2011 Ford Expedition EL XL 4dr 4x2 XL 6-Speed Automatic

The cabin features rich materials and generous space in all three seating rows.The second- and third-row seats fold flat to create a useful rear cargo area.

Extended-length Expedition EL models add even more cargo-carrying capacity, especially noticeable when trying to load groceries or gear behind the third-row seats.

Thanks in part to independent rear suspension, the Expedition offers a smooth ride that is more car-like than most big, truck-based SUVs.That's nice on long drives.With its combination of utility, a smooth, stable ride and a pleasant interior, the Ford Expedition is a fine choice for families that tow or take driving vacations.Ford's 5.4-liter V8 powers all models.

There are few changes for 2011 Expedition models.Expedition was last redesigned for the 2007 model year.

The Ford Expedition comes in two lengths, the standard model with a 119-inch wheelbase, and the Expedition EL with its 131-inch wheelbase.Every Expedition is powered by a single-overhead-cam 5.4-liter V8 rated at 310 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque.A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment.

Every Expedition model is available with either rear-wheel drive (2WD) or electronically engaged ControlTrac four-wheel drive (4WD) that can be driven on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing.Four trim levels are available: The XL, the upscale XLT, the luxurious Limited, and the top-of-the-line King Ranch.

All Expedition models include AdvanceTrac electronic stability control system with Roll Stability Control (RSC), including standard Trailer Sway Control that detects trailer sway motion and takes corrective measures to bring both the vehicle and the trailer under control.

The Expedition EL XL ($39,115) and Expedition EL XL 4WD ($42,015) are equipped the same.

Options include SYNC voice-activated communication and entertainment system ($395), heavy-duty trailer towing ($395), and remote start ($345).

The Expedition XLT ($38,200) and XLT 4WD ($41,100), Expedition EL XLT ($40,910) and EL XLT 4WD ($43,810) add reverse-sensing system, SYNC, Premium sound system, power-adjustable pedals, universal garage door opener, and a large selection of other trim and convenience features.XLT options include moonroof ($995), power running boards ($995), air suspension ($485), rear-seat entertainment ($1,995), leather ($2,265), and voice-activated navigation ($2,105).The XLT is also available with three comprehensive packages with increasing levels of features, the 201A ($4,425), 202A ($5,610), and 203A ($9,705).

Expedition Limited ($44,870) and Limited 4WD ($47,770), Limited EL ($47,520) and Limited EL 4WD ($50,420) add heated and cooled front seats, power rear quarter windows, dual-zone climate control, memory for driver's seat and exterior mirrors, rear-view camera, rain-sensing wipers, power liftgate, PowerFold rear seat, leather, 20-inch alloy wheels and a wide range of additional convenience and trim features.Limited Decor Group 301A ($4,590) features navigation system, rear-seat entertainment, moonroof, and power running boards.

Expedition King Ranch ($46,140) and King Ranch 4WD ($49,040), King Ranch EL ($48,790) and King Ranch EL 4WD ($51,690) feature Chaparral leather upholstery, King Ranch badging, and gold exterior accents.The leather trims the center console lid, steering wheel and door panels, while wood trim can be found on the center console, shifter handle and instrument panel.There is also a King Ranch Decor Group 401A ($4,590), which includes navigation, rear-seat entertainment, moonroof, and power running boards.

Safety equipment includes front airbags, torso-protecting front side airbags, three-row head-protecting side-curtain airbags with rollover deployment, tire-pressure monitor, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist, and AdvanceTrac electronic stability control with Roll Stability Control (RSC) and Trailer Sway Control.A rear obstacle detection system is standard on Limited and King Ranch.

Both the long and regular-length versions of the Expedition use many of the components from the Ford F-150 pickup.However, the Expedition features independent rear suspension, which improves driving precision, ride comfort, and rear-seat roominess.

This third-generation Expedition features a three-bar grille, large headlights, and a domed hood that combine to deliver a look that's both distinctive and respectable.There are several different wheel designs, including 20-inchers with a chrome finish.

The Expedition rides on a wheelbase of 119.0 inches, while the EL models stretch that to 131.0 inches.Overall, the EL measures 14.8 inches longer than the standard Expedition, and that adds slightly over 22 cubic feet of cargo volume, from 108.3 cubic feet for the Expedition to 130.8 for the EL.

The Expedition and the Expedition EL are big vehicles, measuring more than 17 feet from nose to tail.As a result, crowded parking lots can be challenging.The Expedition has a turning circle of nearly 41 feet, while the EL requires nearly 44 feet.

They're also heavy, as even the base 2WD Expedition weighs almost 6,000 pounds, and a loaded EL with 4WD will be comfortably over that.

The King Ranch model can be identified by its gold exterior accents and unique wheel design.

The Expedition comes with running boards as standard equipment.Power retractable running boards that deploy when the doors are opened are optional.Some owners prefer no running boards, but that doesn't appear to be an option.

Captain's chairs with movable armrests are standard across the four model lines.Leather-upholstered examples are available with a heating/cooling feature that makes them a more comfortable companion in winter and summer.Generous driver's-seat travel helps accommodate taller drivers, and it's a perfect match for the Expedition's movable pedals, so a wide range of sizes of drivers can sit comfortably.

The second seating row reflects Ford's thoughtful approach to passenger comfort: The standard 40/20/40 bench seat incorporates a center section that slides, bringing a child seat within easier reach of front-seat passengers.Optional second-row captain's chairs with a center-aisle pass-through can be substituted for adult-rated comfort.

Packaging advantages afforded by the Expedition's independent rear suspension enable the third-row seat to deliver more comfort for adults compared to the accommodations provided by the Chevy Tahoe.In fact, third-row room is among the best of any SUV, though three adults won't want to sit in the back for long.The high ride height also makes getting in and out a task for children.

The Expedition's liftgate with its flip-up glass hatch makes access to the cargo area very easy.The Expedition's second- and third-row bench-type seats fold flat into the cargo floor, affording a long cargo area that can be easily loaded.This means you don't have to unbolt the passenger seats and leave them on the floor of your garage every time you're making a serious run to the home improvement store.In this regard, the Expedition is much better designed than GM's large SUVs.The Expedition is also available with an optional power-folding third-row seat and electronically powered liftgate to make it even easier to load cargo.However, the seat cushions of the second- and third-row seats are a little slim in order to allow the seats to fold properly.

The Expedition is about more than convenience.A DVD-based navigation system with sizable 6.5-inch screen is available as an option.The rear-seat DVD entertainment system has an eight-inch screen that flips down from the headliner and also includes two sets of wireless headphones.A plug-in jack for an MP3 player is standard across the line.The Expedition is even a nice place to be when all the entertainment is switched off, as the combination of thick glass and a generous amount of acoustic insulation behind the dash and on the floor makes this a remarkably quiet interior; it's actually possible to have a conversation with the people in the third-row seat while you're at the wheel.

Ford's rear backup camera is less impressive than many others.The image is shown in the rear-view mirror, and is quite small.While the image is useful, obstacles are not as easy to spot as they are in systems that show their images on six- or seven-inch dash-mounted screens.

In this regard, the Ford Expedition tracks down the highway with excellent straight-line stability, negotiates forest roads with surprising agility, and absorbs impacts from bumps or broken pavement without straying from its path.It maintains a surprisingly calm ride considering its truck heritage.Most of the advantage comes from the synergy between a rigid frame, high-pressure gas shocks that afford excellent wheel control, and a second-generation, link-type independent rear suspension.

Steering effort is light and easy.The two-speed 4WD system is engaged with a simple rotary knob mounted on the dashboard, and it automatically reduces throttle sensitivity in low range for better traction in slippery circumstances.

The overhead-cam 5.4-liter V8 delivers 310 hp, but it's really tuned to deliver torque, 365 pound-feet of it, for towing.The 6-speed automatic transmission runs seamlessly through the gears, keeping the engine from laboring through its rpm range.The result is a lot of reliable power.

We did notice some hesitation at initial throttle opening in some situations.It we came to a stop sign at the top of a hill, stopped, then accelerated, there was sometimes a pause while the transmission engaged and forward momentum began.

The Expedition makes an excellent tow vehicle.With the optional towing package, the standard 4WD Expedition is rated at 8,900 pounds, the 2WD at 9,200 pounds, the 2WD EL at 8,900 pounds, and the 4WD EL at 8,700 pounds.We've found the load-leveling air suspension works very well.Using a weight-distribution hitch, we found the Expedition relatively smooth and reasonably stable while pulling a 24-foot trailer with two race cars stacked inside along with tools and spares, and three adults riding in the cabin.

For all its comfort and stability, the Expedition is still about utility rather than sport.When it comes to driving, the Expedition feels big and heavy, which it is.As good as it is, the Expedition certainly isn't sporty and no one should expect it to be.Still, the Expedition's overall driving performance is quite refined for its class.

Kirk Bell contributed to this report from Chicago, with staff reports from NewCarTestDrive.com.