2026 Ford ExpeditionDarren Martin - MotorTrendPowerful twin-turbo V-6Easy to drivePractical sliding center consoleMPGs could be betterOdd rear stylingSplit rear liftgate not for everyonePhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendPhoto credit: Darren Martin - MotorTrendThe 2026 Ford Expedition is an example of what people mean when they say something is more than the sum of its parts. Here we have an enormous truck-based 3-row SUV that lacks any single segment-busting trait. Instead, the Ford's strength against the Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Jeep Grand Wagoneer emerges thanks to a number of smart features that make it a top-ranked option.The 2026 Ford Expedition is available in regular and long-wheelbase forms; the stretched version is called the 2026 Expedition Max, and offers even more space inside.What's NewAfter a major refresh for 2025, the 2026 Ford Expedition receives a number of smaller updates.BasicsThe Open On Approach feature, now part of the Ford Split Gate on Active Touring, Tremor, Platinum, and King Ranch trims, will open the split liftgate as you approach the rear of the vehicleRain-sensing wipers are now standard on TremorExteriorMarsh Gray is a new exterior colorA black-painted roof is an option on Platinum and King Ranch. Some may find that the black roof helps complete the more premium look those two trims otherwise offerThe Expedition Tremor swaps out black trim on the lower rear fascia for body-color bitsInteriorA rear-seat entertainment system is now offered on Tremor, Platinum, and King RanchIn case integrated entertainment systems aren't your thing, a Digital Device Holder is now standard for second-row passengers on the Tremor, Platinum, and King RanchThe Active Select replaces its power tilt/telescoping steering column for a manually operated oneSimilarly, two-way manually adjustable front seat headrests replace four-way power operated ones on Active Touring (202A)What We ThinkThe 2026 Ford Expedition is one of the best full-size 3-row SUVs you can buy today. That's why it won a comparison test over a GMC, Nissan, and Jeep. What we found in our testing is that the 2026 Expedition's excellence shines over time; it's not something you may pick up on immediately.AdvertisementAdvertisementLet's start with the Ford's powerplant. Unlike the competition from Chevrolet and GMC, the 2026 Expedition is powered by a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6. On paper, that sounds like a mistake for an enormous SUV designed to comfortably carry three rows of people and maybe tow a boat, but one drive reveals that the so-called EcoBoost V-6 is a great fit.The engine makes the SUV feel powerful but is still sufficiently refined. That matters because SUVs in this segment mostly start in the low- to mid-$60,000 range—in other words, we start to have higher expectations as the price climbs.With the 2026 Expedition, it's not just an engine show. An ingenious sliding center console can make room for tons of open storage between driver and front passenger, while the new-for-2025 dual-screen layout is mostly a positive addition, allowing for a fair amount of customization with the important info up top.Most body-on-frame SUVs are plenty capable for how they're used. What distinguishes the 2026 Ford Expedition is the way it goes about its business. The SUV simply doesn't feel as big or lumbering as some rivals, and that's a big part of what makes it a MotorTrend top-ranked pick.Top-Ranked CompetitorsChevrolet SuburbanJeep Grand WagoneerGMC YukonChevrolet TahoeMotorTrend TestedThe 2026 Ford Expedition's EcoBoost V-6 is offered in two forms: 400 hp/480 lb-ft of torque in its standard iteration or 440 hp/510 lb-ft with the higher-output version included on Tremor and Platinum. RWD or 4WD are available.AdvertisementAdvertisementIn our testing, the 0–60 mph sprint was completed in a quick 5.8 seconds, ahead of a 2026 GMC Yukon (6.2 seconds) and 2026 Nissan Armada Platinum (6.3 seconds). The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, however, hit 60 in just 5.4 seconds.MPGs and RangeGet a 2026 Ford Expedition and you can expect an EPA-rated 15/22 mpg city/highway. These numbers are OK—better than the GMC and Nissan—but lower than the Jeep with its sweet Hurricane six-cylinder engine.Driving range comes to 425 miles in combined city/highway driving, which is not bad; the Expedition Max has a bigger gas tank.One important note: The regular-strength EcoBoost V-6 runs on 87 octane but the higher-output version recommends 91+.Safety Ratings and FeaturesThe 2026 Ford Expedition is not a class leader when it comes to safety, but it's decent overall. As this is written, only the Nissan Armada (and mechanically related Infiniti QX80) have a 2026 IIHS Top Safety Pick designation in this segment.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Ford manages a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with a five-star rating in frontal and side testing, but only three stars in rollover testing. For context, that's the same set of scores on the 2026 Chevrolet Tahoe, as well.The headline when it comes to driver-assist tech on the Ford is BlueCruise. Offered as a subscription or for a one-time fee, BlueCruise is a bundle of features that can allow the big Ford to semi-autonomously cruise on pre-mapped highways.Put another way, a BlueCruise-enabled 2026 Ford Expedition can drive for extended periods of time on the highway with your hands off the steering wheel (but you still paying attention). It's a luxury that can help you relax when it works as intended. We like BlueCruise, but have found Super Cruise from GM and Full Self-Driving (Supervised) from Tesla also capable.ValueWhen you buy a 2026 Ford Expedition (or Chevrolet Tahoe, for that matter), the initial value comes with the space and capability. There's a ton of both in the Ford, but not much to speak of in terms of features-per-dollar value. That really comes in the mid-level trims and up.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat's why we'd probably spring for the Platinum 4WD model, which offers capability and features, all at a lower price than the three competitors it beat in a recent comparison.
