Individuals who purchase full-size SUVs just like the 2023 Ford Expedition usually accomplish that for passenger house, towing functionality, cargo capability, or some mixture of the three. However with Ford’s latest facelift for the 2022 mannequin 12 months, it added two new Expedition trim ranges known as the Timberline and Stealth Version. The previous is an off-road variant that goes after the Toyota Sequoia TRD Professional, whereas the latter is a sportier variant that faces off in opposition to the Chevrolet Tahoe RST Efficiency Version.
The Stealth Efficiency Package deal is simply out there on the Restricted trim for a whopping $9,880 ($80,480 complete with vacation spot). Is it price that huge funding? We spent every week driving the Expedition Stealth Version to find out if a three-row body-on-frame SUV might ever be thought of “sporty.”
Stealthy Styling
As a part of the Stealth Package deal, the Expedition sacrifices all of its shiny bits for darker, extra menacing accents. These embody black mirrors, badging, grille accents, and 22-inch wheels with pink brake calipers for a pop of shade. The wheels are notably cool, with a sort-of Mustang look. Even the well-known Ford Blue Oval is completed in black, tying the entire bundle collectively. The Infinite Blue Metallic Tinted Clearcoat paint on our tester stands out properly with the meaner Stealth look, however for the complete murdered-out impact, we might go for Agate Black Metallic.
Muscle {Car} Energy
Together with the darker accents, Ford considerably elevated the facility underneath the hood. The Timberline and Stealth Version share the distinction of being probably the most highly effective Expeditions cash can purchase. The three.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 contains the identical tune because the Lincoln Navigator, delivering 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. That is greater than GM’s 6.2-liter V8 and the Wagoneer’s twin-turbo inline-six.
Ford says the Expedition Stealth can hit 60 mph in simply 5.5 seconds, however impartial testing has measured it beneath 5 seconds. That is astonishing for one thing this large. It is so fast off the road that, on a couple of events, the glovebox popped open – maybe indicative of some niggling high quality points on our tester moderately than its spectacular efficiency.
Although the straight-line pace is spectacular, we weren’t blown away by the dealing with. That is nonetheless a large car, and no quantity of adaptive sport-tuned suspension (a $995 possibility) can change that. The journey is completely snug, however the children within the again would get sick should you determined to unleash the Expedition’s energy on a curvy street. For a extra complete household thrill journey, we nonetheless want the Dodge Durango SRT.
Roomy Inside
The Expedition packs room for seven occupants, although second- and third-row house will not be best-in-class. That is additionally true for cargo house, the place the Expedition supplies much less cupboard space than the Chevy Tahoe and Jeep Wagoneer. There may be the Expedition Max should you want more room, notably behind the third row, however the Chevy Suburban and Jeep Wagoneer L nonetheless boast extra cargo quantity. That is nonetheless a really spacious car, however there are extra sensible haulers within the section.
That is all relative, as any household migrating to an Expedition from a midsize SUV will really feel a particular enhance in measurement.
Is It Value Navigator Cash?
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a full-size SUV with a sporty edge, this looks like the most suitable choice. It is extra highly effective than the Tahoe RST Version, nevertheless it doesn’t provide a throaty V8. Inside, the Stealth is well-equipped with heated/ventilated entrance seats, second-row captain’s chairs, power-folding third row, a 15.5-inch infotainment system, a 22-speaker B&O sound system, digital gauge cluster, panoramic roof, and extra. However you recognize what else has all that stuff plus a luxurious nameplate? The Lincoln Navigator.
With choices, our Expedition Stealth Version tester got here in at over $83,000. A base Navigator begins at $79,725. That base value solely contains two-wheel drive, 14 audio system, 20-inch wheels, and a 13.2-inch touchscreen, nevertheless it delivers a extra premium cabin, heated/ventilated second-row seats, and a greater dealership expertise. The Stealth Version is cool for mothers and dads who need some Mustang taste of their three-row household hauler, however patrons who need extra class might be happier with a Navigator.