2022 Ford Expedition Max: Stable Towing with Extended Wheelbase
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Overview of the 2022 Ford Expedition Max
- Towing with the Ford Expedition
- Engine and Powertrain Specifications
- Differences between the Short Wheelbase and Expedition Max
- Tow Package Options and Features
- Interior Design and Features
- Ride Quality and Handling
- Braking Performance
- Steering and Maneuverability
- Technology and Safety Features
- Blue Cruise and Driver Assistance
- Conclusion
🚗 Introduction
Welcome to our motorsports channel! In this article, we will be discussing the 2022 Ford Expedition Max and its towing capabilities. Whether you're a car enthusiast or simply looking for a reliable SUV for your towing needs, this article will provide you with all the information you need to know about the Expedition Max. From its engine specifications to its towing capacity, interior features to ride quality, we'll cover it all. So, let's dive in and find out why the 2022 Ford Expedition Max is a great choice for towing enthusiasts.
🏁 Overview of the 2022 Ford Expedition Max
The 2022 Ford Expedition Max is not an all-new vehicle, but it received a facelift to align with the new design of the 2021 F-150. The Expedition Max is equipped with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, which is the standard engine for all 2022 Expedition models. However, there are two variations of the EcoBoost V6, offering different power and torque outputs. This article focuses on the lower power and torque variant, which produces 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The power is transmitted to the wheels through a 10-speed torque converter automatic transmission and an optional four-wheel-drive system.
🚛 Towing with the Ford Expedition
Towing with the 2022 Ford Expedition Max can be a breeze, thanks to its extended wheelbase and stable design. The Expedition Max has 9.1 inches more wheelbase than the standard Expedition, providing greater stability when towing larger trailers. The longer wheelbase helps minimize sway and provides better control, especially when towing enclosed trailers that are prone to catching the wind. The general rule of thumb is that a longer wheelbase makes the rig more stable, and the Expedition Max's additional length translates to improved towing performance.
Pros:
- Extended wheelbase for increased stability
- Suitable for towing larger trailers
- Minimized trailer sway
- Better control while towing
Cons:
- No heavy-duty tow package included in this model
- Limited towing capacity without the heavy-duty package
⚙️ Engine and Powertrain Specifications
The 2022 Ford Expedition Max is equipped with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 engine. This engine has been a staple in the Expedition lineup for years due to its power and efficiency. In the Expedition Max XLT, the engine offers 380 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. This power is sent to the wheels through a 10-speed torque converter automatic transmission. The optional four-wheel-drive system is part-time, meaning the Expedition Max operates as a two-wheel-drive vehicle by default, and four-wheel-drive mode can be engaged when necessary.
Pros:
- Powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo engine
- Impressive torque output for towing
- Smooth-shifting 10-speed transmission
- Optional four-wheel-drive system for enhanced traction
Cons:
- Lower power and torque output compared to the high-performance variant
- Limited towing capacity without the heavy-duty tow package
🚙 Differences between the Short Wheelbase and Expedition Max
The main difference between the standard Expedition and the Expedition Max is the extended wheelbase of the Max model. The Expedition Max offers an additional 9.1 inches of wheelbase, resulting in approximately one foot of overall length compared to the standard model. While this extended length does not provide more legroom in the front row, it significantly improves stability when towing larger trailers. The additional wheelbase helps counteract the wind resistance of enclosed trailers, making the Expedition Max a preferable choice for towing enthusiasts.
🧰 Tow Package Options and Features
The 2022 Ford Expedition Max XLT in this review does not come equipped with the heavy-duty tow package. However, it is essential to mention the features and improvements it offers for those seeking maximum towing capability. With the heavy-duty tow package, the Expedition Max's towing capacity increases from 6,600 pounds to approximately 9,200 pounds when equipped with four-wheel drive. The heavy-duty package includes a larger radiator for improved cooling, a built-in trailer brake controller, the Pro Trailer Backup Assist software, and a limited-slip rear differential. These features enhance towing performance and provide increased control and stability while towing heavy loads.
Pros:
- Upgraded towing capacity with the heavy-duty tow package
- Enhanced cooling system for demanding towing conditions
- Built-in trailer brake controller for improved braking performance
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist software for easier maneuvering
Cons:
- Heavy-duty tow package not included in the reviewed Expedition Max XLT
- Additional cost for the heavy-duty package
🛋️ Interior Design and Features
The interior of the 2022 Ford Expedition Max XLT offers comfort and convenience for both drivers and passengers. The front seats are available in Activex material, which provides durability and ease of maintenance, making it an excellent option for frequent usage and towing purposes. The driver's seat is power-adjustable and includes lumbar support for added comfort during long drives. The gauge cluster features a traditional layout with analog gauges for speed and RPM, providing a straightforward and easy-to-read display. The center stack features a 12-inch infotainment screen with physical controls for audio and climate settings. The inclusion of wireless charging and USB ports ensures that devices stay connected and charged while on the go.
Pros:
- Comfortable Activex seats with durability
- Power-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support
- Traditional gauge cluster for easy readability
- User-friendly physical controls for audio and climate settings
- Wireless charging and USB ports for device connectivity
Cons:
- Limited or no availability of certain features in the XLT trim
- No panoramic sunroof in the reviewed Expedition Max XLT
🚗 Ride Quality and Handling
The 2022 Ford Expedition Max offers a balanced ride quality and handling characteristics. The suspension setup is well-tuned, providing a comfortable and composed ride on various road surfaces. The Expedition Max strikes a good balance between being soft enough to absorb road imperfections and firm enough to prevent excessive body roll while towing. The extended wheelbase contributes to improved stability, while the regular highway tires maintain optimal grip on the road. The combination of these factors ensures a smooth and enjoyable driving experience for daily commutes and long journeys with or without a trailer.
Pros:
- Balanced ride quality for everyday driving
- Comfortable suspension for absorbing road imperfections
- Stable handling characteristics when towing
- Optimal grip with regular highway tires
Cons:
- Limited availability of specialized suspension setups for off-roading
🛑 Braking Performance
The braking performance of the 2022 Ford Expedition Max, particularly when towing heavy loads, is an essential aspect to consider for safety. The reviewed Expedition Max XLT exhibits slightly soft initial brake pedal feel, requiring additional pressure to achieve optimal braking force. However, the combination of the truck's own brakes and the trailer's braking system provides effective stopping power. For better control and safety, it is recommended to utilize a trailer brake controller, even if the vehicle does not have a built-in one. The inclusion of trailer brakes helps distribute the braking force evenly and reduces the strain on the tow vehicle's brakes.
Pros:
- Trailer brake compatibility for improved braking performance
- Effective stopping power when utilizing trailer brakes
Cons:
- Slightly soft initial brake pedal feel with the Expedition Max XLT
↔️ Steering and Maneuverability
The steering in the 2022 Ford Expedition Max offers a light and responsive feel, contributing to ease of maneuvering in various driving conditions. The steering system provides a tight turning radius, allowing for smooth navigation in tight city streets and parking lots. The overall steering weight is suitable for highway cruising as well, providing stability during towing. Although the steering does not firm up significantly in tow/haul mode, it retains its appropriate response and contributes to the overall balanced driving experience of the Expedition Max.
Pros:
- Light and responsive steering feel
- Tight turning radius for easy maneuverability
- Suitable steering weight for stability during towing
Cons:
- Limited steering feedback and weight adjustments
📱 Technology and Safety Features
The 2022 Ford Expedition Max XLT comes equipped with Ford's Co-Pilot 360 suite of safety features, offering a range of driver assistance technologies. This suite includes lane keep assist, lane centering, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, and cross-traffic alert. These features enhance safety during daily commutes and provide added peace of mind while towing. The infotainment system in the Expedition Max XLT features the Sync 4 interface with a 12-inch touchscreen, providing seamless smartphone integration through wireless CarPlay. The inclusion of USB-A and USB-C ports ensures convenient connectivity and charging options while on the road.
Pros:
- Co-Pilot 360 suite for enhanced safety
- User-friendly infotainment system with wireless CarPlay
- Multiple USB ports for device connectivity
Cons:
- Limited availability of advanced infotainment options in the XLT trim
🤖 Blue Cruise and Driver Assistance
The 2022 Ford Expedition Max does not come equipped with Blue Cruise, Ford's hands-off driving assistance feature that offers hands-free driving on pre-mapped highways. Blue Cruise is available on higher trim levels and provides advanced Level 2 driver assistance capabilities. Although not featured in the reviewed Expedition Max XLT, Blue Cruise has received positive reviews on other Ford models, offering improved convenience and safety during highway driving. It is worth considering for those seeking a more advanced driver assistance system.
🏁 Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2022 Ford Expedition Max XLT is a capable SUV for towing enthusiasts. Its extended wheelbase provides increased stability, making it a suitable choice for towing larger trailers. The powerful 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost engine delivers ample torque for effortless towing, while the well-tuned suspension ensures a comfortable ride on various road surfaces. Although the XLT trim lacks certain features and packages like the heavy-duty tow package, it still offers an attractive combination of performance, comfort, and value. Whether you're hauling a boat, camper, or car trailer, the 2022 Ford Expedition Max is a reliable and versatile vehicle that will get the job done with ease.
