2020 Ford Expedition Max Platinum: Jumbo Size, Jumbo Power

For 2018, Ford raised the bar considerably for its Expedition, the brand's full-size, three-row SUV entry that typically fields competition from the likes of the Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon (which are all-new for 2021). Like the new F-150, the 2020 Expedition Platinum Max's body is Military-grade aluminum on a box frame, for lighter weight than the previous model's steel panels, while V-8 engines were dropped in favor of the torquey and more fuel-efficient twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. A new 10-speed automatic (shared by GM) is also part of the package and our tester, which is the “Max” long-wheelbase variant, adds about 10 inches to the wheelbase and an extra foot in overall length. Instead of the Chevrolet Tahoe or shorter GMC Yukon, this beast compares to the Suburban and Yukon XL.

As far as trim levels, the Platinum falls way ahead for the Suburban High Country and more on par with the GMC Yukon Denali. Our featured vehicle here is equipped with the Platinum trim level, which also makes it the most expensive SUV in the Ford model range. Other trim levels are the XLT and King Ranch. I reviewed the King Ranch version earlier in the year. Unfortunately, there is no Limited model as with the F-150.

In testing a Lincoln Navigator AWD Reserve the preceding week, I have to say, here, less is more. As much as I enjoyed the Navi, I felt more comfortable in the Expedition, with its more simplistic gauges and gearbox. Instead of the Navi’s pushbutton transmission switches on the dash, the Expedition has a rotary knob located on the center console. With the F-150 getting a serious refresh for 2021, it’s just a matter of time that the Expedition follows suit, possibly as early as 2022. This should include the same dash with its huge infotainment screen and fold flat front seat backs.

With a base price of more than $84,065, this is transportation for the well healed, and it feels like it inside the expansive cabin. In fact, folding down the second and third rows there's 121.5 cubic feet of space, which is probably more than enough to camp out for an evening. My Burgundy Velvet Metallic Expedition Max Platinum was equipped with supple Medium Ceramic leather upholstery and though the dashboard is a lightly dressed-up version of the same unit in Ford's Super Duty trucks (with a nifty twin-door glovebox), Ford didn't skimp on creature comforts.

Standard equipment includes a Bang and Olufsen premium 12-speaker stereo, panoramic vista glass roof, heated first- and second-row seats, power-folding second and third rows, 4G Wi-Fi, Ford's Sync 3 infotainment software which is now considered a small 8.0-inch screen, a wireless charging pad for devices and swanky ambient lighting. Personal space in the first- and second-row bucket seats is excellent and even the third row is comfy for full-grown adults. While the third-row bench seating isn't heated, it does have a reclining backrest and its own climate control zone.

Ford's Co-Pilot360 is also included, which is essentially a package of various safety-tech items such as blind-spot alert, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision assist with active braking. The only options on our tester are the optional paint and 22-inch wheels at $395, a $1,570 heavy-duty towing package, and $595 second row bucket seats.

Despite an aluminum body and four-wheel independent suspension, there's no getting around the fact that this 2020 Ford Expedition Max Platinum is still a behemoth. At nearly 19 feet long and weighing in at almost three tons (with a combined fuel economy rating of 18 mpg to prove it), you're probably only interested in it if you have a huge crew to haul, or need it for towing a large trailer or boat.

That being said, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 is more than up to the task at hand. Power delivery is smooth and burly with 400-hp and 470 lb.-ft of torque that never makes you wish that there was a big old V-8 under the hood. I’m absolutely amazed that GM uses a 5.3-liter Ecotec, with 355-hp and 383 lb. ft. of torque, as the base engine for the Suburban, with 6.2-liter Ecotec V8, with 420-hp and 400 lb. ft. of torque, as an option.

And while Ford's F-150 pickup trucks still have a stick axle rear and a ride tuned to handle big payload, the Expedition's independent multi-link rear end rides smoothly and is well controlled, even without going to more expensive air damping. While we kept our Expedition on the road, as the majority of buyers will, 4x4 capability will be useful for those who live in areas of heavy inclement weather or rural environments with non-graded roads. Just don't expect to tear up any serious recreational off-road trails in the Expedition, it's just too massive a vehicle for that job.

After a week of navigating the Expedition Max around the big city, I came away impressed with the experience, as with my previous experiences with various variants of the Expedition. Ford's top-trim people-hauler feels special and classy on the road, with a well-tuned ride and plenty of power. The Max Platinum trim isn't inexpensive, but then first-class travel rarely is.

Hits

Luxurious cabin in Platinum trim means even third-row passengers won't have much to complain about.
Who needs a V-8 with a turbo-six this potent?
Well-equipped for its admittedly high price.
No premium required here: minimum 87 octane requirement helps with a near-28-gallon tank.

Misses