I’m deciding between a 2021/2022 Ford Explorer Platinum with the 3.0 V6 turbo and a 2019 Expedition Limited with the 3.5 V6 turbo. They’re priced similarly, and I’m torn about which one to get.
I test drove an Explorer ST, and it handled amazingly—it felt like driving a car but with SUV practicality. On the other hand, I love the spaciousness of the Expedition; it’s got tons of room and cargo space, but I haven’t driven one yet. I’m curious how they handle. Do they have a lot of body roll?
We’re a family of four with two dogs, so the Explorer might be a little tight on long trips, though the dogs are older and don’t travel as much. If anyone has experience with both models, I’d love to hear your thoughts on pros, cons, and recommendations.
The driving experience is pretty different between the two. The Explorer is more car-like since it’s built on a platform that could also be used for sedans. The Expedition, being body-on-frame like a pickup truck, feels more like driving a truck. The independent rear suspension helps the Expedition’s handling compared to an F-150, but it’s still very truck-like.
@Corey
That’s what I figured. I have an ‘08 Tundra CrewMax and an ‘07 Escalade, and they both handle terribly around corners—it feels like passengers are going to fall out of their seats.
Raleigh said: @Corey
That’s what I figured. I have an ‘08 Tundra CrewMax and an ‘07 Escalade, and they both handle terribly around corners—it feels like passengers are going to fall out of their seats.
I’ve driven both as rentals. If you’re in a big city, I’d recommend the Explorer. It’s so much easier to park and maneuver. I had an Expedition in Chicago, and finding parking for it was a pain. The Explorer is much more manageable in urban areas—I’ve driven one in Boston with no major issues.
Lex said: @Corey
Isn’t the new Explorer body-on-frame now? Wouldn’t that make its handling different than older models?
Nope, the Explorer is still unibody. The sixth-gen model just switched to a rear-wheel-drive platform with a longitudinal engine layout. It drives a bit differently than the fifth-gen, but it’s still not body-on-frame like the Expedition.
The Expedition is great for space, but the Explorer rides better, gets better fuel economy, and is less of a ‘boat’ to drive. It really depends on your long-term needs.
One thing to note: 2019 Expeditions had some issues with cam phasers, and 2021 Explorers were made during a time when Ford’s quality control was hit or miss.
I’ve had older Explorers (2003) and a 2010 Expedition. Honestly, I don’t think the Expedition has more body roll than the Explorers I’ve owned. It feels about the same for an SUV of that size. The Expedition does have StabiliTrak, which might help. But since 2011, Explorers have been unibody, so they probably handle roll better than older models.
I went from a Taurus X with my first kid to a 2011 Expedition with my second and third kids. The ‘big’ Expedition got small real quick on long trips. I eventually traded it for a 2017 Navigator. At first, I hated giving up the 5.4L V8 for the twin-turbo V6, but after driving it, I was sold.
Aspen said:
What trim level is the Expedition, and is it the regular or Max wheelbase?
It’s a regular Limited trim.
Having driven both, I’d lean toward the Explorer Platinum. I assume it’s new compared to the used Expedition. The Explorer has better driver-assist tech, and I’d be worried about the Expedition losing value quickly when the used car market normalizes.
@Aspen
That’s a fair point. The Expedition is at the lower end of Kelley Blue Book, but prices are weird right now. I loved how the Explorer handled—it felt more like a car—and that torque was awesome.
I’ve owned both a 2019 Expedition and a 2019 Explorer ST. They both did their jobs well. I miss the Explorer for its handling and efficient use of space. The Expedition had a lot more room but drove fine. It really comes down to fuel economy and how much space you need.