The Ford Expedition IV, specifically the facelifted U553 model produced from 2021 to 2024, represents the fourth generation of Ford’s full-size SUV. Positioned as a premium offering within the Expedition lineup, the 3.5 EcoBoost V6 (400 Hp) SelectShift variant aimed to deliver a balance of powerful performance, towing capability, and refined comfort. This iteration of the Expedition competed directly with rivals like the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, and Jeep Wagoneer, offering a spacious interior and a robust powertrain designed for American families and those requiring substantial cargo or towing capacity. The U553 facelift brought updated styling, enhanced technology, and refinements to the EcoBoost engine.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | Expedition |
| Generation | Expedition IV (U553, facelift 2021) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.5 EcoBoost V6 (400 Hp) SelectShift |
| Start of production | 2021 |
| End of production | 2024 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 8 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (EPA) | 13.8 l/100 km (17 US mpg, 20.5 UK mpg, 7.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (EPA) | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg, 27.7 UK mpg, 9.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (EPA) | 12.4 l/100 km (19 US mpg, 22.8 UK mpg, 8.1 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 6.1 kg/Hp, 164.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 3.7 kg/Nm, 267.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 400 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 114.4 Hp/l |
| Torque | 651 Nm @ 2250 rpm (480.15 lb.-ft. @ 2250 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | EcoBoost |
| Engine displacement | 3497 cm3 (213.4 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 92.5 mm (3.64 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 86.6 mm (3.41 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Twin-Turbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, TI-VCT |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.7 l (6.02 US qt | 5.02 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 14.6 l (15.43 US qt | 12.85 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2435 kg (5368.26 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 546 l (19.28 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2968 l (104.81 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 87.8 l (23.19 US gal | 19.31 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2722 kg (6000.98 lbs.) |
| Length | 5333 mm (209.96 in.) |
| Width | 2029 mm (79.88 in.) |
| Width with mirrors folded | 2124 mm (83.62 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2373 mm (93.43 in.) |
| Height | 1945 mm (76.57 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3112 mm (122.52 in.) |
| Front track | 1717 mm (67.6 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1707 mm (67.2 in.) |
| Front overhang | 971 mm (38.23 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1251 mm (49.25 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 250 mm (9.84 in.) |
| Approach angle | 23.4° |
| Departure angle | 22.2° |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle | 21.5° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 10 gears, automatic transmission SelectShift |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 275/55 R20; 285/45 R22 |
| Wheel rims size | 20; 22 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
At the heart of the 2021-2024 Expedition U553 3.5 EcoBoost lies Ford’s 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine, internally designated as the EcoBoost. This engine is a member of Ford’s EcoBoost family, known for combining direct injection, turbocharging, and variable valve timing (TI-VCT) to deliver a high output with reasonable efficiency. The engine produces 400 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 651 lb-ft of torque at 2250 rpm. The direct injection system precisely meters fuel into the cylinders, while the twin turbochargers provide increased air intake, boosting power and torque. The 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, a crucial component of this powertrain, is designed to optimize gear ratios for both acceleration and fuel economy. This transmission allows for smooth and responsive shifting, and features selectable drive modes to tailor the driving experience.
Driving Characteristics
The 3.5 EcoBoost V6 with the 10-speed automatic delivers a markedly different driving experience compared to lower-trim Expeditions equipped with the naturally aspirated 3.3-liter V6. The EcoBoost provides significantly more immediate power and acceleration, making highway merging and overtaking effortless. The 10-speed transmission keeps the engine in its optimal power band, contributing to a responsive feel. While the EcoBoost doesn’t offer the same fuel economy as the base engine, the added performance is often considered a worthwhile trade-off by drivers who frequently tow or carry heavy loads. The rear-wheel-drive configuration, standard on this trim, contributes to a more balanced feel, although four-wheel drive was a popular option.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 3.5 EcoBoost trim typically sat in the mid-to-upper range of the Expedition lineup. Standard features included leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a power-folding third-row seat, a premium sound system, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, a rear-seat entertainment system, and upgraded leather trim. The Expedition offered various packages that bundled popular options together, allowing buyers to customize their vehicle to their specific needs.
Chassis & Braking
The Expedition U553 utilizes a body-on-frame construction, providing a robust and durable platform. The suspension consists of an independent front suspension with double wishbones and a transverse stabilizer, and an independent multi-link rear suspension with a stabilizer bar. This setup aims to balance ride comfort with handling stability. Braking duties are handled by ventilated discs on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The anti-lock braking system (ABS) is standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 2021-2024 Ford Expedition 3.5 EcoBoost received generally positive reviews from automotive critics. The engine was praised for its strong performance and smooth power delivery, while the 10-speed transmission was lauded for its responsiveness. Critics noted that the EcoBoost trim offered a compelling combination of power, comfort, and technology. Compared to the base 3.3-liter V6, the EcoBoost variant commanded a higher price but delivered a significantly more refined and capable driving experience. Fuel economy, while not exceptional, was considered acceptable for a vehicle of this size and capability.
Legacy
The 3.5 EcoBoost engine has proven to be a reliable and durable powertrain in the Expedition. While some early EcoBoost engines experienced minor issues with timing chain guides, these were largely addressed in later model years. The 10-speed automatic transmission has also demonstrated good long-term reliability. As a result, the 2021-2024 Expedition 3.5 EcoBoost models hold their value relatively well in the used car market, appealing to buyers seeking a spacious, powerful, and well-equipped full-size SUV. The combination of performance, technology, and practicality ensures its continued relevance for years to come.
