The Ford Expedition eight-seater (see video) has scored second in annual sales volumes among large SUVs in the United States for the past two years, slotting in between the Chevrolet Tahoe and the GMC Yukon. Today, Ford unveils a new modification of it that General Motors has yet to match: called the XL STX, it is an affordable five-seater.
The newcomer cuts even more corners than the previous base trim, the $52,810 XLT. It lacks auto-dimmable mirrors, a garage remote and a satellite radio. It also has access to a narrower range of options, for instance, the interior trim is limited to fabric.
This is not to say the included equipment is particularly poor: there are 18-inch wheels, lane control, blind spot warning, AEB, keyless entry, a six-speaker audio system, a three-zone HVAC, power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a reversing camera. The infotainment system supports Wi-Fi, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and satellite navigation. Finally yet importantly, the trunk can accommodate up to 3,067 liters (108.3 cubic feet) of luggage.
Driving the large five-seater is a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 capable of 380 PS (375 hp / 279 kW) and 637 Nm (470 lb-ft) of torque. A ten-speed automatic transmission drives the rear wheels, and you can pay more to get AWD with a limited-slip rear differential.
Pre-orders are already running starting from U.S. $49,995.