We LOVE our 07 Expy EL, and our Pioneer 180CK (younger sibling to your TT).
Here are the features we like so much about the Expy EL
1/2 Ton payload king. Our EL XLT 4x4 with leather, rear air and sunroof has 1672lbs payload. Other 1/2 SUV are less, some A LOT less. BE SURE to check the yellow sticker on the door sill of any SUV you look at. It will state exactly how much payload that vehicle with it's factory options can handle.
07 was first year for the EL, and also included the 6spd. EL comes with 3.73 gears standard, coupled with 4.17 first for an overall low of 15.55 That is lower than the old 4 speed with even 4.56!! It has no issue getting anything moving. The shifter allows locking into 1st, 2nd or 3rd. And yes, if you put in 3rd, it will stay in 3rd, even from a stop. In D the transmission will use 1-6, the OD button locks out 5th and 6th. 4th is actually a slight underdrive of 1.1:1, which gives a final ratio of 4.1. Yep, the same as towing in "direct" with the 4spd and 4.1 axle gears. A LOT of thought was put into the ratios for this transmission.
The 5.4 while maybe not the most powerfull, is still 305/385 and is proven. I get 12-13mpg around town and 17mpg highway crusing. About 9mpg towing. 33.5 gallon gas tank means range is decent.
As a family hauler the EL is awsome! Our 3 kids are all still in massive Britax carseats, all 3 fit snugly across the middle seat. A double and single B.O.B. live in the back of the EL with plenty of room for whatever else. The 3rd row is a 60/40 split. In about 2 minutes I can fold up the 40 section, move 1 carseat to the back, and have a spot for adult in the 2nd row with easy access to the carseat in 3rd row, with the 60 section still down I don't lose much cargo space.
Thanks in part to the fully independant suspension the ride is smooth, luxury car smooth. And very quiet. With good tires there is very little noise inside, and you really only hear the engine when you get on it.
The EL 3rd row has nearly as much legroom and seat height as the 2nd row. No complaints from 3rd row passengers. Even with 3rd row up we have room for 2 jogging strollers and several overnight bags. We took 8 people including our 3 kids and all our stuff to Vegas for a weekend. A bit tight but we made it.
Fold down the 3rd row (you do NOT HAVE TO REMOVE IT like GM) and you have just over 5ft of floor and a full 4ft between the sides. Fold down the middle row (again, does not have to be removed) and you have just over 8 feet. I have brought home all kinds of sheet goods and lumber from Home Depot. I have also brought home a full size reclining sofa!
Like said before, be sure you get the towing package. On the Expy EL this includes a bigger trans cooler, HD radiator, HD flashers, wiring for brake controller. For the Expy quick way to tell if has towing package is to look for the 7 pin plug on the back. If it is there, it has tow package, if just the 4 pin, no tow package.
I believe for at least the 2007-2010 timeframe the Expy EL was the best of the bunch.
Let me know if there is anything else you want to know about the EL. Good luck in your search!
