You guys, we had a chance to review the 2018 Ford Expedition Max Limited and it DID NOT DISAPPOINT. As you may know, we have 4 kids. Yes – FOUR KIDS. It’s a zoo, to say the least.
2018 Ford Expedition Max Limited Review
We were able to give the Ford Expedition Max a run for its money. Let’s talk about why this is the perfect SUV for large families and why this tech mom LOVES this vehicle.
Perfect SUV for a Large Family
Our everyday vehicle for the family is a Buick Enclave. I really do love that SUV, but there is one problem. In the few years we have had it, our little kids are now big kids and while we all fit in the SUV at one time – now it’s like a clown car. Yes, there is seating for 8, but it’s not configured in a way that makes sense for our family with growing kids.
The Ford Expedition Max was a dream to drive. We are currently living in a hotel, yes still who follow our stories on Instagram. Our house was flooded so hotel living until the repairs are done is where we are at. Because of the hotel situation and having four kids – we basically live in the car.
Comfortable Commute
It’s a 20-minute drive back and forth each day (at least 2 times a day!) and with backpacks and color guard equipment and all the other things that come with a family who is not living in their home – it’s like we are living in our car. This poses a problem in our everyday vehicles, but the 2018 Ford Expedition Max handled our family chaos just perfect.
There was a plethora of room for the kids to spread out and not be on top of each other. The back area provided enough room for all of the random things we are bringing back and forth from the house to the hotel. It really was a dream to drive and not have kids screaming in the back of the car about how so-and-so is on top of them.
This vehicle is DEFINITELY road trip worthy. In addition to the ample room for hauling your family’s stuff, there is AMAZING storage in this vehicle. I don’t know about you, but I am always at a loss as to where to put my purse in my car.
If i put it in the backseat, I know it will get unzipped and inevitably spill everywhere. In the front seat, it cramps my husband’s style.
The Expedition offers a HUGE lockable glove compartment box and the console is massive. I fit my gigantic messenger bag in it. Space in this vehicle is a dream.
Ford Expedition vs Ford Expedition Max
In a previous time, Ford had a large SUV called the Ford Excursion. I have a friend who has proudly driven her Ford Excursion for YEARS. It was slightly larger than the Ford Expedition.
Ford stopped the Excursion brand and created a Ford Expedition EL. The Ford Expedition EL is basically the Ford Excursion. Now Ford is retiring the Expedition EL and has introduced the Ford Expedition Max.
Expedition vs Expedition Max Specs
So, what does this mean? If you are looking for an SUV slightly larger than the Ford Expedition, check out the Ford Expedition Max. The Ford Expedition Max is nearly a foot longer than the Expedition.
2018 Ford Expedition
Length: 210.0 inches
Wheelbase: 122.5 inches
Width: 93.4 inches
2018 Ford Expedition MAX
Length: 221.9 inches
Wheelbase: 131.6 inches
Width: 93.4 inches
Both the Expedition and Expedition Max are available in three trim levels: XLT, Limited and Platinum.
All trim levels of the 2018 Ford Expedition feature a maximum payload of 1,840 pounds and a maximum payload capacity of 9,300 pounds. The 2018 Ford Expedition MAX models feature a maximum payload of 1,900 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 9,100 pounds.
2018 Expedition Technology
You guys know I love tech and proudly wear the tech mom bad, so let’s talk technology in the 2018 Ford Expedition Max.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
The 2018 Ford Expedition offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It works by simply plugging your phone into the console. I have an Apple iPhone, so the interface, when plugged in for Apple CarPlay, resembles a simpler version of my iPhone interface. The same can be said for Android Auto.
USB Plugs, Wireless Charging and More
With our 4 kids, comes 2 phones and 2 tablets – therefore we need USB plugs. The 2018 Ford Expedition has six USB ports (four USB ports with the base level Expedition.) That’s not it – the Expedition offers wireless charging via the wireless charger on the center console. This family SUV will keep your family powered on the go.
As if all of that isn’t enough – and if you REALLY need more capacity for charging your devices or what have you – Ford has put four 12V powerpoints onein the Expedition as well.
Voice Control Your Favorite Apps
This SYNC 3 feature had me jazzed. You can control your favorite apps with the built-in voice technology. With voice commands and your steering wheel buttons, you can control your favorite apps on your smartphone.
I used this to stream my favorite Pandora stations (which OMG, I am totally into the Eddie Vedder Pandora station, at the moment.) Also to listen to my favorite podcasts (stay tuned for a blog post on this!)
Note: Compatible apps must be open and running on properly paired phone.
Read more about SYNC 3 and connecting voice commands
Smart Key
Sure key’s don’t really go in the ignitiion on newer vehicles, but I just have to say how much I love this.
Ford calls this their vehicle’s Intelligent Access (IA) key.
FordPass App
You guys, I know we all have a ton of apps on our phone but let me tell you – if your vehicle has an app, download it.
The FordPass app will connect with a SYNC®Connect-enabled vehicle allowing you to check your fuel level or remotely unlock, lock and start your vehicle. Schedule maintenance, request Roadside Assistance, locate your vehicle and more. (Check to see if your Ford vehicle is eligible for app use, it’s so worth it!)
Remote Start
Do you know how great it is to unlock your car from an app, rather than giving your kids the key fob to unlock it? Also, remote start in the winter months is a MUST. It’s so great to open an app, remote start and not have to wait for the heater to warm up!
Even if you don’t have a Ford or if your Ford isn’t SYNC®Connect compatible, the app has features that you can enjoy. A few years ago, I had the privilege of traveling with Ford to learn more about what Ford has planned for the future at their Further with Ford even in 2015.
The FordPass App was one of the items that they discussed (back then My Ford Mobile App). I can’t wait to see the features that Ford will continue to add to elevate the vehicle app experience.
Learn more about the FordPass mobile app.
You guys, I could go on and on about the technology features in the 2018 Ford Expedition.
Auto Headlights
The auto headlights that brighten and dim at night depending on your driving conditions were an absolute WOW.
Power Folding Seats
The easy to fold power seats in the second AND third row made life super easy with stubborn children.
Front Row and Second Row Seating
Did I mention not only are the front seats heated but the second-row seats are heated as well in the Limited edition?
In addition to heat, the front row offers cooling seats as well.
Driver-Assist Technologies
The smart driver-assist technologies on the Ford Expedition are mind-blowing. These include pre-collision assist with pedestrian detection, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert, enhanced active park assist, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control with stop and go.
Wi-Fi® Hotspot
Remember how I mentioned we had four kids, well while we do limit screen time most of the time – in the vehicle we don’t. It helps keep us parents sane, so sometimes you just have to give in and the best place for us to give in is in the car. Select Expedition models feature a 4G LTE WIFI hotspot, powered by AT&T that allows you to connect 10 devices at once.
Navigation and User Interface
The navigation and user interface on the Expedition is beautiful and easy to use. Bonus, available navigation includes a five-year complimentary SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Travel Link trial subscription.
GPS with 3D Mapping
Global Positioning System (GPS) technology is combined with 3-D mapping and provides voice-guided turn-by-turn directions. With SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link, you’ll get detailed traffic information, plus current and forecasted weather, gas station locations and prices, sports scores and schedules, and movie theater locations with show listings and times.
360-Degree Camera
I was amazed at how CRISP the camera view was on the 2018 Ford Expedition. Come to find out there is a 360-degree camera with split-view display. It uses four cameras (one in the grille, tailgate, and under each of the side-view mirrors) that allows you to see all sides of the vehicle on the eight-inch color LCD screen.
Easy Parking Guide
The camera system includes front and rear washers to maximize visibility. I have an awful time parking and was worried about that when it came to parking the Expedition. I quickly realized how the cameras enabled me to easily park the SUV. This tech feature is HUGE, especially if you fear driving a large SUV.
Closing Thoughts on the Ford Expedition Max
When I say I LOVE the Ford Expedition Max Limited, I mean it. The Ford Expedition is a tried and true brand. These vehicles are built to last and designed for function.
Great Large Family SUV
My husband, who is NOT a car guy admitted that the SUV was amazing. Now, the true test will be if he lets me trade in my Enclave and buy one – it seriously was THAT awesome. If you are in the market for a large family vehicle – the 2018 Ford Expedition should definitely be on your list.
Here is another great large family SUV – read our 2017 Chevrolet Suburban review.
Wanna learn more, check out the SUV brochure from Ford
Thanks Ford for letting us borrow the Ford Expedition Max for the week to review. This is a great 2018 large family SUV that will provide years of use when raising a family.
