by Ford didn’t just refresh the 2026 Ford Expedition, it rethought the entire vibe. This full-size Ford SUV arrives with a sharper design, smarter tech, and more muscle under the hood. The redesign isn’t shouty, but it’s definitely confident think clean lines, chiseled lighting, and a bolder stance that hints at capability without screaming it.
Outside, a reworked front fascia, squarer proportions, and an updated grille help distinguish the 2026 Expedition from its predecessor. New wheel options (ranging up to 22 inches) and an expanded color palette offer more personalization, because who said a big SUV can’t have style?
Powertrain and Driving Impressions
The 2026 Expedition sticks with the tried-and-true 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 but this time it’s tuned for more punch: 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque in the top trims. A 10-speed automatic handles the shifting duties, and it does so with confidence. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, with four-wheel drive available across the lineup.
The real news? A rumored hybrid variant may land later in the year, targeting families who want both power and fuel efficiency without going full EV just yet.
On the road, the Expedition remains composed and surprisingly agile for something that tips the scales north of 5,500 pounds. Steering is light but accurate, and the suspension (especially on the Platinum trim with adaptive dampers) soaks up pavement imperfections with luxury-like finesse.
Interior Layout and Tech Upgrades
Let’s talk cabin. The Ford Expedition interior takes a massive step forward in 2026, literally and figuratively. The new “panoramic touchscreen,” a 15.5-inch vertical display borrowed from the Mustang Mach-E, now dominates the center stack. It’s joined by a crisp 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster that can be customized with everything from navigation maps to trailer data.
Physical buttons still exist (thankfully), particularly for climate control and volume, because no one wants to swipe through menus to cool off.
Material quality has improved across the board. From soft-touch dash panels to optional quilted leather in the Platinum trim, it feels closer to Lincoln territory than ever before.
And yes, the squircle steering wheel is real, and oddly satisfying to grip.
Space, Comfort, and Practicality
Three rows. Tons of legroom. Actual adult-friendly third-row seating. If that’s your checklist, the Expedition still crushes it. The second-row captain’s chairs (optional) slide easily, giving passengers better access to the rear without gymnastics.
Cargo space? With all rows up, you get about 20.9 cubic feet, expandable to a cavernous 104.6 cubic feet when the second and third rows are folded flat. The Expedition MAX variant adds even more length and storage for those who carry entire households (or half of Costco).
Available massaging front seats, tri-zone climate control, and an optional panoramic sunroof add luxury-grade comfort for long hauls or quick school runs.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Tech
Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite comes standard, and for 2026, it’s even more robust. Features include:
- Blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
- Lane centering
- Intersection assist
- Reverse brake assist
Higher trims also offer BlueCruise, Ford’s semi-autonomous hands-free driving system, particularly helpful on highway road trips or the daily grind.
Crash test data isn’t fully in yet, but based on past generations, the 2026 Expedition should maintain its top safety marks.
Expedition Trims and Pricing Overview
For 2026, the Expedition lineup expands with more tailored trims:
- XL STX – Fleet-friendly, no-frills utility
- XLT – Well-equipped and popular among families
- Limited – Adds upscale touches and more tech
- Timberline – Off-road focused with rugged styling and lifted suspension
- King Ranch – Western luxury, uniquely stitched leather
- Platinum – Top-tier everything
- Expedition MAX – Extended body for max cargo and rear space
Estimated starting price: around $57,000, stretching up to $87,000+ for a fully-loaded Platinum MAX with BlueCruise and rear-seat entertainment.
How It Compares to Rivals (Tahoe, Sequoia, Wagoneer)
In a world of lumbering giants, how does the 2026 Ford Expedition stack up?
- Chevy Tahoe: Offers more V8 options and GM’s Super Cruise, but falls short on interior refinement.
- Toyota Sequoia: Comes standard as a hybrid, but its cramped third row and clunky infotainment hurt the appeal.
- Jeep Wagoneer: Impressive luxury and space, though pricier and less fuel-efficient.
The Expedition lands somewhere between the Tahoe’s rugged familiarity and the Wagoneer’s upscale ambitions. And with the new tech, smoother drive, and versatile trims, it might just strike the perfect middle ground.
Verdict: Big SUV, Big Statement?
The 2026 Ford Expedition is less of a revolution and more of an intelligent evolution. It keeps the space, strength, and family-hauling swagger that made it a hit but layers on smart updates where it counts: interior tech, comfort, and driving refinement.
It won’t fit in every garage. It won’t win you green-car awards. But for those who need full-size capability with fewer compromises, the Expedition remains one of the most convincing entries in the segment.
