2019 Ford Expedition Max

ktosv wrote:
Have you driven one and compared it to your Yukon XL?

From my signature, you can see I have the latest Suburban. Previously we had a 2012 Yukon XL and my impression is the interior is far better, but some of the fit and finish lacks what goes into a BMW. We never had a problem with squeak or rattles in the Yukon XL and it had over 125k miles when we replaced it with the Suburban.

I have driven several Expeditions as rentals with work. My impression is that the Expedition has very sensitive steering and it felt like I was constantly correcting the steering. This got very fatiguing on a 2000 mile road trip. At the end of that trip I couldn’t wait to turn that one in. The last one I rented was a 2019 Max in January of this year. Still has the same steering feeling to me. Honestly, I was underwhelmed with the Ecoboost in it. I guess I was expecting more apparent superiority over my 5.3L. I have also driven F150’s with the Ecoboost that performed better in my opinion. I don’t know how the ride that I experience would do towing. Coworkers who have also driven the Expedition have said the same thing.

I've driven the Ex three times. Once as a rental for a couple days, and then test drives of two different vehicles. While the Ex is a much more "truck like" driving experience than the GM versions, I did not notice what you mention on the steering. I'll try to pay attention to that the next time I test drive.

I will agree with you on the engine power - the first test drive I did was underwhelming. Not that it was weak, but it wasn't nearly as strong as I expected. Seat of the pants, it really doesn't feel any stronger (maybe not as strong?) as my current 6.2. And I don't like the lack of exhaust note. But I have read enough reviews to know that it will perform well.

If I go with an Ex, it will largely be a decision based upon price/value. And the main reason I am not looking closer at the GMs, at least right now, is the fact that in order to get the 6.2, they make you get a top of the line vehicle, which moves new vehicles into a price range I am not interested in entering. Not sure why they do that, but it may cost them a sale here as I am not interested in a 5.3.

We leave on a long weekend at the lake tomorrow. When I come back, I'll put the current Yukon up for sale. Once it sells, I will get serious about the search. Might look at some 17 or 18 model Denali's. They will be better equipped, but at a price point similar, or maybe even higher, than a new Excursion, that is a trade off I am not sure I am willing to make.