by Michael Butler
The Ford Expedition lineup continues to be a popular choice in the large SUV segment, and after an impressive refresh for the 2022 model year, the Expedition Max is better than ever. The Max is a foot longer than its standard 210-inch Expedition sibling and offers a ton of passenger and cargo space. Tie that in with a twin-turbo V6 engine with anything from 380 to 440 horsepower, and you have yourself a pretty powerful family-moving machine. Compared to its competitors, the Ford Expedition Max has a class-leading 9,000-pound towing capacity, a spacious and stylish interior, and a user-friendly infotainment system, making it the perfect daily suburban SUV and more than a keen rival for the GMC Yukon XL and Chevrolet Suburban.
Ford USA has not made changes to the 2023 Ford Expedition Max and the 2022 model carries over to the new model year.
See trim levels and configurations:
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
XL |
3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
|
10-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$58,755 |
XLT |
3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
|
10-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$62,790 |
Limited |
3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
|
10-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$71,660 |
King Ranch |
3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
|
10-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$81,715 |
Platinum |
3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
|
10-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
Four-Wheel Drive
|
$85,815 |
The 2023 Ford Expedition Max might be a large SUV, but it drives well and has good road manners, even when pushing through the corners. The 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 power plant keeps proving itself as a worthy engine in this vehicle and always offers more than enough torque, even when fully loaded. It is potent and is available in three different configurations, depending on the trim - 380 hp/470 lb-ft, 400 hp/480 lb-ft, and 440 hp/510 lb-ft. Connected to a ten-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, it can launch even the big Max-bodied behemoth to 60 mph in well under six seconds, while still offering 9,000-pound trailering.
Due to its sheer size, the Expedition Max can be a handful to navigate around tight city streets, but out on the open road, it's a seriously good cruiser. The steering is light, making tight turns a bit easier, but we wish it communicated more and that the ratio was faster; it requires lots of wheel-twirling to make a three-point turn. At low speeds, the Expedition Max cruises over bumps, and even those in the surprisingly spacious third row will have a comfortable time.
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
Ford knows how to build a good SUV, and the extra-large 2023 Expedition Max is the perfect example. The Expedition Max shines thanks to its cavernous interior and massive cargo-carrying ability, but it also features a gem of a V6 engine that delivers oodles of torque on demand. Fuel efficiency does suffer, especially under full load, but a large fuel tank means the Expedition Max has a massive fuel range. The SYNC 4 infotainment system is as easy and a pleasure to use as always, and the standard features list is a long one. Standard driver-assist fitments such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring on most trims above the XLT are a boon, but it's a bit ponderous to drive and its GM rivals feel more nimble. This SUV's pricing can also border on Lincoln territory higher up in the trim line. Overall, the Ford Expedition Max is a well-rounded large SUV that won't disappoint, with proper third-row seating that can accommodate actual adults.
The most popular competitors of 2023 Ford Expedition Max: