2009 Ford Expedition: Road Test
2009 Ford Expedition ▼
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- MSRP: $34,150 - $49,805
- Invoice: $31,436 - $45,026
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Our road test for the 2009 Ford Expedition includes a full evaluation of the 2009 Ford Expedition from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2009 Ford Expedition, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2009 Ford Expedition help you decide if a 2009 Ford Expedition is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Eddie Bauer EL | 4WD Limited EL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Expedition and Navigator have sufficient power for any situation. The alert 6-speed automatic transmission is always in the right gear. A test Expedition EL coped well with a 5000-lb trailer over hilly terrain.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Eddie Bauer EL | 4WD Limited EL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.7 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a 4WD Expedition EL averaged 13.4 mpg. Expedition and Navigator use regular-grade gas, and both can run on E85 ethanol-blended fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Eddie Bauer EL | 4WD Limited EL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.6 |
Both regular- and extended-length versions are smooth and compliant over major road imperfections. Extended models are slightly better settled over broken surfaces.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Eddie Bauer EL | 4WD Limited EL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Expedition and Navigator display impressive agility for large SUVs. Nicely weighted steering has a natural feel. There's relatively little lean in corners for such large trucks. Except in close-quarters maneuvering, extended-length versions give up little to the shorter regular-length models.
QUIETNESS
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Eddie Bauer EL | 4WD Limited EL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.6 |
Both Expedition and Navigator suffer a surprising degree of wind rush from the outside mirrors, but are otherwise impressively hushed. Road noise over most surfaces is minimal. The engine is vocal only in rapid acceleration.
CONTROLS
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Eddie Bauer EL | 4WD Limited EL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.6 |
Expedition has large, easy-to-read gauges. Navigator's retro design dictates smaller, fussier shapes. The dashboard design is otherwise similar, with most controls logically placed, though the switchgear lacks a precision feel. All models tested had a navigation system. It absorbs most audio functions, awkwardly combining pushbutton and touch screen operation, and its screen washes out in even moderate sunlight.
DETAILS
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Eddie Bauer EL | 4WD Limited EL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
A plethora of hard-plastic panels cheapens Expedition's interior ambiance, even with the available leather upholstery. Luxuriously soft leather and real wood trim dresses up Navigator, but it is also let down by too much painted plastic and some unpadded surfaces--especially given its premium-class aspirations.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Eddie Bauer EL | 4WD Limited EL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
Generous room on supportive seats. Driver positioning is aided by power-adjustable pedals that are standard on Navigator and available on Expedition. A power-tilt steering wheel is standard on Navigator. In both SUVs, high step-in will likely be an obstacle for smaller occupants, though available power running boards compensate some. Visibility is hampered by thick roof pillars and large headrests, particularly over the left shoulder. A rearview monitor is available and is helpful when backing up.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Eddie Bauer EL | 4WD Limited EL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.8 |
The bucket 2nd-row seats on both Expedition and Navigator are too low to the floor and a bit narrow for optimal comfort. High step-in complicates entry and exit for smaller passengers. The buckets fold forward for impressive 3rd-row access. In both, 3rd-row accommodations are among the best of any SUV, with adult-sized headroom and legroom on a chair-height bench, though three-adult seating is best reserved for short trips.
CARGO ROOM
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Eddie Bauer EL | 4WD Limited EL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 10 | 10 | 9.7 |
Second- and 3rd-row seatbacks fold flat into the floor, creating a vast storage area. Available power-folding 3rd row is a convenience that saves awkward stretching. Note that the automatic liftgate lacks a tailgate button for power close. A large glovebox, roomy center console, and large door pockets provide abundant small-item storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Eddie Bauer EL | 4WD Limited EL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Expedition is an excellent vehicle for those who genuinely need the power and space of a large truck-type SUV. Interior materials trail those of some competitors, but for useful power, cargo space, passenger room, and surprisingly adept handling, this Ford is a Best Buy pick. Lincoln's Navigator dresses Expedition in flashier duds and elevates cabin ambiance with some real wood and nicer leather. The Lincoln offers nothing else of substance over its Ford sibling, and Navigator costs more.
Total Score
| 4WD Limited | 4WD Eddie Bauer EL | 4WD Limited EL | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | 71 | 71 | 72.7 |
Total Score: 71
Scores for all Large Sport-utility Vehicles
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