingly stable ride that irons out most surface imperfections. Minimal fore-aft, side-to-side rocking. Little jiggle on washboard ripples.

Steering/Handling/Braking

4WD XLT	4WD Eddie Bauer	Class Average
4	4	3.2

Linear steering feel and unperturbed straightline tracking. Relatively compact turning circle gives reasonable in-town maneuverability. Only moderate top-heavy lean in low-speed corners, but nose plows through faster turns. AdvanceTrac antiskid system and Roll Stability Control laudable features designed to help prevent sideways skids and rollovers. Praiseworthy stopping power and pedal modulation; no undue nosedive.

Quietness

4WD XLT	4WD Eddie Bauer	Class Average
6	6	5.3

Fine suppression of wind, road noise. Engine throaty in full acceleration, but well-muffled otherwise. Even 3rd-row travel quieter than in typical minivan.

Controls

4WD XLT	4WD Eddie Bauer	Class Average
6	6	6

Unobstructed gauges, no-mystery main controls. But transmission lever hides 4WD switch, and turn-signal stalk obscures power-pedals button. Navigation system unavailable for test. Interior uses appropriate-grade materials and shows solid assembly.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

4WD XLT	4WD Eddie Bauer	Class Average
9	9	8.7

Generous room. Some drivers found cloth bucket seats too soft, seat bottoms too long for best comfort. Eddie Bauer's captain chairs add welcome armrests. Visibility obscured by thick roof pillars, large headrests, particularly over left shoulder. Huge mirrors help, but small objects can hide along tall flanks. Rear obstacle detection a smart option. Approach lights on outside mirrors provide helpful illumination.

Room/Comfort (rear)

4WD XLT	4WD Eddie Bauer	Class Average
8	7	7.8

Second-row bench holds three adults, but all three positions somewhat narrowly defined by seatbelt buckles. No center armrest, but middle section slides forward 11 inches for child-seat access. Test Eddie Bauer had 2nd-row buckets; they're hard, low to floor, and don't slide fore or aft. Broad passage between 2nd-row buckets to access 3rd row, but flipping 2nd-row seats forward requires considerable effort. Best-in-class 3rd-row room on chair-height bench, though cushion could be longer and softer. Easier entry/exit than in most rivals, though available running boards afford minimal foothold stepping out.

Cargo Room

4WD XLT	4WD Eddie Bauer	Class Average
9	9	8.8

Some soft luggage can be stacked behind 3rd-row seat, and cargo room goes from impressive to voluminous as 2nd and 3rd rows fold. Again, best-in-class convenience with 3rd-row seat that folds into floor and has available power-folding feature. The 60/40 seatback sections power up and down in seconds and stop automatically if obstructed, though controls are inaccessible from front seats. Cupholders abound, including door cutouts for 20-ounce bottles.

Value within Class

4WD XLT	4WD Eddie Bauer	Class Average
9	8	6.7

Expedition is a Best Buy because it does everything a large SUV should, and does some important things better than most. It's not as opulent as its upscale Navigator cousin, but matches the Lincoln's array of safety and convenience features at lower prices.

Total Score

4WD XLT	4WD Eddie Bauer	Class Average
63	61	58.6

Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score		48
Average Score		58
High Score		64