If you’re shopping for Ford’s popular three-row SUV, the Expedition, you’ll be presented with two options: the traditional or the MAX. The MAX is the extended version of the Expedition. Each one gets you seating for eight, 4×2 or 4×4 options, and a diverse selection of trims ranging from convenient and comfortable to off-road and even luxurious. So, what’s the difference between the Expedition and the Expedition MAX? The most common difference between the two models is that the Expedition MAX has more interior passenger and cargo volume than the Expedition. However, there are a few other notable differences between the two to be aware of if you’re in the market for a 2024 Ford Expedition. Below, we’ll go over the differences between the Expedition and the Expedition MAX to help you determine which one is best for you.
Differences in Length
If you feel like you’re commanding a lot more vehicle in the MAX, it’s because you are. Its total length is 221.9 inches, while the traditional Expedition’s total length is 210 inches. So you’re looking at just shy of an extra foot of length with the MAX. We do like to mention this to shoppers who park in a tight spot each day. Drivers with massive parking spots might not need to worry about the extra foot. But if you are working with limited space in a closed garage or have neighbors who are fussy about rear bumpers sticking out of driveways, we recommend measuring the space to ensure it can accommodate the longer MAX.
Approach/Departure/Breakover Angles
An approach angle refers to the angle your vehicle can safely ascend, starting from a flat surface, without damaging the front bumper of the vehicle. The departure angle refers to the angle at which a vehicle can safely descend, starting from a flat surface. The breakover angle refers to the largest angle a vehicle can pass over without the peak of the angle scraping the undercarriage of the vehicle.
The Expedition MAX has a marginally greater approach angle than the traditional Expedition. However, the traditional Expedition actually has a slightly larger departure and breakover angle. Luckily, both vehicles have 9.8 inches of ground clearance (select trims of the MAX have 9.7 inches), so either model is well-equipped to traverse bumpy terrain.
Cargo Volume
Cargo volume is a major focus for these two models, primarily because Ford advertises the MAX as having more cargo space than the traditional model. Let’s take a look at the cargo figures behind each row for these two vehicles.
Behind the First Row
With the second and third rows down, you’ll get 104.6 cu.ft. of cargo space in the Ford Expedition and 121.5 cu.ft. in the MAX. If you know you won’t often need the rear seats and plan on using your Expedition to transport long items, you’ll enjoy roughly 17 extra cu.ft. of cargo volume in the MAX, which is substantial. Should your cargo needs exceed “everyday” needs (maybe you transport a lot of furniture, ladders, or Christmas trees), the MAX will be more suited to your needs.
Behind the Second and Third Rows
With just the second row of seats down, you’ll have 73.3 cu.ft. of cargo space in the MAX and 57.5 cu.ft. in the traditional model. Finally, with all rear seats up, you’ll have 34.3 cu.ft. of cargo volume in the MAX and 19.3 in the traditional Expedition. That’s where you see the biggest discrepancy between the two, with a trunk in the MAX that’s nearly double the size of the traditional Expedition’s.
Often, when we work with families or other large groups who tell us they need to utilize the eight seats of their Expedition but also have a lot of belongings to transport, we recommend the MAX. The traditional Expedition is good for daily driving (like grocery runs and school drop offs). However, the MAX is best for road trips and multi-day excursions that call for more stuff.
Towing Capacities
The Expedition lives up to its name with some towing figures great for adventures. So, which model should you get if you want to tow those boats, RVs, campers and the like? Let’s review the towing figures for the traditional versus MAX Expedition.
Looking at 4×2 models, the maximum weight your trailer can support when fully loaded (that includes the weight of the vessel itself) is 6,000 lbs for the Expedition and 6,300 pounds for the Expedition MAX. However, drivers have the option to add the heavy-duty trailer towing package. That bumps the maximum weight for your loaded vessel to 9,300 lbs for the Expedition and 9,000 lbs for the Expedition MAX. You’ll notice there that the traditional model actually tows 300 more pounds than the MAX with the towing package. However, if you skip the package, you see an extra 300 pounds of towing power in the MAX.
It’s important to ask yourself what sorts of vessels you’ll be towing and what contents you’ll load into them. Knowing the total weight of your loaded vessels and whether or not you’ll be adding the heavy-duty towing package will help you determine which model is right for you.
Fuel Economy
Now, let’s discuss fuel economy. Because the MAX is larger, it weighs more, which has a slight impact on fuel economy, but very slight. In fact, you’ll be looking at just around a one or two-mile-per-gallon difference for combined, city, and highway mileage in the MAX compared to the traditional Expedition. Fuel economy should not be a deciding factor in which model is right for you because the figures are so similar. However, the MAX has a larger fuel capacity. The Expedition can hold 23.2 gallons of fuel, while the MAX can hold 27.8. So, while you won’t see a noticeable mile-per-gallon difference, you could land at the pump a little less frequently in the MAX simply due to its larger tank.
We’re Ready to Help You Pick Out the Perfect Ford Expedition
Ready to get behind the wheel of one of America’s favorite full-size SUVs? The Expedition has a legacy of excellence. It’s packed with great infotainment, technology, comfort features, and cargo compartments that make it great for daily life on the road and special excursions. If you’re still unsure whether the Expedition or the Expedition MAX is right for your needs, visit us at Future Ford of Sacramento. We have an insightful, friendly, and professional team that’s ready to assist you.
We’ve put many drivers in the right Expedition model for their needs. We know what questions to ask to help narrow down your decision. And the great news is that we’re constantly rolling new models onto our lot, so there are plenty of Expeditions to take for a test drive. Once you’ve picked out your Expedition, our experienced finance team is ready to put together the right lease or loan package for you.
If you spend a lot of time in your SUVs, then you know how important it is to have the necessary amount of cargo volume, and how important it is to feel comfortable behind the wheel. Each Expedition is right for a different driver, and we’d love to help you select yours. Visit us and experience the Expedition versus Expedition MAX in person.
