Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2017 Ford Expedition EL XLT SUV, a vehicle that's all about space, power, and comfort. If you're in the market for a large SUV that can handle family duties, road trips, and a bit of towing, the Expedition EL XLT might just be your perfect match. Let's get into the nitty-gritty details and see what makes this SUV tick.

Overview of the 2017 Ford Expedition EL XLT

The 2017 Ford Expedition EL XLT is part of the Expedition's fourth generation, known for its robust build and impressive capabilities. The 'EL' in the name stands for 'Extended Length,' meaning you get even more cargo space than the standard Expedition – a huge plus for those family vacations or hauling gear. As an XLT trim, it strikes a balance between affordability and features, offering a comfortable ride and a good amount of tech without breaking the bank. Under the hood, you'll typically find a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, which provides a great blend of power and efficiency. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and responsive driving. The Expedition EL XLT also comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but four-wheel drive is available for those who need extra traction in challenging conditions. Inside, the cabin is spacious and well-appointed, with three rows of seating that can comfortably accommodate up to eight passengers. The XLT trim includes features like cloth upholstery, a user-friendly infotainment system, and a range of safety features to keep you and your family safe on the road. The 2017 Ford Expedition EL XLT is designed to be a versatile and reliable SUV that can handle a variety of tasks, making it a popular choice for families and anyone who needs a lot of space and capability. Whether you're planning a cross-country road trip or just need a dependable vehicle for daily commutes, the Expedition EL XLT is worth considering. Let's delve deeper into the specifics to see why it stands out in the crowded large SUV market.

Performance and Engine Specs

When it comes to performance, the 2017 Ford Expedition EL XLT doesn't disappoint. The heart of this beast is the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, a powerhouse that delivers impressive horsepower and torque. This engine is designed to provide a smooth and responsive driving experience, whether you're cruising down the highway or towing a heavy load. The EcoBoost technology combines turbocharging and direct injection to maximize power and efficiency, giving you the best of both worlds. Specifically, the engine churns out around 365 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough to get this large SUV moving with authority. The six-speed automatic transmission works seamlessly with the engine, providing smooth and timely shifts. This combination ensures that the Expedition EL XLT can handle a variety of driving conditions with ease. One of the standout features of the 2017 Ford Expedition EL XLT is its towing capacity. When properly equipped, it can tow up to 9,200 pounds, making it an excellent choice for hauling boats, trailers, or other heavy equipment. The available four-wheel-drive system adds another layer of capability, allowing you to tackle off-road adventures or navigate through snow and ice with confidence. Fuel economy is also a consideration for any large SUV, and the Expedition EL XLT manages to hold its own in this area. It gets an estimated 15 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway, which is respectable for a vehicle of this size and capability. Overall, the 2017 Ford Expedition EL XLT offers a compelling blend of power, performance, and towing capacity, making it a top contender in the large SUV segment. Whether you need a reliable workhorse or a comfortable family vehicle, the Expedition EL XLT has you covered. Let's move on and take a look at the interior and technology features that make this SUV a great place to spend time.

Interior and Technology Features

Stepping inside the 2017 Ford Expedition EL XLT, you'll immediately notice the spacious and well-designed cabin. This SUV is built with comfort and convenience in mind, offering a range of features that make every journey enjoyable. The XLT trim comes standard with cloth upholstery, which is both durable and comfortable for long rides. The seats are supportive and offer plenty of room for passengers in all three rows. Speaking of rows, the 2017 Ford Expedition EL XLT can comfortably seat up to eight people, making it an ideal choice for large families or carpooling. The second-row seats can be easily folded and tumbled forward, providing convenient access to the third row. In terms of technology, the Expedition EL XLT includes a user-friendly infotainment system with a 4.2-inch display screen. This system allows you to control audio settings, access vehicle information, and connect your smartphone via Bluetooth. While it's not the most advanced system on the market, it's easy to use and provides all the essential functions you need. Other notable technology features include a rearview camera, which makes parking and maneuvering in tight spaces much easier, and rear parking sensors, which provide an added layer of safety. The 2017 Ford Expedition EL XLT also comes with a six-speaker audio system, delivering clear and crisp sound quality. For those who want more, there are optional upgrades available, such as a premium sound system and a larger touchscreen display. In addition to comfort and technology, the Expedition EL XLT offers plenty of storage space. There are numerous storage compartments throughout the cabin, including a large center console, door pockets, and cupholders. The extended length of the EL model provides even more cargo space behind the third row, making it easy to haul luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. Overall, the interior and technology features of the 2017 Ford Expedition EL XLT are designed to provide a comfortable, convenient, and connected driving experience. Whether you're on a long road trip or just running errands around town, this SUV has everything you need to stay comfortable and entertained. Now, let's take a look at the safety features that make the Expedition EL XLT a safe and reliable choice for your family.

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority for any family vehicle, and the 2017 Ford Expedition EL XLT comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features to protect you and your passengers. Standard safety equipment includes antilock brakes, stability control, and traction control, which work together to help you maintain control of the vehicle in challenging driving conditions. The Expedition EL XLT also features a full complement of airbags, including front airbags, side airbags, and side curtain airbags, providing protection in the event of a collision. One of the standout safety features of the 2017 Ford Expedition EL XLT is its rearview camera. This camera provides a clear view of what's behind the vehicle, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. Rear parking sensors are also included, alerting you to any obstacles that may be behind you. In government crash tests, the Expedition EL XLT performed well, earning high marks for overall safety. This is a testament to Ford's commitment to building safe and reliable vehicles. In addition to these standard safety features, the 2017 Ford Expedition EL XLT offers several optional safety upgrades. These include blind-spot monitoring, which alerts you if there's a vehicle in your blind spot, and rear cross-traffic alert, which warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing out of a parking space. These advanced safety features can help you avoid accidents and stay safe on the road. The 2017 Ford Expedition EL XLT also includes Ford's MyKey system, which allows you to set limits on speed and audio volume for younger drivers. This is a great feature for parents who want to ensure their teenagers are driving safely. Overall, the safety features of the 2017 Ford Expedition EL XLT are designed to provide peace of mind and protect you and your family on the road. With its combination of standard and optional safety equipment, the Expedition EL XLT is a safe and reliable choice for anyone looking for a large SUV. Now that we've covered the safety features, let's wrap things up with a final verdict on the 2017 Ford Expedition EL XLT.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the 2017 Ford Expedition EL XLT? Overall, this SUV is a fantastic choice for anyone who needs a lot of space, power, and capability. It offers a comfortable ride, a spacious interior, and a range of features that make it a great family vehicle. The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine provides plenty of power for towing and hauling, and the available four-wheel-drive system adds extra versatility. The XLT trim strikes a good balance between affordability and features, offering a lot of value for the money. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the higher trim levels, it still provides a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience. One of the biggest advantages of the 2017 Ford Expedition EL XLT is its extended length, which provides even more cargo space than the standard Expedition. This is a huge plus for families who need to haul a lot of gear, whether it's luggage for a road trip or sports equipment for the kids. The safety features are also top-notch, providing peace of mind for you and your passengers. The rearview camera and rear parking sensors make it easier to maneuver in tight spaces, and the available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert can help you avoid accidents. Of course, no vehicle is perfect. The fuel economy of the 2017 Ford Expedition EL XLT is not the best, but it's comparable to other large SUVs in its class. Also, the infotainment system is not the most advanced, but it's easy to use and provides all the essential functions you need. In conclusion, the 2017 Ford Expedition EL XLT is a reliable, versatile, and spacious SUV that's well-suited for families and anyone who needs a lot of room and capability. If you're in the market for a large SUV, the Expedition EL XLT is definitely worth considering. Thanks for tuning in, and we'll catch you in the next review!