Ford Expedition - Expedition EL / Max

Expedition EL / Max

For 2007, an extended-wheelbase version of the Expedition called the Expedition EL (for "extended length") was introduced in the United States. In Canada and Mexico it is badged as an Expedition Max because of confusion with the Canada-sold Acura EL, which was replaced in 2005 by the Acura CSX (the Expedition Max name continues to be used in Canada). At first it was supposed to be called the Everest but Ford changed their minds at the last minute. However, Ford now uses the Everest name for its SUVs in Asia. As with the standard size Expedition, the EL/Max version continued to have the same features from the 2007 to 2011 model year, but for the 2012 model year it added a cargo organizer as an exclusive feature.

The EL/Max replaced the discontinued Excursion and is expected to compete more effectively with the Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL. While both GM and Ford vehicles are similar in size (as both Suburban/Yukon XL 1500s and EL vehicles are packaged as half-tons), there is a difference in the pricing range, as the sale price for the EL model Expedition is lower than the sale price of the Suburban/Yukon XL's. Another difference is that while Chevrolet and GMC offer different engine sizes for their Suburban/Yukon XL models (5.3L, 6.0L and 6.2L), the EL/Max only comes with a 5.4L/V8 engine, just like its standard-size sibling and does not have a 3/4 ton version like the Suburban/Yukon XL has.

Outside North America, including the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam, the Expedition EL is also imported to and sold in the Middle East and the Philippines, where in the latter the EL version is the only type of Expedition that is imported and sold there. Coincidentally, the Philippines is also where Ford also sells the Everest SUV.

The Expedition EL is about 15.8 in (40 cm) longer than the standard Expedition for a total of approximately 222 in (18.5 feet or 563 cm), and has a 131 in (333 cm) wheelbase, producing 24 ft³ of additional cargo space over the standard 119 in (302 cm) wheelbase model. The EL/Max versions also carries the same updated (2007–present) features as noted above, save for the Eddie Bauer version (18" machine-aluminum wheels). And while they are larger in size, its maximum towing capacity is 8,900 lb (4,000 kg) on the 4x2 version and 8,700 lb (3,900 kg) on the 4×4 version, about 300 lb (140 kg) short of the regular sized Expedition. They also received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA. The Expedition EL was also ranked 9th among the top 15 "Best Family Haulers", according to a June 2009 consumers favorite survey conducted by Edmunds.

Just like the standard sized Expedition, the Expedition EL originally came in 4 trim lines: XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited and the King Ranch series during the 2007-2010 model year. After the 2011 model year was introduced, the trims expanded to 5, with the XLT and XLT Premium levels replacing the Eddie Bauer level and the newly designated standard XL entry level taking the XLT's place. The XL, XL Premium and XL Sport levels were dropped after the 2012 model year. The Expedition EL can be distinguished by its longer rear-quarter windows and the aft wheel well trim not cutting into the rear passenger doors.