2026 Expedition Review in Salem, VA

Meet the 2026 Ford Expedition at Berglund Ford Salem

When you need three rows of real passenger space, impressive towing capability, and the confidence that comes with a full-size SUV, the 2026 Ford Expedition deserves a close look. At Berglund Ford Salem in Salem, VA, the Expedition continues to be one of the most capable family SUVs on the market. It combines powerful EcoBoost performance, available off-road capability, advanced technology, and a spacious interior that comfortably accommodates up to eight passengers.

Buyers can choose between the standard-wheelbase Expedition and the extended-wheelbase Expedition MAX, allowing families to prioritize either maneuverability or maximum cargo space. Whether you're towing a boat to Smith Mountain Lake, hauling camping gear into the Blue Ridge Mountains, or transporting the entire family across Virginia, the Expedition is designed to handle the job with ease.

2026 Ford Expedition Trim Levels

The 2026 Expedition lineup offers seven distinct trims:

• Active
• Platinum
• Tremor
• King Ranch
• MAX Active
• MAX Platinum
• MAX King Ranch

The Active serves as the entry point with strong standard equipment, advanced safety technology, and the full-size capability buyers expect. Platinum adds premium materials, advanced technology, and luxury-focused features. Tremor is the most off-road-focused model, with additional ground clearance, specialized hardware, and rugged styling. King Ranch brings distinctive Western-inspired luxury appointments. The MAX variants extend the wheelbase and cargo area, making them ideal for families who frequently travel with passengers and gear.

Interior Comfort and Passenger Space

One of the Expedition's biggest advantages is interior room. The cabin is designed for families, road trips, and everyday practicality. Three rows of seating provide genuine comfort for adults and children alike, while available power-folding seating configurations make cargo management simple.

Interior dimensions include:

• Front headroom: 41.8 inches
• Front legroom: 43.9 inches
• Second-row headroom: 40 inches
• Second-row legroom: 41.1 inches
• Third-row headroom: 37.4 inches
• Third-row legroom: 36.5 inches
• Passenger volume: 175.0 cubic feet

Additional measurements include 64.9 inches of front shoulder room, 64.8 inches of second-row shoulder room, and 64.2 inches of third-row shoulder room. Hip room measures 62.3 inches in both the first and second rows. Expedition MAX models maintain identical passenger dimensions while providing significantly more cargo volume. Tremor models feature slightly reduced passenger volume at 171.8 cubic feet due to their specialized equipment.

The spacious cabin allows adults to ride comfortably in all three rows, something many midsize SUVs struggle to achieve. Even third-row passengers benefit from generous legroom and shoulder room. Families who frequently travel with multiple passengers will appreciate the Expedition's ability to carry a full load without feeling cramped.

Interior comfort features vary by trim and can include heated front seats, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and premium leather seating surfaces.

Higher trims add multi-contour front seats with Active Motion functionality, memory settings, power-adjustable pedals, a power-adjustable steering column, and upgraded interior trim materials.

Additional available amenities include tri-zone climate control, a panoramic Vista Roof®, ambient interior lighting, and power-folding second- and third-row seats.

The Platinum and King Ranch models bring the most upscale cabin experience. Premium leather seating, upgraded trim accents, enhanced comfort features, and luxury-focused details help these trims compete with many luxury-branded SUVs while maintaining the utility expected from a Ford.

Cargo flexibility is another Expedition strength. Standard-wheelbase models provide 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 60.8 cubic feet behind the second row, and up to 180.5 cubic feet with both rear rows folded. Expedition MAX models increase cargo capacity to 37.4 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 123.1 cubic feet behind the first row.

Exterior Design and Utility

The 2026 Expedition maintains its bold, full-size SUV presence while incorporating trim-specific styling details. The design communicates capability without sacrificing refinement, and the available appearance packages allow buyers to tailor the look to their preferences.

Exterior highlights include:

• LED exterior lighting
• Power liftgate
• Available panoramic Vista Roof
• Available power-deployable running boards
• Multiple wheel designs

The Active trim establishes a clean and modern appearance, while Platinum introduces more premium styling elements and upgraded wheel designs. King Ranch models feature unique exterior accents that complement the trim's luxury-focused character.

The Tremor stands apart visually with its off-road-oriented design. Increased ride height, specialized tires, unique badging, and rugged styling cues immediately signal its capability. Tremor models also benefit from significantly improved off-road geometry compared to standard Expedition models. Ground clearance increases to 10.6 inches, while approach, departure, and breakover angles improve substantially for trail use.

Available exterior colors include:

• Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
• Glacier Gray Metallic Tri-Coat
• Space Silver Metallic
• Dark Matter Gray Metallic
• Agate Black Metallic
• Oxford White

Exterior dimensions vary based on wheelbase choice. Standard Expedition models ride on a 122.5-inch wheelbase and measure 209.9 inches long. Expedition MAX models stretch the wheelbase to 131.5 inches and increase overall length to 221.7 inches. Both configurations maintain an 80-inch body width and commanding road presence.

The Expedition's size serves a purpose. Large doors simplify passenger entry, while the spacious cargo area and available roof-rack systems enhance versatility. Whether you're loading sports equipment, luggage, home-improvement supplies, or outdoor gear, the Expedition offers the space needed to accommodate demanding lifestyles.

EcoBoost Performance and Capability

Every 2026 Ford Expedition is powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost® V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift®. The standard version of the engine produces 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, providing strong acceleration and confident towing capability. Select trims equipped with the High-Output calibration increase output to 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, making the Expedition one of the most powerful SUVs in its class.

The EcoBoost engine uses twin independent variable camshaft timing, direct and port fuel injection, an aluminum block, and aluminum cylinder heads. These technologies help deliver strong low-end torque while maintaining smooth highway performance. Regular unleaded fuel is recommended, though premium fuel unlocks maximum horsepower and torque ratings on High-Output models.

Rear-wheel drive is standard on most trims, while Intelligent four-wheel drive is available. Four-wheel-drive models receive a two-speed transfer case with Neutral Tow capability, helping drivers tackle challenging terrain and tow recreational equipment more easily. Tremor models add an electronic locking rear differential and specialized off-road hardware for enhanced trail capability.

The Expedition's chassis is equally impressive. An independent short- and long-arm front suspension works with an independent multi-link rear suspension to provide a comfortable ride while maintaining stability under heavy loads. Available Continuously Controlled Damping and rear load-leveling suspension systems further improve ride quality and handling.

EPA estimates reach 16 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined for rear-wheel-drive models. Four-wheel-drive models earn EPA estimates of 15 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 18 mpg combined.

Towing and Utility

The Expedition is built to handle serious towing duties. Whether you're hauling a boat, camper, enclosed trailer, or recreational equipment, the Expedition offers capability that rivals many pickup trucks.

Towing features include:

• Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package availability
• Trailer sway control
• Integrated trailer brake functionality
• Neutral Tow capability
• Available electronic locking rear differential

Properly equipped four-wheel-drive Expedition models can tow up to 9,600 pounds when equipped with the available Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package. Expedition MAX models can tow up to 9,000 pounds when similarly equipped. Standard towing capacities reach 6,000 pounds on Expedition and 6,300 pounds on Expedition MAX rear-wheel-drive models.

The available Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package upgrades axle ratios and towing hardware to maximize capability. Combined with the EcoBoost engine's substantial torque output, the Expedition is well-suited for drivers who regularly tow larger loads.

Technology Features

The 2026 Expedition features one of the most advanced technology suites in Ford's SUV lineup. Large displays, connected services, driver-assistance tools, and premium audio options help keep passengers entertained and informed.

Technology features include:

• Ford Digital Experience infotainment system
• 13.2-inch center touchscreen
• Wireless Apple CarPlay® compatibility
• Wireless Android Auto™ compatibility
• Available premium audio system

The Expedition's infotainment system supports smartphone integration, navigation functions, connected vehicle services, voice recognition, and over-the-air software updates. Wireless connectivity eliminates the need for cables, while multiple USB ports throughout the cabin help keep devices charged during longer trips.

Additional available technology features include a fully digital instrument cluster, head-up display, wireless charging pad, connected navigation, cloud-based services, premium Bang & Olufsen® audio systems, rear-seat entertainment capability, multiple camera views, trailer-assist technology, and remote vehicle access through FordPass® functionality.

The technology package is designed to simplify everyday driving while making long road trips more enjoyable for passengers in all three rows.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Safety remains a major focus for the 2026 Expedition. Ford equips the SUV with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies designed to help drivers navigate highways, parking lots, and everyday traffic situations with greater confidence.

Safety features include:

• Blind Spot Information System
• Lane-Keeping System
• Pre-Collision Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Rear View Camera

These systems help monitor surrounding traffic, assist with lane positioning, and provide collision mitigation support when needed. Adaptive Cruise Control can reduce driver fatigue during long-distance travel, while Blind Spot Information System technology becomes particularly valuable when maneuvering a large SUV in traffic.

Additional safety and convenience technologies available throughout the lineup include rear parking sensors, front parking sensors, intersection-assist functionality, trailer coverage for blind-spot monitoring, evasive steering assist, lane-centering technology, traffic-sign recognition, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, 360-degree camera systems, and advanced parking-assistance features.

The Expedition's body structure, advanced airbag system, electronic stability controls, and traction-management systems work together to provide confidence whether driving around Salem, commuting through Roanoke, or heading out on a family road trip.

Test Drive the 2026 Ford Expedition at Berglund Ford Salem

The 2026 Ford Expedition combines full-size SUV capability with family-friendly comfort, impressive towing strength, advanced technology, and available luxury features. Few vehicles offer the same blend of passenger space, cargo flexibility, towing confidence, and everyday usability.

At Berglund Ford Salem in Salem, VA, drivers can compare the Active, Platinum, Tremor, King Ranch, MAX Active, MAX Platinum, and MAX King Ranch trims side by side to find the Expedition that best fits their lifestyle. Whether you need maximum cargo room, premium comfort, serious towing capability, or off-road confidence, there's an Expedition built for the job.

Visit Berglund Ford Salem today to explore the 2026 Ford Expedition lineup and experience one of the most capable full-size SUVs available. From daily family duties to weekend adventures, the Expedition is ready for whatever comes next.

Schedule your test drive today.

*Disclaimer: This content was drafted with AI assistance for initial drafting, reviewed by a subject-matter expert for accuracy, and edited by our team of writers and editors.

* All fuel economy mpg listing in the content above are EPA estimates. Actual mileage will vary.