2009 Ford Expedition Overview
The new 2009 Ford Expedition adds several new features for the 2009 model year, and also ramps up engine power. The flagship of Ford SUVs, the 2009 Expedition features eight models including the Expedition XLT, XLT EL, Eddie Bauer, Eddie Bauer EL, the Expedition Limited and Limited EL, and the King Ranch and King Ranch EL. The EL has been extended to 15 inches longer than the standard sized Expedition. Also new for 2009 is a 310-hp 5.4-liter V8 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission – the sole powertrain for all models, giving the 2009 Ford Expedition an increase of 10 horsepower over the previous year’s Expeditions.
Rear-wheel drive comes standard on the new 2009 Ford Expedition, but a four-wheel drive system is available. The full-time system features a low-range gear for off-roading, but the system has the capability to remain active on dry pavement, which is not recommended for many other four-wheel drive systems.
The 2009 Expedition features nice new extras such as a voice-activated interface for digital music players and cell phones called “Ford SYNC,” available power-folding third row seats on select models, SOS Post-Crash Alert, and an upgraded navigation system which now includes entertainment information, weather and real-time traffic.
All 2009 Ford Expedition models have E85 capable engines, which means these flex-fuel vehicles have the potential to add less pollution to the air than vehicles that run on conventional fuel. New 2009 Ford Expedition owners can take comfort in knowing that they are helping to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil by opting to use renewable energy source.
2009 Ford Expedition Performance
The 2009 Ford Expedition comes with a 310-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. While there’s no escaping the mass of this hulking SUV, thanks to the powerful V8 the 2009 Ford Expedition offers a pleasant ride overall. The Expedition accelerates from 0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds and with a maximum towing capacity of 9200 lb., the 2009 Ford Expedition’s towing capabilities are quite impressive compared to the competition. Fuel economy for the rear-wheel drive Expedition is 14 miles per gallon in the city and 20 miles per gallon on highways, which is not terrible for a vehicle of this size.
2009 Ford Expedition Body and Interior
The handsome 2009 Ford Expedition features 17” x 7.5” alloy rims, variable intermittent wipers and privacy glass, intermittent rear wiper and power rear quarter windows, flip-up liftgate window and rear liftgate door. Wheelbase is 119 inches with a ground clearance of 8.9 inches.
All 2009 Ford Expeditions feature the ever-popular bucket seats, soft leather upholstery, and six-way power driver seats. The spacious interior seats nine comfortably and cargo space is a cinch with seats that fold into the floor with a simple touch of a button.
2009 Ford Expedition Safety
One of the most talked about safety features for the new 2009 Ford Expedition is the SOS Post-Crash Alert. The system has the ability to activate the turn signals and sound the horn to help first responders locate the vehicle in case of an accident. Standard safety features for the 2009 Expedition include: safety belt pretensioners, dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, safety canopy system, child safety rear door locks, LATCH (Lower Anchors & Tethers for Children), color-keyed lap/shoulder belts with adjustable shoulder harness and 3-point restraints for all passengers, AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control (RSC), power 4-wheel disc anti-lock brake system with brake assist, and an adaptive stroking steering column.
Also standard with all 2009 Ford Expedition models is the SecuriLock passive anti-theft system, remote keyless entry and illuminated entry, perimeter alarm, and SecuriCode keyless entry keypad (driver door).
2009 Ford Expedition Options
The new 2009 Ford Expedition offers a number of features designed with comfort, convenience, and entertainment in mind. Climate-controlled heated and cooled front seats are available as well as dual electronic automatic temperature control (DEATC) with auxiliary climate controls. Other options include AM/FM premium sound system with six-disc CD player, driver-adjusted speed compensated volume, rear seat controls, and MP3 capability. The Eddie Bauer and the Limited feature a large chrome trimmed console and power adjustable pedals with memory.
A voice activated navigation system with SIRIUS Travel Link, rear seat DVD entertainment with wireless headphones, 8” drop-down screen and remote control, and SIRUIS Satellite Radio with 6-month subscription are also available.
The 2009 Ford Expedition offers a convenience package for the Eddie Bauer and Eddie Bauer EL models, which includes power liftgate, power rear quarter windows, universal garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, and rear view camera.
2009 Ford Expedition Price and Value Assessment
The 2009 Ford Expedition is hands down one of the most comfortable, safe and powerful full-size SUVs on the market today, making it an excellent choice for large families interested in extra passenger space and consumers in search of a tough but comfortable towing vehicle. With a MSRP of $32,820-$45,825, the 2009 Ford Expedition is one of the most affordable large SUVs available for the new model year.
2009 Ford Expedition Comparable Vehicles
The 2009 Ford Expedition offers some stiff competition for Chevrolet's redesigned Tahoe and Suburban. Other competitive SUVs include the GMC Yukon, the Nissan Armada, Toyota Sequoia and the Chrysler Aspen.