2010 Ford Expedition Performance Review

Experts at TheCarConnection.com find that the 2010 Ford Expedition offers respectable speed and acceleration—better than one might expect for such a large vehicle. Going around corners reminds you of the Expedition’s truck roots, but the SUV’s handling always remains compliant and is a step above many of its rivals.

The 2010 Ford Expedition is available with just one engine on all trim levels, "a 5.4-liter V-8 making 310-horsepower and 365-pound-feet of torque," according to Edmunds. ConsumerGuide states that the engine allows for impressive acceleration and finds the Expedition has "sufficient power for any situation." Kelley Blue Book reviewers "weren't overwhelmed by the 5.4-liter V8's acceleration while towing, [but] the Expedition seemed fully up to the task." Edmunds notes that either "two-wheel or four-wheel drive (with low-range gearing) is offered." In terms of acceleration, Edmunds observes that the Expedition four-wheel-drive model "accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds," which they feel is "a decent time for this class."

On the flipside, Motor Trend considers the engine disappointing, saying that the Ford Expedition "feels sluggish right out of the gate," and "you can tell there's a lot of weight here, and the engine doesn't seem interested in compensating."

The 2010 Ford Expedition lineup comes standard with "a six-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift capability," according to ConsumerGuide. The transmission is a joy for most reviewers. Cars.com adds that the automatic is a plus, and "it never made a harsh shift" during their test period. ConsumerGuide also claims "the alert six-speed automatic transmission is always in the right gear." Motor Trend is once again disappointed, saying "sure, there are six speeds, but without a true manual mode, the tranny hunts with the same fervor as Dick Cheney."

With any SUV the size of the 2010 Ford Expedition, fuel economy is always going to be an issue. Cars.com points out that Ford claims the new six-speed transmission "improves performance and gas mileage" over the old model's four-speed automatic, but the EPA still rates the 2010 Ford Expedition at 12 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. On the heavier, stretched version of the 2010 Ford Expedition, ConsumerGuide says that their "4WD Expedition EL averaged 13.4 mpg."

The 2010 Ford Expedition is large, but that doesn't mean it can't handle decently. Kelley Blue Book reaffirms this, stating that "the driving impression feels connected to the road, helped in no small part by steering with a good degree of precision." ConsumerGuide reviewers did not expect to find that the 2010 Ford Expedition lineup boasts "impressive agility for large SUVs" and that the "nicely weighted steering has a natural feel." The same can be said for the SUV’s impressive ride, and Cars.com reviewers state that they are "a bit surprised by the Expedition's exceptional ride quality," noting "body roll has been reined in fairly well." A common problem among all reviewers is the brake pedal feel, as Cars.com discovers that the Ford Expedition's "brake pedal has the same spongy feel that plagues the smaller Explorer Sport Trac." Motor Trend this time offers some praise, claiming the brakes are "strong and a match for the cumbersome curb weight."