Ford Expedition: Here’s What’s New For 2020

  • 2020 Ford Expedition Limited is available with the FX4 off-road package.
  • The famous King Ranch trim level returns to the Expedition line for 2020.
  • Max towing capacity comes in just over 9,000 lbs. when properly equipped.

The Ford Expedition and the extended-wheelbase Expedition MAX were built with families in mind. The three-row SUV is undergoing a few changes and upgrades for 2020, including the introduction of a new off-road package. Here is a quick look at the 2020 Ford Expedition and what you can expect if you are shopping for one.

2020 Ford Expedition: What’s New

Tech, convenience, and safety features dominate the list of what’s new for the 2020 Ford Expedition. FordPass Connect, for example, allows owners to access to a number of smartphone-based commands for the Expedition. Every Expedition includes SYNC 3 with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 mobile devices. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard across the range.

Standard active safety features come by way of Ford’s Co-Pilot360 Technology. The package includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking; lane-keeping assist; Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert and a rearview camera. Limited models feature adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and voice-activated navigation.

New exterior colors for 2020 include Burgundy Velvet Metallic Tinted Clearcoat; Desert Gold; Iconic Silver; Rapid Red Metallic Tri-Coat; and Star White Metallic Tri-Coat.

2020 Ford Expedition King Ranch.
2020 Ford Expedition King Ranch. Photo: Ford Motor Company.

2020 Ford Expedition Trim Levels

XL, XLT, Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum make up the trim levels for 2020. The XL is a fleet option only. Each trim level can be outfitted as a MAX, also known as the extended-length Expedition. In the MAX configuration, total cargo volume increases to 121.5 cubic feet versus the 104.6 cubic feet of the standard wheelbase, or “normal” Expedition.

4×2 is standard, although Ford’s Control Trac four-wheel drive system is available.

2020 Ford Expedition King Ranch

The King Ranch returns to the Expedition lineup for 2020, a trim level inspired by Captain King’s actual ranch in Texas. Premium Del Rio leather covers all three rows, while Ebony Del Rio and Mesa Del Rio decorate the door trim and armrests. On the outside, King Ranch Expeditions ride on 22-inch, six-spoke machined-aluminum wheels with dark tarnish pockets. The wheels compliment a number of other exterior highlights like the Stone Gray grille, lower bumpers, and power-deployable running boards.

2020 Ford Expedition King Ranch interior layout.
2020 Ford Expedition King Ranch interior layout. Photo: Ford Motor Company.

2020 Ford Expedition Limited FX4

According to MaritzCX market research, nearly 20 percent of Ford Expedition owners use their vehicle for off-road adventures, with 45 percent taking their SUV hunting, camping or fishing. “There’s a growing trend in people looking to enjoy rugged terrain without having to give up the refinement, comfort or convenience of getting there,” said Devin McParlane, Ford Expedition Consumer Marketing Manager.

Which brings us to the 2020 Ford Expedition Limited with the FX4 off-road package. The FX4 designation has been synonymous with the blue oval since the early 2000s with the F-150. Now the off-road treatments jump to the Expedition Limited for 2020. The FX4 package is available for both the standard Expedition and the Expedition MAX.

2020 Ford Expedition Limited
2020 Ford Expedition Limited with the FX4 Package.

What’s Included In The FX4 Package For The Expedition?

The FX4 adds 32-inch all-terrain tires, 18-inch metallic gray, cast-aluminum wheels, and premium off-road-tuned shocks. Like prior Ford models with the FX4 namesake, the 2020 Expedition Limited will receive new skid plates – seven in total – for chassis and underbody protection. There are skid plates to protect the steering gear, engine, transmission and transfer case, plus a full-length guard for the fuel tank. A sand shield has been added to protect the engine’s turbocharger.

Ford says the chin spoiler beneath the front bumper is shorter to improve approach angles while climbing obstacles off-road. The chrome-plated running boards include additional off-road protection.

On the inside, the Expedition Limited FX4 includes a 360-degree camera system with split-views; leather seating and wood accents; rubber floor mats; and special FX4 badging.

Michelin tires are standard of the 2020 Ford Expedition Limited FX4.
Michelin tires are standard on the 2020 Ford Expedition Limited FX4. Photo: Ford Motor Company.

What Engine Does The 2020 Ford Expedition Have?

Under the hood of every Expedition is a 3.5-liter, turbocharged EcoBoost engine with 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. of torque. The engine features a forged steel crankshaft, aluminum alloy cylinder heads, and a 10.0:1 compression ratio. Ford attaches the engine to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

4×4 models come with two different final drive ratios: 3:31 for the standard wheelbase and 3:73 for the MAX. The Expedition Limited FX4 features a 3:73 rear end by default with a two-speed, electronically-controlled four-wheel drive transfer case that allows for neutral towing.

4×2 standard wheelbase models come with a 3.15 final drive ratio; 4×2 Max models come with a 3.31 rear end.

2020 Ford Expedition Platinum
2020 Ford Expedition Platinum. Photo: Ford Motor Company.

How Much Can The Ford Expedition Tow?

In a standard wheelbase configuration: when properly equipped with a heavy-duty trailer package, the 2020 Ford Expedition 4×4 can tow a max of 9,200 lbs. Without the package, towing for 4×4 models drops to 6,500 lbs. 4×2 Expeditions with a standard wheelbase increase only slightly in towing capacity: 6,600 lbs. without the heavy-duty trailer package and 9,300 lbs. with it.

In the MAX configuration: Both 4×2 and 4×4 MAX models can tow 6,600 lbs. without the heavy-duty trailer package and 9,000 lbs. with it.

Pro Trailer Backup Assist is available for the 2020 Ford Expedition. The video below explains how to set up and use the feature.

What Is The Gas Mileage of The 2020 Ford Expedition?

  • Standard wheelbase 4×2: 17/24 city/highway, 20 combined.
  • Standard wheelbase 4×4: 17/22 city/highway, 19 combined.
  • MAX 4×2: 17/23 city/highway, 19 combined.
  • MAX 4×4: 16/21 city/highway, 18 combined.

How Much Does The 2020 Ford Expedition Cost?

The 2020 Ford Expedition starts at $52,810 for the XLT, going as high as $76,965 for the Limited MAX. The 2020 Expedition is manufactured at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost is built at the Cleveland Engine Plant.

The Automoblog staff covers automotive industry news, trends, and technology along with new vehicle releases. Automoblog is owned and operated by Gearhead Media LLC., based in Detroit, Michigan and Berlin, Germany. 

Photos & Source: Ford Motor Company.