First, there’s the standard Expedition, which is impressive on its own. Then, there’s its sibling, the Expedition MAX, which is almost a foot longer with a wheelbase of 221.9 inches. Despite this difference in overall length, they have basically the same amount of passenger volume: 171.9 cubic feet in the Expedition and 172 cubic feet in the MAX, so even riders in the third row will be comfortable.

The primary distinction becomes more apparent when comparing the cargo volume capacity between the Expedition and the MAX.

You can organize everyone’s gear and sports equipment with the available Cargo Management System to maintain order and keep it secure.

Step inside either version and you’ll be treated to a comfortable cabin. There’s seating for five passengers in the base XL STX and seating for seven or eight in all other trims. Everyone on board will benefit from cloth or leather seating, dual- or tri-zone electronic automatic temperature control, and an available dual-panel Panoramic Vista Roof®. For top-of-the-line amenities, choose the Platinum trim that provides multi-contour leather front seats with heating, ventilation, and Active Motion® massage, second-row captain’s chairs, and a power-reclining third row.

Of course, the Ford Expedition has a commanding presence, noticeable from your very first glance at its imposing exterior. In addition to wheels that range from 18 to 22 inches and available power running boards, the Expedition offers a varied palette that includes Jewel Red, Stone Blue, Iconic Silver, and brand-new shade Wild Green. Multiple packages allow you to customize it further and dress your Expedition to impress.

Under its hood lies a 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 engine that generates 380 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque on its standard trim. Upper trims yield 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. You can also choose one of the available Performance Edition packages to gain a High-Output engine that increases horsepower to 440 HP and 510 lb-ft of torque and adds a sport-tuned suspension. Regardless, that power is harnessed by a 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift® for quick shifts and smooth handling.

Driving a vehicle of this size and with this much power naturally lends itself to all sorts of outdoor activities. The Expedition makes every escape into Mother Nature even better with its ability to haul your recreational equipment. The standard Expedition can tow up to 9,300 pounds, while the MAX can tow up to 9,000 pounds. That’s enough strength to hitch up a wide variety of leisure gear, including a pontoon party boat or even a large travel trailer.

The Ford Expedition is aptly named. After all, its destiny—and its destination—is both on- and off-road. Its independent front and rear suspension provide stability and reliable handling, even when you head into the rough. The available Continuous Controlled Damping with Suspension Road Preview tackles uneven terrain with ease.

In fact, the Expedition is ready to handle any type of terrain. Its available Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System™ provides up to seven distinct drive modes:

• Eco
• Normal
• Sport
• Tow/Haul
• Grass/Gravel/Snow
• Sand
• Mud/Ruts

Plus, you can manually choose either 2WD or 4WD in each drive mode to pinpoint the necessary throttle and transmission response to fit the situation.

The Ford Expedition has a full complement of technologies that will keep you and your crew informed and engaged. Its standard SYNC® 4 system with 12-inch touchscreen kick off an enjoyable driving experience in a big way. With it, you can access your apps, maps, music, messages, and more through wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration. Six standard Smart Charging USB ports eliminate any waiting for devices to power up. Meanwhile, FordPass® Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi® hotspot accommodates up to 10 devices—and is accessible up to 50 feet outside the Expedition.

On your family road trips, is “Are we there yet?” the chorus that tends to be on repeat? Change that tune to one of quiet concentration or joyful interaction with the available dual-headrest rear entertainment system. Your second-row passengers can watch downloaded shows and movies, play games, and more. Want to enjoy an immersive in-vehicle concert or start a rousing session of car-aoke? Every note will sound crystal-clear with the available 22-speaker B&O® Unleashed Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®.

Of course, the most important technologies in any vehicle are those that help keep you and your passengers safe. The engineers at Ford take your safety as seriously as you do, which is why the Expedition offers a wide range of standard and available driver-assistance systems. Clearly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) agrees, since they’ve awarded the latest model year Ford Expedition its 5-Star Overall Safety Rating, its highest designation.

Among the many standard and available safety systems within the Ford Co-Pilot 360® technologies are:

• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
• BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert
• Lane-Keeping System
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Auto High-Beam Headlamps
• And more!

As a result, the Ford Expedition comes with a “bonus” that goes unlisted on its extensive features list but is understood: confidence.