2020 Ford Expedition Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.

The SUV market has been booming for a while now, and the Ford Expedition has been one of the leaders in the third-row SUV pack. The 2020 Ford Expedition is every bit a large SUV - abounding with space but hard to drive since it is so dang bulky and long. It also is not as quiet as other vehicles in this segment, and the brake pedal can feel a bit too squishy.

You will also have to fuel up on premium unleaded to get the most power from the standard 3.5-L twin-turbo EcoBoost engine. This engine generates 375 hp on the three lowest trim levels and is tweaked to get 400 hp on the line-topping Platinum trim level. A 10-speed automatic transmission comes with it. The fuel economy is just about what you would expect from a third-row SUV: 17 miles per gallon in the city and 23 on the highway. Of course, with these being big SUVs, you can expect to pay a lot for them plus the amount of fuel you will be constantly putting into them. Needless to say, they get pricey.

On a more positive note, the Expedition is extremely comfortable. The V6 is able to accelerate well, and the ride is, for the most part, pretty cozy. Even those in the third row will be able to relax a bit, even though third rows are typically pretty crunched for space. This one isn't too shabby, and the cargo area feels cavernous as well.

So, which of the 2020 Ford Expedition's four trim levels (or their MAX variants, which are basically just wheelbases that are over 9 inches longer than the standard ones) is right for you? Is there one trim level that will work best for the average driver? Is there one you should skip over entirely?

Read on through to the end of this trim level comparison review. In the end, we will declare a "winner" that we think will appeal the most to the average driver and meet their needs.

 

Compare the 2020 Ford Expedition XLT vs Limited Trims. What is the difference?

The XLT is the 2020 Ford Expedition's base trim level. This vehicle comes with the standard powertrain and has Ford's Co-Pilot360 features: roll stability control, electronic stability control, traction control, hill start assist, and (on the 4x4 models) hill descent control. A terrain management system is also available on the 4x4 models. The engine also has automatic start-stop, and the vehicle rides atop 18-inch machined-face aluminum wheels with magnetic painted pockets. 18-inch magnetic metallic, 20-inch luster nickel-painted aluminum, and 20-inch 6-spoke gloss black wheels are available as options.

The Limited trim has many of the same features, although you can opt for a continuously controlled damping system. 20-inch wheels also come standard on the Limited trim, and there are options for 18-, 20-, and 22-inch wheels.

On the outside, these two trim levels do look fairly similar. However, they do have some exterior features that will set them apart. Both trim levels have manual liftgate doors, a single outlet exhaust, body-colored bumpers, a body-colored fascia, halogen fog lamps, halogen projector-beam headlamps, daytime running lamps, a bright chrome grille, a Class IV trailer hitch receiver, a rear window defroster and washer, and intermittent front windshield wipers. The Limited does get upgraded to a hands-free foot-activated liftgate, rain-sensing front windshield wipers, satin aluminum inserts on the door handles, LED taillights, silver lining painted accents on the front grille, bright stainless steel roof rack rails, and power-deployable running boards.

Expect there to be a lot of similarities on the inside but also some pretty noticeable differences. The XLT gets rear auxiliary climate controls, but the Limited has a tri-zone system that is optional on the XLT. Push-button start is standard, but the Limited adds memory settings to the driver's seat, intelligent access, and a remote start system. Automatic high beam headlights, pre-collision assist, and reverse sensors come on the XLT, but the Limited adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. It also gets upgraded to an 8-inch (from a 4-inch) display.

Other standard features on both trim levels include WiFi hot spot connectivity, 15 beverage holders, cruise control, a universal garage door opener, sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, a rear cargo area light, power door locks, an automatically dimming rearview mirror, four 12-volt power outlets, and a leather-wrapped tilt and telescoping steering wheel with audio controls mounted onto it. The Limited also gets a heated steering wheel, 110-volt/150-watt power outlet, power-adjustable accelerator and brake pedals, wood grain trim, and ambient lighting.

As far as entertainment goes, they both feature the Sync 3 infotainment system, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and two USB ports in the first and second rows. The Limited gains two ports in the third row, as well as wireless charging, built-in navigation, HD Radio, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Compare the 2020 Ford Expedition Limited vs King Ranch Trims.  What is the difference?

As you should reasonably expect, the King Ranch is more expensive than the Limited for a good reason. It adds a ton of standard features into the mix, many of which are only optional on the Limited and some which are not available at all on the XLT. A continuously controlled damping suspension comes equipped, and there are 22-inch 6-spoke wheels that the King Ranch sits atop.

The King Ranch loses some of the optional details that you find on the body of the Limited. It does gain LED headlights, taillights, and fog lamps. The panoramic sunroof that comes optional on the lower trim levels is also standard equipment on the King Ranch. The roof-rack side rails are done in stone gray and have black end caps to help set the two trims apart. Also, there are stone gray power-deployable running boards. The mirror caps are also stone gray.

The King Ranch does get a bit of a boost when it comes to the standard safety features. Ford Co-Pilot360 sees the addition of the Enhanced Active Park Assist System (which helps with parallel parking, reverse perpendicular parking, and more), adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality, and lane keep assist.

Inside, the floor mats are carpeted and get treated to the King Ranch logo. The interior design is done in beautiful mesa/ebony and has Del Rio leather on the seats, steering wheel, door, and console. The front door scuff plates have brushed aluminum inserts. The infotainment system is basically the same, again leaving you with the option of adding a rear seat entertainment system.

The King Ranch will likely attract a lot of attention with its absolutely stunning interior, but, of course, it will cost you more to get this vehicle over the Limited. However, the King Ranch does add enough standard options to be considered worthy of buying.

Compare the 2020 Ford Expedition King Ranch vs Platinum. What is the difference?

The King Ranch adds a lot of great standard features to the 2020 Ford Expedition and abounds with luxury. So, how can the Platinum trim level possibly top it? Well, it does, in several important ways.

First, you need to know that you are not going to find any big mechanical changes between the King Ranch and the Platinum. In fact, the only real difference you will find is that the Premier's wheels do not have the King Ranch logo slapped across the center cap. You can count on getting the same powertrain and drivetrain.

Next, note that the front grille gets upgraded from bright chrome to satin aluminum with bright chrome inserts. Beautiful and luxurious, but still aggressive and bold. The roof-rack rails and end caps are all done in bright as well, giving them that extra shine and pop. Roof rail cross bars also come standard, whereas they are just optional on the King Ranch. The running boards are body-colored but have accents done in polished stainless steel.

Things get a bit fancier on the inside as well. The second row is 40/20/40 power-folding, whereas the King Ranch comes with captain's chairs (which is an option on the Platinum). The Platinum's seats are multi-contoured and have active motion. Enhanced active noise control helps to keep the Platinum's cabin as muted from outside noises as possible. Also, there are real wood accents along the front console, giving this trim level an even greater look of luxury. The advanced cargo manager comes standard on the Platinum, whereas it was only optional on the King Ranch.

Not a lot gets added in the way of safety features, but the second row's outboard seats have inflatable rear safety belts, something which only comes as an add-on option to the lower trim levels.

As you can probably tell, these two highest trim levels are really more about luxurious creature comforts than they are about raw power. Basically, choosing between the King Ranch and Platinum is choosing between luxury and more luxury. How much you are willing to spend will be what helps you decide between these two trim levels.

 

Which Trim to Choose?

The 2020 Ford Expedition does get a nice 400 hp power output on the Platinum trim level, which might distract a few people from buying the lower trims. However, a lot of drivers will likely enjoy the Limited trim level, as it offers a respectable amount of standard features without its price being too outrageous.

The Limited trim looks nice, but it is not all about looks. In fact, looking inside of the cabin, you might have a hard time telling the Limited from the Platinum. (The King Ranch has that distinct mesa and ebony Del Rio leather that sets it apart from all of the other trim levels.) The Limited gets the balance of power and standard features just right.

If you do want to spend a little bit more money, go for the King Ranch. The Platinum is not different enough to truly justify splurging on. The King Ranch is. At least, it is if you like brown. The mesa areas of the leather seats make for an interesting contrast to the ebony parts.

Unfortunately, the XLT trim is a little bit too bare-bones to warrant a purchase. The price tag and the list of standard features do not match up well, so there is a lot left to be desired. SUV buyers are not always interested in going all-out with high trim levels, but they also want some of the quintessential safety and infotainment features that Ford does not put on their base trim.

That is why the Limited trim level is the one to buy from the 2020 Ford Expedition line-up. The 3.5-L twin-turbo engine feels strong enough and has a quick acceleration rate for a big ol' third-row SUV. That, coupled with the number of standard features, should be enough to reel in some happy consumers.