If you are searching for a bold looking, great driving 8-passenger SUV, the latest and new Expedition King Ranch will fill that need. The King Ranch trim was discontinued in 2015 and finally returns to the Expedition line-up. Ford serves up seven variants of the Expedition badge from the base XLT through to the Platinum MAX.
Driving the Expedition King Ranch
All 2020 Expeditions share the same 3.5L turbo charged V6 engine matched with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Generating a healthy 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 rpm, the Expedition easily keeps up with most on the highway.
This King Ranch is a very comfortable ride – perhaps helped by the firmer seats covered in Del Rio leather, excellent suspension enhanced by the suspension damping system (CCD). The CCD (available as standard equipment only on the King Ranch) was developed to reduce the impact of potholes on tire damage and to provide a much smoother ride. The CCD also stiffens the suspension in Sport mode to provide more responsiveness and cornering ability. I found the ride quality and driver seat stability better than the Lincoln Navigator with its Napa leather interior.
Clearly this Expedition is a big vehicle that makes its size even more obvious when navigating parking lots and their ever-shrinking parking spots. Fortunately there is Ford’s park assist feature to help out. Once on the open road, the King Ranch drives and behaves like a regular sized vehicle. For most driving conditions, I found the “Comfort” setting the one to use.
Driving and safety features
- 360 degree camera with front and back washer
- Active park assist for parallel, park out and perpendicular parking
- LED headlamps and fog lamps
- Pre-collision assist and emergency braking
- Blind spot with cross traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control and lane keeping
2020 Ford Expedition Quick Facts
| Trim | XLT | Limited | King Ranch | Platinum |
| All wheel Drive (AWD) | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Engine | 3.5L turbocharged | 3.5L turbocharged | 3.5L turbocharged | 3.5L turbocharged |
| Horsepower | 375 | 375 | 375 | 400 |
| Torque | 470 | 470 | 470 | 480 |
| Transmission | 10 Speed Automatic with Selectshift | 10 Speed Automatic with Selectshift | 10 Speed Automatic with Selectshift | 10 Speed Automatic with Selectshift |
| Wheels/Tires | 18” P275/65R18 all season OWL | 20” P275/55R20 all season BSW | 22” P285/45R22 all season BSW | 22” P285/45R22 all season BSW |
| Suspension | Multilink Independent Rear | Multilink Independent Rear | Multilink Independent Rear with Continuously Controlled Damping System | Multilink Independent Rear |
| Base Price (MSRP) | $62,500 | $75,175 | $80,750 | $82,400 |
Comfort and features
Getting in to this larger vehicle is helped by the remote start system and power deployable running boards that are standard equipment on the King Ranch. Both the front and second row seats are “captain’s chairs” with the front seats somewhat larger and more comfortable (10-way power adjustable) than the second row. The third row seats 60/40 seats are both power fold and recline.
To assist the driver, the King Ranch comes standard with:
- Ford’s SYNC3
- Voice activated touch screen navigation system with SiriusXM traffic and travel link
- 8” LCD with swipe capability
- Apple Car Play and Android Auto
- AppLink and 911 Assist
- 2 -Multimedia USB charge ports
- Bang & Olufsen 12 speaker sound system
Optional extras
There is not much to add to this fully loaded vehicle unless you want to tow. The heavy-duty trailer tow package for $1,400 can tow up to 4,173 kg and is equipped with:
- Heavy duty radiator
- Trailer back up assist
- 73 limited slip differential
- Integrated trailer brake controller
My test vehicle also included a couple of helpful accessories such as the cargo package ($400), floor liners ($250) and cargo mats ($75).
Things to consider
This is a rugged looking and comfortable large SUV with excellent towing capability that will serve a large family very well.
This is a rugged looking and comfortable large SUV with excellent towing capability that will serve a large family very well. Whether the $18,000 premium over the base XLT is worth the money is a personal choice. I quite liked the King Ranch version and would pay the smaller differential over the Limited just to get the better suspension and leather. If the King ranch is still not big enough, there is always the option of going to the King Ranch MAX that adds a few more inches to the vehicle’s length.
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