Overview

What's New
The Expedition EL is all new for 2007. EL stands for "extended length" and is indicative of the vehicle's 14.8 inches of additional overall length when compared to the standard full-size Ford Expedition. That translates to 24 cubic feet of additional cargo space behind the third-row seat, making the EL amply equipped to handle the cargo of large families. And it can tow up to 9,100 pounds.

Overview
With the demise of the Ford Excursion in 2005, Ford no longer had a serious contender for the highly successful Chevrolet Suburban and its GMC counterpart, the Yukon XL. That changes with the arrival of the new, and very large, Expedition EL. Measuring 221.3 inches long, the Expedition EL is about 6 inches shorter than the former Excursion, but only about two inches shorter than the current Suburban. Ford thereby presents customers with an alternative to Chevrolet's and GMC's offerings, with a full-size SUV that has the ability to tow heavy trailers and accommodate a full load of people and a full load of gear. Compared to the regular-length Expedition, the all-new Expedition EL's wheelbase has been stretched 12 inches, which accounts for 131 cubic feet of cargo space-a 21 percent increase. Nearly all of the extra space goes behind the third-row seat for additional storage.

The new Expedition EL shares the upgrades made to the regular-length Expedition for 2007, which include a fresh exterior with F-150 design cues, a new chassis, improved sound-abatement features, a redesigned dashboard, and upgraded seat design. The EL, however, has unique wider-swinging second-row doors for improved entry and exit, as well as different running boards and roof rack. The EL can seat up to 9 passengers and comes in three trim levels: XLT, Eddie Bauer, and Limited. Notable options include second-row captain's chairs, a sunroof, a rear DVD entertainment system, Sirius Satellite Radio, a navigation system, and a power liftgate. A Class IV towing package is also available to achieve its maximum 8,750-pound towing capacity.

Only one engine is offered in the EL, a 5.4-liter V-8 that delivers 300 hp and 365 lb.-ft. of torque. The standard transmission is a new 6-speed-automatic with manual-shift capability. Expedition EL buyers have a choice between two- and four-wheel drive.

The Competition
The Ford Expedition EL competes in the Large Utility segment, which consists of eight models. Buyers in this segment look for comfort, performance, and exterior styling, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2006 Avoider Study^SM and the Escaped Shopper Study. ^SM

The top sellers in the segment during calendar year 2006, according to the J.D. Power and Associates Sales Report,^SM were the Chevy Tahoe (161,491 units sold), Ford Expedition (78,953), and Chevrolet Suburban (77,211). The Ford Expedition EL sold 8,250 units in 2006 in its first year on the market. Other models offered in the Large Utility segment include the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, Toyota Sequoia, and Nissan Armada.