The great part about your channel is that potential buyers of these vehicles can see the off-road capabilities of various autos, thus giving the people that enjoy off-roading a true litmus test so to speak before they buy. Great job as always!
Don't worry, this style of test is pretty much what my whole channel is based on. The hill is so torn up though that I will need to do some work to level things out a bit.
Great video - thanks for the review! I'll echo what others have said regarding your litmus test and honest demonstration of the vehicles capabilities. I've been struggling with the thought of upgrading form my 2019 Expedition XLT 2wd to the FX4, really not sure of it's overall ability on very similar terrain (I'm in NM) but this has put my mind at ease. Great and thorough explanation of the modes and how they paired with eLSD and other functions of the vehicle!
I appreciate the support! The Expedition FX4 is one of the top rough terrain performers in this class, so I wouldn't be too worried about it. If you're going to be doing a lot of trails with a lot of really steep undulating terrain, then there is some potential for overheating the transfer case. If you're only hitting a few rough patches here and there, then the Expedition will do great!
Excellent video. This is going to be my next vehicle when I trade in my 17 Explorer. I cannot believe this vehicle has halogen projectors. Why Ford? My explorer has excellent led headlights.
MY expedition got all terrain good grip tires,, not as good as mud and snow grade tire, but I engaged 4x4 normal mode, I climb very steep mountain off road well, 12 degrees incline angle no problem,, I got up to the top,,
@@EngineAdventures 24 degrees??? sure??? my 2018 expedition limited max with all wheel drive,, but I don't think that equip with rear lock differential,, the one on your video seems like a timberline trim??? is it timberline???? it has rear lock differential..
@@mr.commander3947 I have had a few vehicles with the inclinometer read 24 degrees, the hill itself may be a little less depending on how the vehicle is sitting in potholes and such. This one is a Limited trim with the FX4 package. The FX4 is what adds the rear locker.
Thanks for watching and commenting! I prefer the Sequoia TRD Pro. It rides much better and, in my opinion, has stronger suspension and more durable components.
Good test!👍 So Ford steels the system from Land rover as they sell them off, but somehow water down the system that worked well in the Land Rover/Ranger Rover...weird.
Many manufacturers have the terrain management stuff now. Some of them make a huge difference, some don't. Without actually testing it on snow, sand, mud, etc. I can't say for sure how this one works.
@@EngineAdventures Oh I get that, but Land Rover/Range Rover had the system first back when ford still owned them before the auto industry collapse and they sold them off. In the Rover series it worked exactly like it was supposed to with maybe the 1st year it was introduced having some issues. But the whole time Ford never put it in another vehicle until they sold Rover off then made that unibody Explorers which was their first vehicle with it, and since it didn't have near the capabilities of the Rover series it was detuned. Now the detuned system is being thrown into all Ford & Lincoln SUV's. Everything you put the system through in the Expedition, had you been in the Land or Ranger Rover, you wouldn't have had the same issues, the system would have worked better.
Prob not the best video since they all have off road tires, but here you can see the system working like it should in similar conditions that you were in: czcams.com/video/N65YvE-Gz6Q/video.html
It is capable for short spans of hard offroad situations. It's definitely not something you would consistently off-road in tough situations with good results.
Tires are important, however this test is about the vehicle's ability to transfer power to the wheels with traction. Doesn't matter what tires you have when the tire isn't touching the ground.
@@rockymntdan1 still doesnt change the fact that because it has no articulation its going to still lift wheels and spin, overheating the 4wd system. Offroad tires are nothing if they arent making contact with thw ground. They cohld have amhad super swampers amd it wouldnt have made a difference in this test.
I think I still like the Toyota Sequoia more so, how would you compare the two together if I remember correctly the high-speed driving portion you're actually able to do 25 or 20 mph
@@EngineAdventures Which would you have preferred for on-road though? (Expedition vs Sequoia). My impression is that the Sequoia is built tougher and would be a better off-roader, while the Expedition might be better space-wise and on-road though capable of some light off-roading.
Probably the Expedition for on-road. Both have tons of interior space, but the Expedition has a better layout. The headlights on this Expedition were terrible, make sure to upgrade to the LEDs.
Haha yeah I was responding to Andrew Craig. The CZcams Studio app is kind of a pain to tag someone with as compared to the regular CZcams app, so I don't tag people too often.
@@andrewlovesbry Well, it hasn't blown up yet, lol. There are definitely things I dislike about it, after having gotten to know it better over the last year. One thing's for certain though... I still miss my truck, and would rather have that back than drive this.
@@monkeyslap Understandable. It’s all sort of a compromise. You’re sort of combining a van with a truck, so some compromise on both, but features of both.
@@nateallen2709 true, shame they got slightly less able with each generation. Still a good vehicle with body on frame, but independent suspension all-round now..
@@nateallen2709 haha, I have driven a Yukon Denali and a Tahoe Z71, but I wasn't able to test them at my normal spot. I will still be doing short videos on both of those in a couple of months.
Yeah I always think that about the JD power initial quality awards too. I thought they had their transmission stuff figured out, haven't heard anything about the test you've mentioned.
Depends on what you're looking for. Both Tahoe Z71s I drove were much better equipped than this Expedition was. In my very limited experience and with the exception of the locking rear diff in the Ford, I prefer the Tahoe.
Just turn the knob. You can shift to 4wd High while driving and in gear. For 4wd low you have to put the transmission in neutral and be either stopped or barely moving.
PANOCHE ----tumey hill recreation are norcal,,, I ve been there at the exact same spot with my expedition limited,, I could not make it up to the top without a speed run,, at my first attempt, I shifted to 4WD, regular mode and drove slowly and only able to make it more than half way,, then I heard the wheel spin,, and lost grip,, FAIL,,, I backed off and tried 2nd attempt, ,, this time I speed up and made it,, thanks to the speed momentum assist,, otherwise, unable to make it,,,
Nope, this is in Utah, but I'm guessing it's a similar situation. This hill is steeper than it looks on camera. I've tried different angles to show how steep it actually is, but haven't had success with that.
Thanks for watching! Using 4wd low when climbing steep grades should help prevent that. It overheated after running the hill quite a few times (on and off camera). In reality if you hit a tough spot on an otherwise mild trail it will work just fine.
It's primarily caused by using 4A in a three mode t-case on stuff just like this over a long period of time. A lot of torque sent to the front axle is going to correspondingly put a lot of strain on the clutches if it's in 4A, leading to excess heat. Switch it over to 4L if you're in stuff like this and don't have a four mode t-case (with 4H), this mechanically locks the axles together and takes all that force off the clutches. A 10 speed trans has a lot of overdrive gearing so engine RPM shouldn't speed limit you in low range on really technical stuff. If you're in 4L and revving out in 10th gear, chances are you're not in terrain that's going to overheat the t-case, or you're nuts...in which case, SEND ITTTTT
In the raptor 4H and 4L has the front and rear axles locked together. As far as I know, in the Expedition it's all run through the clutches. Once I overheated them I shifted to 4wd low, but really had 2wd low until things cooled down and it engaged the clutches again. It's a great system for all weather conditions and mild offroading, but I have overheated a clutch based transfer case from Ram, and seen others overheat the GM version.
@@EngineAdventures Interesting, if that's the case, I suppose the 3 mode t-case differs from the 4 mode version in that regard, which kinda sucks to think a lot of people don't have that option. There should always be the option to lock 4WD in if you have a clutch in there, for this exact reason. The optional tow package on expy's that's bundled with the 4H/4L/4A and locking diff has the same part # as the t-case from the raptor. Disabling the 4x4 system in an AWD t-case is actually a fantastic feature, even though it sounds like a terrible idea...heat kills a wet clutch and that temporarily disabled t-case is basically saving itself from damage.
If it's the same part number as the Raptor then I'm probably not remembering my experience with the Expedition correctly. I agree the shutdown feature is needed to protect the components, but the better design is what they have in the Raptor with clutch based for the auto position and fully locked in 4H and 4L. Again that might be what the expedition has and I'm just mixing up the vehicles I've tested.
FX4 package... 4WD heating up after moderate off road at best. Watch every video of Expedition involving any off roading damn thing will always heat up. If not 4wD the LSD would heat up. Treat as oversized van. Ford Expedition/ Explorer/ Edge's are all crap off roaders. And it's intentional. Look at F150 and Ranger.
Why do manufacturers insist on traction control systems that retard engine power so much? My 03 land rover discovery has traction control but doesn't not reduce engine power at all. Ive never had to go full throttle for any obstacles like this. My 16 titan xd cuts power so bad its basically at idle. I hate when it does this.
These vehicles are designed for on-road comfort… NOT proper off-roading sadly. I have a built/lifted ‘16 4x4 model that I love - but I still wish I had an F150 at times
@@Jackmerius_Tacktheretrix I'd say I partially agree with that. The FX4 package is the most off-road capable package offered on the Expedition, but I haven't seem much from Ford saying it's an all out off-roader.
@@EngineAdventures I agree, its definitely not an all out offroader. That is evident rhe way the 4wd system failed. The same thing happened when TFL tested one.
This is not a crawling truck. Keep the speed up a little and roll up stuff like that. I have an 04 2wd 4.6L and it can do all of this! It'd do a lot better if you drove it like a big truck instead of a Taco!!
Thanks for watching and commenting! There is a lot to unpack here. It's hard to show how steep this hill is on camera. I've tested many vehicles on this hill and in 2wd even with the rear differential locked nothing has been able to make it more than a few feet up the hill. True, it's easier to go fast, but these tests are about how well the traction systems work, going slow is much harder. Going fast greatly increases the chance for damage and if you don't need to, why damage a vehicle? These media vehicles and if they get damaged it can really mess up the schedule for the journalists after me who will either have to be skipped or rescheduled. It can cost a lot more money than the repair because of the lost business. Finally, watch any of my off-road videos on the Tacoma. The Tacoma will greatly outperform the Expedition in every aspect off-road.
@Engine Adventures no need to hate on my Expedition. That's obvious. But, I've never hurt my trick at all. Ever. So, maybe you should concern yourself with durability and not beating a dead horse. Everyone knows Toyotas are invincible. I had one and loved it!!! But, "I" blew up the engine. No doubt it was my fault. My basic ass truck has kept up with 4runners and Rabge Rovers. So, maybe check your opinion at the door and realize it's not always the truck. It's the driver.
I didn't mean to come across as a hater of the Expedition. It's a great vehicle for sure, and more capable off road than a lot of people would expect. I should have responded that I drove slow because it's much harder to go slow. That tests the vehicle's ability to get power to the wheels with traction. If it can't make it slow, then I do try to use momentum to make the climb. Of course too much momentum can damage the vehicle as some of these holes are 2 feet deep. The expedition in this video actually did quite well, until the transfercase overheated. Which as you mentioned is kind of my fault for the way I was driving. In 4wd low with the rear ELSD locked up, this thing is very capable.
The great part about your channel is that potential buyers of these vehicles can see the off-road capabilities of various autos, thus giving the people that enjoy off-roading a true litmus test so to speak before they buy.
Great job as always!
Thanks for the support!
Please...don't retire the hill .. it Is an amazing test .. and I love seeing the limitations of vehicles on the hill
Don't worry, this style of test is pretty much what my whole channel is based on. The hill is so torn up though that I will need to do some work to level things out a bit.
Great video - thanks for the review! I'll echo what others have said regarding your litmus test and honest demonstration of the vehicles capabilities. I've been struggling with the thought of upgrading form my 2019 Expedition XLT 2wd to the FX4, really not sure of it's overall ability on very similar terrain (I'm in NM) but this has put my mind at ease. Great and thorough explanation of the modes and how they paired with eLSD and other functions of the vehicle!
I appreciate the support! The Expedition FX4 is one of the top rough terrain performers in this class, so I wouldn't be too worried about it. If you're going to be doing a lot of trails with a lot of really steep undulating terrain, then there is some potential for overheating the transfer case. If you're only hitting a few rough patches here and there, then the Expedition will do great!
You are one who really shows useful information about 4x4 off-road car opportunities. Thanks for job! Liked and subscribed!
Thanks for watching and subscribing! I appreciate the support!
Excellent video. This is going to be my next vehicle when I trade in my 17 Explorer. I cannot believe this vehicle has halogen projectors. Why Ford? My explorer has excellent led headlights.
Thanks! I really enjoyed it except for the windows 98 blue screen of death background, and cheap feeling and looking shiny plastic all over.
Awesome video!! Thanks for doing that!
Thanks for the support!
@@EngineAdventures I've got a Expedition but no diff locker , I need one bad
Great video! Best I've seen on the subject. Nice job finding such a good course for the testing.
Thanks for watching and commenting! It did take me a while to find this course, and I'm not looking forward to when it inevitably gets shut down.
pls make video on hyundai palisade calligraphy offroad test, plss sirr
Best reviews man 💪👍👍👍
I appreciate that!
Im not a fan of the v6 only option but im glad fords keeping the Expi a body on frame suv.
It would be nice to have the coyote V8!
@@EngineAdventures 5.0 or 6.2l ill take either, the ecoboost is a good engine dont get me wrong but i love the sound of a v8
I like to drive my max in sand, it does amazing and I have 0 complaints about it
Thanks for watching and commenting!
MY expedition got all terrain good grip tires,, not as good as mud and snow grade tire, but I engaged 4x4 normal mode, I climb very steep mountain off road well, 12 degrees incline angle no problem,, I got up to the top,,
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience! This hill goes up to 24 degrees in one spot, which is why I use it as a test hill.
@@EngineAdventures 24 degrees??? sure???
my 2018 expedition limited max with all wheel drive,,
but I don't think that equip with rear lock differential,,
the one on your video seems like a timberline trim???
is it timberline???? it has rear lock differential..
@@mr.commander3947 I have had a few vehicles with the inclinometer read 24 degrees, the hill itself may be a little less depending on how the vehicle is sitting in potholes and such.
This one is a Limited trim with the FX4 package. The FX4 is what adds the rear locker.
How would you compare this to the Sequoia for off-road prowess? (Thanks--keep up the good work 👍
Thanks for watching and commenting! I prefer the Sequoia TRD Pro. It rides much better and, in my opinion, has stronger suspension and more durable components.
Was a great job.
woul you please have on expid timberline 2022.
🌿
Thanks, I'll see if I can get one!
Good test!👍
So Ford steels the system from Land rover as they sell them off, but somehow water down the system that worked well in the Land Rover/Ranger Rover...weird.
Many manufacturers have the terrain management stuff now. Some of them make a huge difference, some don't. Without actually testing it on snow, sand, mud, etc. I can't say for sure how this one works.
@@EngineAdventures Oh I get that, but Land Rover/Range Rover had the system first back when ford still owned them before the auto industry collapse and they sold them off. In the Rover series it worked exactly like it was supposed to with maybe the 1st year it was introduced having some issues. But the whole time Ford never put it in another vehicle until they sold Rover off then made that unibody Explorers which was their first vehicle with it, and since it didn't have near the capabilities of the Rover series it was detuned. Now the detuned system is being thrown into all Ford & Lincoln SUV's.
Everything you put the system through in the Expedition, had you been in the Land or Ranger Rover, you wouldn't have had the same issues, the system would have worked better.
Prob not the best video since they all have off road tires, but here you can see the system working like it should in similar conditions that you were in: czcams.com/video/N65YvE-Gz6Q/video.html
Ford also has the ability (Raptor) but for whatever reason they feel it's best not to put the full fledged system in the explorer and expedition.
pls make video on hyundai palisade calligraphy offroad test
The 4wd failed the same way when TFL tested the expedition as well. Pretty crappy considering this is their offroad package.
It is capable for short spans of hard offroad situations. It's definitely not something you would consistently off-road in tough situations with good results.
Maybe if you had OFFROAD TIRES on it... derrrrr
Tires are important, however this test is about the vehicle's ability to transfer power to the wheels with traction. Doesn't matter what tires you have when the tire isn't touching the ground.
@@rockymntdan1 still doesnt change the fact that because it has no articulation its going to still lift wheels and spin, overheating the 4wd system. Offroad tires are nothing if they arent making contact with thw ground. They cohld have amhad super swampers amd it wouldnt have made a difference in this test.
@@EngineAdventures exactly!
I think I still like the Toyota Sequoia more so, how would you compare the two together if I remember correctly the high-speed driving portion you're actually able to do 25 or 20 mph
The Sequoia TRD pro is way smoother and controlled for high speed offroad!
@@EngineAdventures Which would you have preferred for on-road though? (Expedition vs Sequoia). My impression is that the Sequoia is built tougher and would be a better off-roader, while the Expedition might be better space-wise and on-road though capable of some light off-roading.
Probably the Expedition for on-road. Both have tons of interior space, but the Expedition has a better layout. The headlights on this Expedition were terrible, make sure to upgrade to the LEDs.
@@EngineAdventures I wrote that a year ago dude, LOL
Haha yeah I was responding to Andrew Craig. The CZcams Studio app is kind of a pain to tag someone with as compared to the regular CZcams app, so I don't tag people too often.
Today, just nabbed myself a 2021 Expedition Max FX4 :)
Awesome, hope it treats you well!
@@EngineAdventures I sure hope so! Having some buyers remorse cause I traded in my 2012 F150 5.0 FX4. That sucker served me real well.
How is your Expedition holding up?
@@andrewlovesbry Well, it hasn't blown up yet, lol. There are definitely things I dislike about it, after having gotten to know it better over the last year. One thing's for certain though... I still miss my truck, and would rather have that back than drive this.
@@monkeyslap Understandable. It’s all sort of a compromise. You’re sort of combining a van with a truck, so some compromise on both, but features of both.
I do like these but as with the Suburban, they are primarily family haulers. At least the Suburban admits it in the name..
@@nateallen2709 true, shame they got slightly less able with each generation. Still a good vehicle with body on frame, but independent suspension all-round now..
I agree until this generation, GM has a really similar suspension to the Expedition on the Tahoe/Yukon now. Ford's best SUV was the Excursion!
@@nateallen2709 haha, I have driven a Yukon Denali and a Tahoe Z71, but I wasn't able to test them at my normal spot. I will still be doing short videos on both of those in a couple of months.
@@nateallen2709 Interesting, I had no idea.
Yeah I always think that about the JD power initial quality awards too. I thought they had their transmission stuff figured out, haven't heard anything about the test you've mentioned.
How is the expedition as compared to the Tahoe z71 in your experience?
Depends on what you're looking for. Both Tahoe Z71s I drove were much better equipped than this Expedition was. In my very limited experience and with the exception of the locking rear diff in the Ford, I prefer the Tahoe.
How to shift to 4H mode?
Just turn the knob. You can shift to 4wd High while driving and in gear. For 4wd low you have to put the transmission in neutral and be either stopped or barely moving.
PANOCHE ----tumey hill recreation are norcal,,, I ve been there at the exact same spot with my expedition limited,, I could not make it up to the top without a speed run,, at my first attempt, I shifted to 4WD, regular mode and drove slowly and only able to make it more than half way,, then I heard the wheel spin,, and lost grip,, FAIL,,,
I backed off and tried 2nd attempt, ,, this time I speed up and made it,, thanks to the speed momentum assist,, otherwise, unable to make it,,,
Nope, this is in Utah, but I'm guessing it's a similar situation. This hill is steeper than it looks on camera. I've tried different angles to show how steep it actually is, but haven't had success with that.
Great video and it sucks that it cut 4x4
Thanks for watching! Using 4wd low when climbing steep grades should help prevent that. It overheated after running the hill quite a few times (on and off camera). In reality if you hit a tough spot on an otherwise mild trail it will work just fine.
It's primarily caused by using 4A in a three mode t-case on stuff just like this over a long period of time. A lot of torque sent to the front axle is going to correspondingly put a lot of strain on the clutches if it's in 4A, leading to excess heat. Switch it over to 4L if you're in stuff like this and don't have a four mode t-case (with 4H), this mechanically locks the axles together and takes all that force off the clutches. A 10 speed trans has a lot of overdrive gearing so engine RPM shouldn't speed limit you in low range on really technical stuff. If you're in 4L and revving out in 10th gear, chances are you're not in terrain that's going to overheat the t-case, or you're nuts...in which case, SEND ITTTTT
In the raptor 4H and 4L has the front and rear axles locked together. As far as I know, in the Expedition it's all run through the clutches. Once I overheated them I shifted to 4wd low, but really had 2wd low until things cooled down and it engaged the clutches again. It's a great system for all weather conditions and mild offroading, but I have overheated a clutch based transfer case from Ram, and seen others overheat the GM version.
@@EngineAdventures Interesting, if that's the case, I suppose the 3 mode t-case differs from the 4 mode version in that regard, which kinda sucks to think a lot of people don't have that option. There should always be the option to lock 4WD in if you have a clutch in there, for this exact reason. The optional tow package on expy's that's bundled with the 4H/4L/4A and locking diff has the same part # as the t-case from the raptor. Disabling the 4x4 system in an AWD t-case is actually a fantastic feature, even though it sounds like a terrible idea...heat kills a wet clutch and that temporarily disabled t-case is basically saving itself from damage.
If it's the same part number as the Raptor then I'm probably not remembering my experience with the Expedition correctly. I agree the shutdown feature is needed to protect the components, but the better design is what they have in the Raptor with clutch based for the auto position and fully locked in 4H and 4L. Again that might be what the expedition has and I'm just mixing up the vehicles I've tested.
👍👍👍
Thanks!
FX4 package... 4WD heating up after moderate off road at best. Watch every video of Expedition involving any off roading damn thing will always heat up. If not 4wD the LSD would heat up. Treat as oversized van.
Ford Expedition/ Explorer/ Edge's are all crap off roaders. And it's intentional. Look at F150 and Ranger.
Yeah, it's designed to provide good traction in bad weather and the occasional muddy road. Auto 4wd systems aren't my favorite for this reason.
Why do manufacturers insist on traction control systems that retard engine power so much? My 03 land rover discovery has traction control but doesn't not reduce engine power at all. Ive never had to go full throttle for any obstacles like this. My 16 titan xd cuts power so bad its basically at idle. I hate when it does this.
It would be nice to have a defeat switch so that the throttle is linear no matter the situation!
@@EngineAdventures absolutely!
Man that thing has no suspension travel whatsoever.
It's on par with most fully independent suspension full size suvs
These vehicles are designed for on-road comfort… NOT proper off-roading sadly.
I have a built/lifted ‘16 4x4 model that I love - but I still wish I had an F150 at times
@@EngineAdventures yes but this is advertised as am offroad model.
@@Jackmerius_Tacktheretrix I'd say I partially agree with that. The FX4 package is the most off-road capable package offered on the Expedition, but I haven't seem much from Ford saying it's an all out off-roader.
@@EngineAdventures I agree, its definitely not an all out offroader. That is evident rhe way the 4wd system failed. The same thing happened when TFL tested one.
This is not a crawling truck. Keep the speed up a little and roll up stuff like that. I have an 04 2wd 4.6L and it can do all of this! It'd do a lot better if you drove it like a big truck instead of a Taco!!
Thanks for watching and commenting! There is a lot to unpack here. It's hard to show how steep this hill is on camera. I've tested many vehicles on this hill and in 2wd even with the rear differential locked nothing has been able to make it more than a few feet up the hill. True, it's easier to go fast, but these tests are about how well the traction systems work, going slow is much harder. Going fast greatly increases the chance for damage and if you don't need to, why damage a vehicle? These media vehicles and if they get damaged it can really mess up the schedule for the journalists after me who will either have to be skipped or rescheduled. It can cost a lot more money than the repair because of the lost business. Finally, watch any of my off-road videos on the Tacoma. The Tacoma will greatly outperform the Expedition in every aspect off-road.
@Engine Adventures no need to hate on my Expedition. That's obvious. But, I've never hurt my trick at all. Ever. So, maybe you should concern yourself with durability and not beating a dead horse. Everyone knows Toyotas are invincible. I had one and loved it!!! But, "I" blew up the engine. No doubt it was my fault.
My basic ass truck has kept up with 4runners and Rabge Rovers. So, maybe check your opinion at the door and realize it's not always the truck. It's the driver.
I didn't mean to come across as a hater of the Expedition. It's a great vehicle for sure, and more capable off road than a lot of people would expect. I should have responded that I drove slow because it's much harder to go slow. That tests the vehicle's ability to get power to the wheels with traction. If it can't make it slow, then I do try to use momentum to make the climb. Of course too much momentum can damage the vehicle as some of these holes are 2 feet deep. The expedition in this video actually did quite well, until the transfercase overheated. Which as you mentioned is kind of my fault for the way I was driving. In 4wd low with the rear ELSD locked up, this thing is very capable.