The 2021 Ford Expedition lasts around 200,000 miles, with some check engine light and excessive road noise issues reported At $37,850 to $61,350, it’s a decent value for a full size SUV that’s loaded with a lot of the latest technology features.
Is the 2021 Ford Expedition a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a good year for the Ford Expedition since it offers good decent paired with a lot of passenger space. Owner reviews praise the safety features, four-wheel drive system, along with the upscale interior.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are relatively nice for a full size SUV, the seats are supportive, cargo space is also great behind the rear seats.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2021 Expedition. Models from 2017–2022 offer better reliability than in earlier years.
- Performance 8/10 – The standard turbocharged V6 engine offers good power, and it also gives it a higher towing capacity than the competition.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 Expedition is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with lane-keep assist and emergency braking, while adaptive cruise control is available as an optional upgrade.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is fine at 20 MPG, offering 466 miles of range from the 23.3 gallon tank. Gas costs are $30 cheaper than average at $206 per month.
- Value 7/10 – The 2021 Ford Expedition is similar in price to other large SUVs, but it depreciates quicker than the competition, lowering the overall value score slightly.
What Do Critics Say About the Ford Expedition?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Ford Expedition is a leap forward from earlier models with added more features, and it earns high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Ford Expedition at 4.4/5, enjoying the high towing capacity for a full-size SUV, but doesn’t like the loose steering.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Expedition a 4/5, praising the excellent ride quality on rough roads, but doesn’t like the excessive wind noise in the cabin at highway speeds.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Ford Expedition Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Ford Expedition include check engine lights, excessive road noise, along with some issues with the windows. Overall, the problems are similar to some other full size SUVs on the market, leading to average repair costs as an Expedition ages.
Check engine lights are the most widespread complaint from 2021 Expedition owners, showing up within the first 2,500 miles. You will need to use an OBD-II scan tool to read the code stored in the computer that caused the light to turn on. Once you know the source of the problem, fixing it can cost $10 to $500.
Excessive road noise is another problem found on some Expedition models. Usually, the problem is simply caused by an alignment or tire balancing issue, which causes a lot of noise in the cabin. Getting the SUV aligned can usually be done for under $150.
Issues with the windows have also been reported by some Expedition owners within the first 15,000 miles. The window motors are known to wear out quickly, and have to be replaced. Changing out a window motor costs around $450, depending on local labor rates.
There are four recalls on the 2021 Ford Expedition, which is worse than some other full size SUVs from the same year. The most serious recall covers a potential engine compartment fire. Ford will replace the radiator fan assembly on affected models. Other recalls cover the windshield wipers, door sensors, along with the head restraints, which Ford will also fix for free.
How Long Will the 2021 Ford Expedition Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Ford Expedition can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Sequoia. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than average, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $821 per year.
As a used 2021 Expedition reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the transfer case oil seal for $125, a blower motor costing $450, along with the control arms, which cost around $650.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is good, and includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger screen and Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Standard safety technology is great, and it features:
- Rearview camera
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Forward collision warning
- Lane-keep assist
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Parallel and perpendicular park assist
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Stop-and-go adaptive cruise control
- Front and rear parking sensors
Is the 2021 Ford Expedition a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Ford Expedition is a good value if you’re in the market for a large SUV designed to carry a lot of people and cargo. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $37,850 to $61,350, making it more than a Chevy Tahoe or Nissan Armada. When new, the price range was $49,625 to $77,425. Depreciation is a bit worse than other SUVs, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Ford Expedition?
There are five different models of the Ford Expedition offered from the entry-level XL STX through to the more luxurious Platinum. The Expedition comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade. There’s also an optional long-wheelbase version known as the Expedition Max.
Ford Expedition XL STX is the entry-level model with:
- Only two-row model in the lineup
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Six-speaker stereo system
- Four USB ports
- Cloth upholstery
- Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- Alloy wheels
- Standard Ford Co-Pilot360 suite
- Pre-collision warning and braking system
- Lane-keeping assist
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rearview camera
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Optional rear parking sensors
Ford Expedition XLT is a step up, adding:
- Adds power-folding third-row seats
- Satellite radio
- Rear parking sensors
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror
- Optional ActiveX synthetic leather upholstery
- 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Eight-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Power-folding second-row seats
- Optional second-row captain’s chairs
- Heated steering wheel
- Optional navigation system
- 8-inch digital driver display
- Adaptive cruise control
- Remote start
- Power liftgate
- Optional panoramic sunroof
Ford Expedition Limited is a popular choice with:
- Hands-free, foot-activated liftgate
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Front parking sensors
- Leather upholstery for first two rows
- Heated second-row seats
- HD Radio
- 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo
- Wireless device charging
- Additional USB ports
- Available surround-view parking camera system
- Optional park assist
- Available panoramic sunroof
- Optional continuous damping suspension
Ford Expedition King Ranch offers more upgrades such as:
- Surround-view parking camera system
- Park assist
- Panoramic sunroof
- Upgraded leather upholstery
- Unique exterior and interior styling enhancements
- Optional damping suspension
- Optional limited-slip differential
Ford Expedition Platinum is the flagship model, which has:
- Multicontour massaging front seats
- Adaptive suspension
- Panoramic roof included
- Extra 25 horsepower from EcoBoost V6 engine
- Almost all available features included
What Engines Come In the Ford Expedition?
- The 2021 Ford Expedition is powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, delivering 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. It achieves a combined fuel economy of 17-18 MPG, can tow up to 9,300 pounds, and accelerates from 0-60 MPH in about 6.5 seconds.
- In the Platinum trim, the same 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is enhanced to produce 400 horsepower and 480 lb.-ft. of torque. This variant maintains similar fuel economy and towing capacity, with a slightly quicker 0-60 MPH acceleration.
What Colors Does the Ford Expedition Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Ford Expedition?
The 2021 Ford Expedition is renowned for its comfort, making it a top pick for families and long-distance travelers alike. Inside, passengers are greeted with a spacious and well-appointed cabin, designed to provide a relaxing experience even on the longest journeys. The seats, upholstered in high-quality materials, offer ample support and cushioning, crucial for minimizing fatigue during extended drives. The front seats, often equipped with power adjustments, heating, and cooling options, allow both the driver and passenger to find their ideal seating position with ease. The second-row seats are equally impressive, offering generous legroom and the ability to recline, which is a boon for rear passengers on long trips.
Moreover, the Expedition’s ride quality contributes significantly to its overall comfort. Built on a robust frame and equipped with an advanced suspension system, the SUV handles road imperfections with remarkable poise, providing a smooth and serene ride. Even when traversing rougher terrain or towing, the Expedition maintains its composure, shielding occupants from most jolts and vibrations. The cabin is also notably quiet, thanks to effective sound insulation that keeps road and wind noise at bay, creating a tranquil environment for conversation or enjoying the audio system.
The 2021 Expedition also scores high on practical comforts. It features a user-friendly infotainment system with intuitive controls and connectivity features that keep passengers entertained and connected on the go. Climate control systems, often multi-zone, allow for personalized temperature settings, providing comfort for all occupants. The presence of numerous storage compartments, cup holders, and charging ports adds to the convenience, making the Expedition an excellent choice for those who prioritize comfort in their driving experience. With its combination of spaciousness, ride quality, and practical features, the 2021 Ford Expedition stands out as a comfortable and accommodating SUV for a variety of needs.
How Much Storage Space Does the Ford Expedition Have?
The 2021 Ford Expedition, a popular choice among full-size SUVs, offers an impressive amount of storage space, catering to a variety of transportation needs. With all seats in place, the Expedition provides about 20.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row. This space is ideal for daily needs such as grocery shopping, accommodating several shopping bags, a couple of medium-sized suitcases, or essential sports equipment like a golf bag. When additional space is needed, the third row can be folded down, expanding the cargo area to an impressive 63.6 cubic feet. This expanded space is more than enough to fit larger items like bicycles, a sizable amount of camping gear, or a full set of luggage for a family vacation.
For those requiring maximum cargo capacity, folding down both the second and third rows unveils a vast area of up to 104.6 cubic feet in the standard model. This space is akin to what you’d find in a small cargo van, making the Expedition an excellent choice for moving large items like furniture, a kayak, or even bulky home improvement supplies. Besides the primary cargo area, the Expedition also features numerous small storage solutions throughout the cabin. These include a large center console, door pockets, cupholders, and an overhead console for smaller items like phones, wallets, and sunglasses. Additionally, the Expedition Max variant offers even more room, with a total cargo space of 121.5 cubic feet with all seats folded, providing unparalleled storage capacity in the SUV segment.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Ford Expedition was launched for the 2018 model year.
2015: Improved engine software, small exterior styling changes, and a smoother suspension.
2016: New Sync 3 stereo system replaces the outgoing MyFord Touch system.
2017: No updates from earlier years.
2018: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with new technology, styling, and engine choices.
2019: No major changes after the redesign last year.
2020: King Ranch model introduced with a more luxurious cabin, new Black Accent package available with dark exterior trim.
2021: New entry-level XL model introduced more safety features added to the XLT, and there’s a Co-Pilot 360 package.
How Does the Ford Expedition Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Ford Expedition is a decent full size SUV since it offers a lot of features and decent reliability ratings, helping it earn our recommendation for shoppers.
The Chevy Tahoe is another large SUV, which costs about $2,500 more. Towing performance is better in the Chevy Tahoe, while the Ford Expedition offers more passenger room in the third row. We recommend the Chevy Tahoe since the engine is more reliable, but both are nice full size SUVs.
The Dodge Durango is a popular full size SUV available for about $2,000 less. There are some stronger engine choices found on the Dodge Durango, while the Ford Expedition is more reliable. We recommend the Ford Expedition since it should last longer than the Durango.
