2020 Ford Expedition Limited Gets FX4 Off-Road Package
New model combines features and amenities of Limited trim level with the FX4 package’s shocks, skid plates, and rear differential.
Since launching the all-new Expedition as a 2018 model, Ford has steadily made it more luxurious and capable. The 2020 model year marks the return of the King Ranch trim level and the debut of a revamped Platinum edition. And now the FX4 off-road package, once an available upgrade for XLT models, can be added to the Expedition Limited and Expedition MAX Limited.
The Expedition can fit up to eight people and 121.5 cubic feet of cargo (in extended-wheelbase MAX form), but it’s not a complete “mall crawler.” Citing market research data from MaritzCX, Ford stated, “Nearly 20 percent of Expedition owners use their vehicle for off-road adventures, with 45 percent taking their SUV hunting, camping or fishing.”
Ford’s done its own research, too. According to Devin McParlane, the consumer marketing manager for the Expedition, “There’s a growing trend in people looking to enjoy rugged terrain without having to give up the refinement, comfort or convenience of getting there.” The Blue Oval is aiming to satisfy those consumer desires with the 2020 Expedition Limited FX4.
As its name implies, it’s based on the Expedition Limited, which comes standard with such niceties as heated and ventilated leather front seats, wood accents, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a 12-speaker B&O sound system from Bang & Olufsen. Like other 2020 Expeditions, the Limited FX4 is equipped with the Ford Co-Pilot360 technology suite that includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Keeping System, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, and a rearview camera. Since it’s a Limited, it also gets Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist, which bundles Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and voice-activated touchscreen navigation together. Enhanced Active Park Assist and Pro Trailer Backup Assist are available options.
The FX4 package adds small changes and major hardware designed to help the Expedition Limited go further away from suburbia. Limited FX4s have a shorter front chin spoiler, which improves their approach angle. Ford removed the regular shocks and replaced them with units built for off-roading. Of course, it changed the wheel and tire combo, as well, opting for a set of metallic gray 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels wrapped in 32-inch all-terrain tires. A pair of running boards with step bars span the distance between those on each side. FX4 badges make it even clearer that this Expedition Limited is up for more rugged adventures than its siblings.
A total of seven underbody skid plates protect everything from the engine to the fuel tank. There’s even a shield to keep sand from fowling up the intercoolers connected to the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6’s twin turbos. Output remains at 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. That gets routed through a 10-speed automatic and a two-speed transfer case. The FX4 package also adds the multi-mode Terrain Management System, a heavy-duty radiator, and an electronic limited-slip differential with 3.73:1 gears. When equipped with the available heavy-duty trailer package, a regular-wheelbase Expedition Limited FX4 can tow up to 9,200 pounds.
Interior upgrades are minimal: FX4 badges, rubber floor liners, and a standard 360-degree camera system with split-view functionality.
With an all-new Tahoe on the way for 2021, it’s wise of Ford to offer a new variant of the Expedition in line with consumer trends. And it’s doing it at the right time: now. The 2020 Expedition Limited FX4 and Expedition MAX Limited FX4 models are already in showrooms.
Photos: Ford
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