Just trying to decide between the Explorer and Expedition. Which one would you pick and why? Curious to hear your thoughts.
I’d go with the Expedition. We had a 2022 Expedition but traded it for an Explorer, and my wife regrets it every single day. She plans on getting another Expedition once her work situation changes—she drives about 25k miles a year right now. The 3.5 Ecoboost is great, and for such a big SUV, the turning radius is surprisingly good.
If you can afford it, go with the Expedition. The fuel economy difference isn’t that big, and it holds its value way better than the Explorer.
I really like the Expedition, but it’s definitely more expensive.
The Expedition is much bigger. Are you okay with that, or is it overkill for what you need?
What do you need it for? I was comparing the Explorer ST and Expedition and ultimately went with a Lincoln Aviator because I didn’t really need the Expedition’s size. It’s been great for me.
It depends on how much space you need. I had a couple of 2003 Explorers but upgraded to a 2010 Expedition because we were taking long road trips. I got the standard size Expedition, but sometimes I wish I’d gone with the EL/Max version for extra room.
Now that our needs have changed, I’ll probably downsize again when I’m ready for a new car in a few years.
Just don’t get into a head-on crash with the Expedition.
What are you using it for? If you’re doing light towing or hauling, the Explorer is fine. If you need a ton of space, go with the Expedition.
We switched from a Navigator to an Explorer and don’t regret it. The Explorer is just a better size for us. It’s way easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. Our 2016 Explorer has been great—lots of room for our dogs and shopping trips, and it’s mainly my wife’s car.
How many people are you hauling? The Expedition is much bigger but terrible on gas.
Laken said:
How many people are you hauling? The Expedition is much bigger but terrible on gas.
It’s just me 
I just like big SUVs.
Go big or go home—Expedition all the way!
If you can swing it financially, the Expedition is the way to go. The 3.5 Ecoboost engine is great, and honestly, the fuel economy difference compared to the Explorer isn’t that big.
Cass said:
If you can swing it financially, the Expedition is the way to go. The 3.5 Ecoboost engine is great, and honestly, the fuel economy difference compared to the Explorer isn’t that big.
Yeah, I think I’m leaning towards the Expedition. I like it more than the Explorer.
@Nori
I get it! Bigger SUVs are just so nice to have. Even if you don’t need the extra space, it’s great knowing it’s there. I always preferred something like a Grand Cherokee over a smaller SUV just for the room.
I have a 2023 Explorer ST-Line. If I were you, I’d pick the Expedition. The Explorer’s interior has some annoying creaks and rattles on bumpy roads that drive me nuts.
We’ve got a 2021 Expedition Max that looks like the one in your picture—same wheels and everything. It’s been the best family car we’ve had. I used to drive a 2017 Raptor, so the size doesn’t bother me. We moved up from an MDX because I’m 6’5” and a rear-facing car seat didn’t fit behind me. Now we can take the grandparents and the kids on trips without any space issues. Parking hasn’t been a problem either, but we’re in Georgia where things are built for trucks.
The Expedition does more than the Explorer. If you can justify it, it’s worth it.
We have a 2020 Explorer, and it’s been great for our family of three. That said, our next car for my wife will probably be an Expedition. The extra space is tempting.