Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins

So you decided on an XXX-sized family SUV for the household’s comprehensive needs and activities. The main choices were the GMC Yukon Denali, Chevy Tahoe and Yukon, and the 2020 Ford Expedition Limited, which I just recently tested. The Yukon Denali is the best looking out of the bunch, but you were interested in the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine that packs quite a punch for a vehicle of this proportion. The mpg at 22 highway and 17 city were not bad at all, you thought, considering the weight and room for eight!

The 2020 Expedition is clean and not as clumsy in style as years prior. All of my guests were impressed with its commanding presence and confident demeanor. Everything about the SUV is big and bold down to the size of the cupholders. The cabin is comfortable and relaxing as my girls were lamping in the back like they were on vacation. The middle row seats split in three ways, so as the two outer positions replicate captain chairs. Fold both rows flat, and you will have enough storage to bring home a patio deck full of boxed furniture and supplies. Just in time for summer grilling was the plan. The 3rd row folds electronically, similar to the Lincoln SUVs. Ford officially dubs them Second-row 40/20/40 Power Folding Tip and Slide seats and PowerFold and Power Recline 60/40 third-row seat.

Running boards and grab handle on each front door helps you up into the vehicle, and a rotary shifter with various drive modes gets you going. My SUV featured Intelligent 4WD for roughing it through harsh weather or terrain, while the EcoBoost is paired to a smooth 10-speed SelectShift Automatic Transmission. I was impressed at its acceleration, even when the vehicle was weighted down. It’s hard to believe there is a V6 with 375-horsepower and 470 lb.-ft of torque under the lid. The steering adjustments are powered as well. The multimedia system comes in the form of SYNC 3 (not my favorite) with Enhanced Voice Recognition Communications, a wireless charging pad to keep the kids updated with juice, and an enjoyable 12-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen. My ride was also upgraded with the 360-Degree Camera with Split View. The Expedition’s leather seats were snug, but the black interior cabin was rather bland and uninspiring. Yet, you are going for convenience here like the Panoramic Vista Roof. Ford offers a choice of a King Ranch MAX if you want to drive in the high life.

My 2020 Ford Expedition Limited in Iconic Silver Metallic was blessed with the $2,035 FX4 Off-Road Package, so it felt assured when I loaded up the mountain bike to hit the trails. FX4 comes with the previously mentioned cameras for viewing your surroundings; 18” Magnetic-painted aluminum rims with massive Michelin Primacy A/T 275/65/R18 tires;  a 3.73 electronic limited-slip differentia; skid plates; the chrome-plated running boards; and a few more add-ons. For the price, this is a very generous offering!

MSRP for this model is $66,470 and totaled $72,455. The Expedition is perfect for adventurous families who love exploring with one another along with their nomadic gear. Camping anyone?