By Steven D. Gatt, Automotive Editor
Ford Expedition
The new Expedition is the replacement for the full-size Bronco which only came in a two-door version. The Expedition comes only in four-door models and has available seating for eight people. Ford is re-entering this market because it is a lucrative one. Profit on well-optioned, full-size SUV's can be as much as $10,000. Chevy and GMC to date have been the only choices in full-size SUV's with the Suburban.
Expedition is based on the F150 platform and from the ride you can certainly tell this is a truck. While the ride is a bit bouncy, the steering is very light and easy to use. One look at the Expedition and you can see other Ford products. From the A-pillar forward the Expedition is an F150 with the exception of the grille insert. From the A-Pillar back the Expedition looks like an oversized Explorer. The exterior design is sleek (for a truck) and aerodynamic.
Turning to the interior, ergonomics are wonderful. The dashboard has large easy to read gauges and the radio features large buttons. With the transmission shifter on the column, even more area was available for storage bins. Along the center armrest console were map pockets; a unique feature. The Expedition I test drove had full leather seating and driver and front passenger captain chairs. The rear, third seat folded flat for easy removal. The middle, second row of seats folded forward in a 70/30 split.
The standard engine is the 4.6L V8 but the evaluated Expedition featured the 5.4L V8 and was mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission which shifted slowly, lingering between gears. Other upgrades on the evaluated truck were AM/FM stereo cassette, skid plates, cruise control and the XLT trim package.
The 5.4L V8 had to move 5,136 lbs; driving gas mileage into the ground. Ford and the EPA report ratings of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. During my week of testing, I achieved 15 mpg. Most of the time was spent in 2 WD but it was all-around driving city and highway. The price for the Expedition XLT 4X4 as tested, including destination, was $34,425. That sounds pricey but for this market it is normal.
GMC Suburban
The Suburban is the longest running nameplate in automotive history. It was originally introduced as the Suburban Carryall, and that is exactly what it does: carry all. The Suburban is huge, however, it was easy to drive except when parking. Parking the Suburban is a nightmare: get used to walking from the farthest edge of the lot.
Unlike the Expedition, the Suburban has a smooth ride due to its longer wheelbase. The Suburban also featured full leather seating and front captain chairs. The center console was deep and extremely useful. Odd note: the clipboard on the center console was usable, unlike the similar design in the Sierra pickup. The console is further forward in the Suburban making it easy to use. Once again though, GMC's ergonomics lag behind Ford. The front cupholders are still misplaced in front of a vent.
The Suburban had available seating for eight as tested; with the standard front bench seat you can seat nine. The rear, third seat, folds flat for easy removal. The Suburban seat felt lighter than the Expedition, though I did not weigh either one. The middle row of seats folds forward allowing for tons of cargo when, for example, you're moving.
With all the amenities, including the SLT package, a CD player and leather, it feels more like a luxury car than a truck (except for the obvious height-off-the-road factor). The price is very competitive: as tested, including destination, the price was $38,111.
Fuel economy for the 5.7L V8 is 12 mpg city and 16 mpg highway according to GMC and the EPA. During my week of testing, I achieved 14 mpg. Most of the driving was highway miles, but some of the time it was loaded down with moving boxes, lamps, furniture, etc. The Suburban handled well overall.
Conclusion: The winner
It is difficult to pick a winner in this contest. Both the GMC and the Expedition offer a lot of features for the money. The Suburban is bigger and can carry more stuff but is as aerodynamic as a brick and the ergonomics are poor. The Expedition is nimble has an fresh, aerodynamic design and features excellent ergonomics. In choosing a winner, I took into consideration just how often I would be likely to carry that much stuff. Rarely, if ever would I need a vehicle as big as either of them. The clear winner becomes the Ford Expedition with it's refinement, agile handling and competitive price.