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Ford Expedition (3.5L EcoBoost)

18-22 · Ford Expedition

68out of 100

Lincoln Navigator platform at $20,000-30,000 less. Independent rear suspension gives it a better highway ride than the Suburban.

Scores last updated: June 14, 2026

Score breakdown

60/ 100Reliability×2.558/ 100True Annual Cost×2.070/ 100Safety×2.5100/ 100Practicality×2.040/ 100Repairability×1.0

Our take

What it really is

The 4th gen Expedition shares its aluminum-intensive T3 platform and 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with the F-150. The Navigator uses the same frame with more premium content. The IRS rear suspension is a genuine advantage over solid-axle competitors.

Why it's on this list

3-row capacity. IRS for better ride quality than Suburban/Tahoe at highway speed. 476-mile range on 28 gallons. Ford's 3.5L EcoBoost proven at 200k+.

The honest trade-offs

Power running boards fail chronically. Budget for replacement. Panoramic roof water pooling into the headliner is documented with a TSB. Aluminum body collision repair is specialty work.

What to buy and what to avoid

XLT or Limited. Avoid King Ranch and Platinum for the price premium. 2020-2022 for the updated safety technology. Max package for the extended-wheelbase if you need the 3rd row for adults.

Annual cost of ownership

Fuel (12k mi)
$2,329 (USD)[5]
Maintenance
$775 (USD)[1]
Tires (prorated)
$400 (USD)
Insurance (25yr male)
$2,402 (USD)[8]
Insurance (40yr female)
$1,600 (USD)[8]
Total (25yr male)
$3,998 (USD)
Total (40yr female)
$3,196 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined
17[5]
MPG city / hwy
17 / 23[5]
Tank
28 gal[5]
Engine
EcoBoost 3.5L twin-turbo V6
Horsepower
375 hp
Torque
400 lb-ft
Seats
8
Cargo (behind 2nd row)
21.6 cu ft
Cargo max
104.6 cu ft
Tow capacity
9,300 lbs
Ground clearance
9.4"
Stock tires
275/55R20
Body
SUV
Rear seats
60/40 split
3rd row
Folds flat

Safety

NHTSA overall
4/5 ★[2]
Rollover risk
22%[2]
IIHS rating
Not Tested[4]

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity
Low
Frame rust risk
Low

Known issues by mileage

60,000-100,000 Miles (97,000-161,000 KM)
Power running boards chronic failureModerate
N/A
Panoramic roof water pooling in headliner (TSB exists)Moderate

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost
$1,076 (USD)[1]
Industry avg annual cost
$652 (USD)[1]
RepairPal rating
3/5[1]
Unscheduled visits/yr
0.8[1]
Severe issue probability
11%[1]
250k-mile survival
38%[7]

Repairability

Headlight type
Led Assembly
At major retailer
No
Headlight benchmark
4/10

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

  1. [1]dataset
    RepairPal

    Annual maintenance cost, reliability rating, unscheduled visit frequency, severe issue probability

  2. [2]government
    NHTSA Crash Test Ratings

    Overall crash test stars, rollover risk %, rollover stars, frontal and side ratings

  3. [3]government
    NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins

    Manufacturer-acknowledged technical issues and dealer fixes

  4. [4]dataset
    IIHS Safety Ratings

    Small overlap, side impact, overall safety rating, Top Safety Pick status

  5. [5]government
    EPA Fuel Economy Guide

    MPG city/highway/combined, fuel grade required, tank size

  6. [6]forum thread
    CarComplaints

    Most complained-about model years, common failure patterns by year and mileage band

  7. [7]dataset
    iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability

    250k-mile survival rate, depreciation curve, best age to buy used

  8. [8]publication
    Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates

    Insurance cost estimates by vehicle class and driver profile

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Ford Expedition?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist

Modernize this car

CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.

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