2015 Ford Expedition Platinum

While there are many crossover SUVs available today with impressive mileage, roomy interiors and respectable cargo space, some families need something even bigger. That's where full-size, traditional SUVs like the 2015 Ford Expedition come in, providing three rows of seating, heavy-duty towing capacity and enough space for even the largest brood.
The 2015 Expedition looks a little more modern this year, thanks to new front and rear styling, but the biggest change is under the hood. In a move toward better fuel economy, Ford has dropped the V8 engine. It's not even an option. Instead, every 2015 Expedition gets a turbocharged V6 that provides 365 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, which is even better than the previous V8. Ford has also updated the Expedition's suspension. It's now available with adjustable damping that has three selectable drive modes: Comfort, Normal and Sport. In such a large vehicle that was already pretty comfortable, this is an added benefit that makes traveling in the Expedition that much more appealing.
When it comes to carrying a large group of people and/or towing a boat or trailer, the 2015 Expedition is still one of the few vehicles that can handle almost anything you throw at it. It can tow up to 9,200 pounds when properly equipped and offers seating for up to eight people. The 2015 Expedition's interior has a fresher and more modern look, which incorporates the latest MyFord Touch infotainment interface. For cargo of all kinds, it's one of the roomiest vehicles on the road, too, with more than 130 cubic feet of cargo space available in the Expedition EL version when you fold down the second and third rows of seats.
It's not surprising, then, that a major drawback to owning an Expedition is its sheer size. To assuage parking issues, there are rear parking sensors and a rearview camera equipped as standard, but somehow the Expedition still feels hard to handle and even bigger than it is. Not everyone will need the Expedition's hulking size, though, so we recommend looking at some smaller competitors if you aren't constantly hauling seven other people and their gear.
We also recommend looking at the redesigned 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe and 2015 Chevrolet Suburban (and their GMC Yukon twins), which will seat up to nine passengers and still provide a V8 powertrain. The Toyota Sequoia should also be considered, as it will also seat eight passengers, while feeling a bit lighter on its feet. The bottom line is, if you're interested in one of these traditional SUVs, it's because you need the capability they provide, and the 2015 Ford Expedition is clearly a top contender.

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Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2015 Ford Expedition is a full-size, traditional body-on-frame SUV available in two body styles: the regular Expedition and the extended-wheelbase Expedition EL, which is 15 inches longer overall. Both are offered in four trim levels: XLT, Limited, King Ranch and the new Platinum trim (XL models are sold only to fleet customers). Every Expedition comes standard with seating for eight passengers, and optional second-row captain's chairs reduce that capacity to seven.
The XLT comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, running boards, a roof rack, rear parking sensors, heated mirrors, power rear quarter windows and keyless entry (both remote and door-mounted keypad). Inside you'll find cruise control, a 4.2-inch center display, a rearview camera, air-conditioning, a six-way power driver seat (manual recline), power-adjustable pedals, a sliding and reclining 40/20/40-split second-row seat, a fold-flat third-row seat, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, Ford's voice-operated Sync system, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity and a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, satellite radio, an iPod/USB audio interface, an auxiliary audio jack and rear audio controls.
The XLT 201A package adds a power liftgate, heated rearview mirrors, leather upholstery (for the first- and second-row seats; the third row has vinyl), an eight-way power driver seat (with power lumbar), a six-way front passenger seat and a power-folding third-row seat. The 202A package gets those items plus a heavy-duty trailer tow package, remote ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 110-volt household-style power outlet, heated and ventilated front seats, driver memory settings, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an eight-way power passenger seat (with power lumbar), the MyFord Touch interface with an 8-inch touchscreen and an upgraded 12-speaker Sony audio system with satellite radio.
The Limited trim includes all of the above items along with 20-inch wheels, front parking sensors, power-folding mirrors (with a driver-side auto-dimming mirror), automatic wipers and heated second-row seats. The 301A Package adds a sunroof, retractable running boards and a navigation system with HD radio.
The Western-chic King Ranch Edition is equipped similarly to the Limited, but has special two-tone paint, special exterior styling details, a blind-spot monitoring system, premium leather upholstery and wood grain interior trim. The Platinum is similarly equipped to the King Ranch, but it loses the Western theme and gets the sunroof as standard.
Other stand-alone options for the Expedition, depending on the trim level, include a load-leveling rear suspension, 22-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, second-row captain's chairs and a dual-screen rear seat video entertainment system.

Powertrains and Performance

Powering the 2015 Ford Expedition and Expedition EL is a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 making 365 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability, rear-wheel drive is standard, but buyers can opt for four-wheel drive with low-range gearing. Properly equipped, the Expedition has a maximum tow rating of 9,200 pounds.
The EPA estimates a standard 2WD Expedition will earn 18 mpg combined (16 city/22 highway), with the extended-wheelbase EL model coming in at 17 mpg combined (15/21). Opting for a 4WD Expedition drops those estimates only slightly. On a highway-biased evaluation loop of our own, we exactly matched the EPA's 17 mpg combined estimate in a 2015 Expedition with 4WD.
At the Edmunds test track, that same Expedition Platinum 4x4 proved to be one of the quickest trucks in its class, as it made the dash to 60 mph in just 6.5 seconds, easily trouncing competitive full-size SUVs equipped with traditional V8 engines.

Safety

The Ford Expedition comes standard with antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control, trailer sway control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. At the Edmunds test facility, a 2015 Expedition 4x4 came to a controlled stop from 60 mph in 126 feet, an average distance for its class.
Ford's programmable MyKey system, which allows parents to specify maximum speed limits and stereo volumes for secondary drivers, is also standard. Rear parking sensors and a rearview camera are also standard across the board, and the Limited and King Ranch also have front sensors. A blind-spot monitoring system is standard on the King Ranch and Platinum trim levels and optional for the others.

Interior Design and Special Features

Inside the 2015 Ford Expedition, you'll find plenty of room and a conservative but attractive look. Limited, King Ranch and the new Platinum models are especially classy, but there are a few low-quality surfaces that don't fit the upscale cabin theme. This year's Expedition finally gets the MyFord Touch interface as an option. Backed by many redundant voice commands, it can be a powerful tool for configuring and controlling the vehicle and your smartphone. Even though the system works significantly better than when it debuted, there can be a steep learning curve for getting accustomed to even basic functions.
With a cabin this size, everyone -- even third-row occupants -- has a good amount of room to stretch out. The standard 40/20/40-split second-row seat both slides and reclines for greater comfort, and includes a center section that can be scooted forward to put small kids within reach of mom or dad. The available second-row captain's chairs are a small luxury, even though they drop seating capacity to seven passengers. The third-row seat also folds flat into the floor when you need more cargo room, useful for any family going on a luggage-heavy vacation.
Speaking of cargo room, there's no shortage of it here. The standard Expedition offers 18.6 cubic feet behind the third row, while the Expedition EL sports 42.6 cubic feet. Fold down both rows of rear seats and you get a flat load floor with 108.3 cubic feet in the regular-size Expedition and 130.8 cubic feet in the Ford Expedition EL. For comparison, that's about 10 cubic feet more than the Sequoia and Suburban.

Driving Impressions

Although the 2015 Ford Expedition is a sizable beast, its four-wheel independent suspension gives it exceptionally smooth ride qualities for a traditional full-size SUV. This cannot be said of similarly sized SUVs with so-called live-axle rear suspensions. Opting for the Expedition's three-way adaptive dampers makes its excellent manners even better. Precise and responsive steering also contributes to its easy-to-drive nature, but its considerable dimensions are a notable limitation when trying to negotiate tight spaces.
In relation to the V8 it replaced, the new turbocharged V6 engine's increase in horsepower is less noticeable than the thoroughly enhanced torque character. The turbocharger lights quickly, and the immediate shove it produces will convert even the most stubborn critic bemoaning the loss of the V8.
If a vehicle with such sizable proportions is what you need to ferry your large brood about or comfortably tow anything sizable, the 2015 Expedition should be a top consideration.

2014 Ford F-150 Lariat

When you're shopping for a full-size pickup truck, you quickly realize how evenly matched the players are: Cab styles, engines and towing capacities are all pretty similar across the board. Yet the sheer variety within the Ford F-150 lineup has always set this truck apart from its rivals. You can choose a stripped-down work truck, lather on the luxury with plush versions like the King Ranch, or equip your 2014 F-150 as a serious off-roader via the specialized SVT Raptor model. Whatever your tastes, you're almost certain to find a 2014 Ford F-150 that meets your needs.
The customization starts in the engine bay of the Ford F-150, which has four available power plants, ranging from a base V6 to a 6.2-liter V8. All are worthwhile choices, but the most compelling option is the midrange EcoBoost 3.5-liter V6 engine: It makes as much torque as most V8 engines and provides equivalent towing capacity. And if you drive your truck every day, you'll be happy to know this is also the most fuel-efficient of the available F-150 engines.
Inside, the 2014 F-150 offers plenty of room, particularly in the popular SuperCrew body style, and you can equip it with all manner of modern conveniences, including a rearview camera, dual USB ports, an integrated trailer-brake controller and a voice-activated navigation system (although, for many drivers, the complexity of the MyFord Touch interface takes away some of the convenience). In other respects, though, the Ford is starting to show its age. Interior materials quality is only so-so, and extended-cab models (SuperCabs, that is) still have cumbersome, reverse-hinged rear doors, whereas most other trucks have adopted front-hinged doors.
As minor as these issues might seem, it's worth your while to check out the F-150's competition. The 2014 Ram 1500 is a favorite of ours, given its top-grade interior and ultra-refined ride quality, and this year it's available with a class-first turbocharged diesel V6 engine. Meanwhile, the recently revamped 2014 Chevrolet Silverado (and its GMC Sierra 1500 twin) has an impressive new interior of its own and one of the best V8 engines in the full-size truck class. If towing or hauling is your main priority, the Toyota Tundra is plenty capable as well, though it doesn't come in nearly as many configurations as the others.
Overall, we think rival pickups now surpass the 2014 Ford F-150 in certain areas. But the venerable F-150 remains a fine all-around choice for consumers seeking a well-equipped truck that returns respectable fuel mileage.

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Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2014 Ford F-150 is a full-size pickup truck available in regular cab, extended cab (SuperCab) and crew cab (SuperCrew) body styles. Regular and SuperCabs are offered with either a 6.5-foot or 8-foot cargo bed, while SuperCrews can be had with 6.5- or 5.5-foot beds. The SVT Raptor model (SuperCab or SuperCrew) is available only with the 5.5-foot bed.
Within these body styles, there are nine trim levels to specify: base XL, sporty STX, well-equipped XLT, rugged FX2 and FX4 models, luxurious Lariat, western-inspired King Ranch, extreme off-road Raptor, and the opulent Platinum and Limited variants.
Intended more as a commercial work truck, the modestly appointed XL comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels, air-conditioning, a tilt-only steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, a 40/20/40 front seat and an AM/FM radio. SuperCrew XL models gain keyless entry, power side mirrors, an overhead console and power front windows.
The STX includes all of the above, along with alloy wheels, additional body-colored exterior trim, power-adjustable windows, rear power windows for the SuperCab, cruise control, cloth upholstery, a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack.
More creature comforts come with the XLT in the form of automatic headlights, foglights, rear privacy glass, chrome exterior trim, a keyless entry keypad, the Sync voice control interface and Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity. The FX trims add 18-inch alloy wheels, a trailer tow package, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather-wrapped and telescoping steering wheel with additional controls, front bucket seats, a six-way power-adjustable driver seat, a household power outlet, an upgraded 4.2-inch display for climate/audio functions and satellite radio. Four-wheel-drive FX models also gain hill descent control, skid plates and an electronic locking rear differential.
The Lariat trim drops the FX's off-road equipment but adds dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, 10-way power-adjustable heated front seats, driver-seat memory functions, the MyFord Touch electronics interface (with an 8-inch touchscreen), dual USB ports, power-adjustable pedals and a power-sliding rear window.
To that, the King Ranch adds chrome exterior trim, unique badging inside and out, running boards, power-folding and heated auto-dimming mirrors, rear parking sensors, an integrated trailer brake controller, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a power-adjustable steering wheel, a rearview camera, remote ignition, wood interior trim and a premium Sony sound system.
The Platinum trim adds further enticement with 20-inch wheels, xenon headlights, power-deployable running boards, automatic wipers, a wood- and leather-trimmed steering wheel, a sunroof and a navigation system. To that, the Limited adds 22-inch wheels, a monochromatic paint job and an upgraded leather interior.
Finally, the Raptor dispenses with many of the above luxury amenities but goes full off-road with 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires, unique exterior treatments, fixed aluminum running boards, front/rear tow hooks, a shift-on-the-fly transfer case, high-performance suspension components, an auxiliary equipment switch panel and unique interior trim and upholstery.
Many of the upper-trim features are available on supporting models as options. Other add-ons include Ford's Work Solutions system, payload and towing packages, a cargo management system and a stowable bed extender.

Powertrains and Performance

Buyers can choose among four different engines depending on the model selected, but every engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard across the board, with four-wheel drive available as an option, except for the Raptor, which is 4WD only.
The standard 3.7-liter V6 engine produces 302 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. In Edmunds performance testing, this engine propelled the two-wheel-drive F-150 from zero to 60 mph in a decent 8.2 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at 19 mpg combined (17 mpg city/23 mpg highway) with rear-wheel drive and 18 mpg combined (16 mpg city/21 mpg highway) with four-wheel drive.
Upgrading to the 5.0-liter V8 increases output to 360 hp and 380 lb-ft. With four-wheel drive, an F-150 with this engine accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. Fuel economy with rear-wheel drive stands at 17 mpg combined (15 mpg city/21 mpg highway). Four-wheel drive drops economy to 16 mpg combined (14 mpg city/19 mpg highway).
The available twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine (known as the EcoBoost) is rated at 365 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. A rear-drive F-150 with this engine hit 60 in an impressive 6.5 seconds in Edmunds testing (a 4WD version only took 6.6 seconds). EPA fuel economy is better than the 5.0-liter V8, too: With 2WD, you're looking at 18 mpg combined (16 mpg city/22 mpg highway), while 4WD versions rate 17 combined (15 mpg city/21 mpg highway).
Standard on the SVT Raptor and optional on other versions is a 6.2-liter V8 engine making 411 hp and 434 lb-ft of torque. This V8 takes the heavy F-150 Raptor from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. In regular F-150s, fuel economy rates 15 mpg combined (13 mpg city/18 mpg highway) with 2WD and 13 mpg combined (12 mpg city/16 mpg highway) with 4WD. Ratings dip slightly to 13 mpg combined (11 mpg city/16 mpg highway) in the Raptor.
The F-150's maximum tow ratings range from 6,700 pounds with the 3.7-liter V6 all the way up to 11,300 pounds with the 6.2-liter V8 and turbo V6 (when properly equipped with a tow package and the appropriate axle ratio). It's important to keep in mind that published tow ratings don't necessarily reflect real-world driving conditions. In Edmunds testing, a 2013 F-150 SuperCab with 2WD and the base V6 had all it could handle with a 5,800-pound trailer. Shoppers who plan to tow regularly will likely prefer the EcoBoost V6 or 6.2-liter V8.

Safety

Standard safety features for all 2014 Ford F-150s include four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, trailer sway control, front-seat side and full-length side curtain airbags. Ford's optional Sync system includes an emergency crash-notification feature that automatically dials 911 when paired with a compatible cell phone. A rearview camera and rear parking sensors are standard starting on the King Ranch trim level and optional on other F-150s.
In government crash tests, the 2014 Ford F-150 received an overall rating of four out of five stars. It garnered a five-star rating for overall side-impact protection and earned four stars for frontal protection (three stars for the SuperCrew). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave SuperCrew models a top rating of "Good" in its moderate-overlap frontal-offset, side-impact and roof-strength tests. The F-150's seat/head restraint design was also rated "Good" for whiplash protection in rear impacts.
In Edmunds brake testing, regular F-150 models came to a stop from 60 mph in a range of 120-130 feet. The heavier Raptor with its off-road-oriented tires stopped in a much longer 143 feet.

Interior Design and Special Features

The 2014 Ford F-150 is well suited to life as a work truck. It can be equipped to perform a variety of work- and recreation-related chores, and little details like the clever tailgate step, trailer sway control, box side steps and the Work Solutions options make life easier for the owner. That said, the cabs are starting to show their age. Materials quality is a step down from the Silverado and Ram 1500, and neither the controls nor the instrumentation look or feel state-of-the-art anymore.
The available MyFord Touch interface also presents some challenges. The large touchscreen certainly makes the Ford's cabin look higher tech, and it adds genuine functionality for smartphone users. Unfortunately, the system is prone to glitches and its sheer complexity makes it distracting to use while driving.
On the upside, passenger space remains a strength of the 2014 F-150. The F-150 SuperCrew is nearly as spacious for cargo and passengers as the cavernous Toyota Tundra CrewMax. It offers superb backseat comfort thanks to abundant legroom, a flat floor and a seatback angle that's pleasantly reclined. The SuperCab is still fairly roomy, but legroom is noticeably less generous and opening its rear-hinged clamshell doors is a hassle compared to the more convenient front-hinged doors on rival extended cabs.

Driving Impressions

The Ford F-150 really stands out with its engine selection. Even the base V6 produces respectable acceleration, while the turbocharged EcoBoost V6 offers an impressive combination of power, capability and efficiency. The V8s are plenty strong, too, and the 5.0-liter V8 is comparatively efficient. Still, our money would go to the turbocharged V6.
Regardless of engine, the 2014 Ford F-150 delivers the sort of ride and handling you'd expect from a pickup. If it's the only truck you test-drive, you'll probably be quite happy. However, should you drive it back to back with the Ram 1500 or Silverado, the Ford is likely to feel more "trucky" and less confidence-inspiring. You feel the bumps and ruts more over rough pavement, the steering can be vague and there's less overall composure when towing.
Of course, the purpose-built SVT Raptor stands apart from the rest as the halo truck that off-road enthusiasts dream about. It can tame some of the toughest terrain around, but it's also a bit trickier to drive around town due to its wide body and higher ride height.