2022 Ford Expedition has a new look, more tech, nicer trimmings – Roadshow [CNET]

The Timberline model is the most off-road capable Expedition Ford’s ever offered from the factory. Naturally, a few visual cues speak to this enhanced performance, though they do not shout. All the optical upgrades here are all tastefully done. Up front, there’s a unique grille along with some spiffy orange accents, just like on the smaller Explorer Timberline. This Expedition gains a wider track and rolls on black 18-inch wheels wrapped in rugged all-terrain tires. Inside, you can get a Deep Cyprus Green cabin, which is offset by trim and stitching rendered in orange. But with the Timberline, the biggest upgrades here aren’t so obvious.

2022 Ford Expedition: More than meets the eye

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Thanks to an elevated ride height, this Expedition has 10.6 inches of ground clearance, more than a Jeep Wagoneer. This Expedition’s approach and departure angles are improved, there’s a juicy two-speed transfer case, and you can get the F-150 Raptor’s front skid plate, which not only looks cool, but should do a great job shielding delicate powertrain components from damage out on the trail. Other mechanical upgrades include a standard limited-slip rear differential, larger stabilizer bars and unique springs, plus a range of drive modes.

Just like the new Bronco, the Timberline model features Ford’s clever Trail Turn Assist. Basically, in certain situations this system can lock the inside rear wheel to significantly decrease the turning circle, which can be a godsend out on the trail. Not that you will, but thanks to these upgrades, the Expedition Timberline should be able to take you pretty far off the beaten path.

Of course, if you’re only making runs to Costco every other weekend rather than bombing down old logging trails, consider the other new-for-2022 Expedition trim. The street-focused Stealth Performance Package will be available on midrange Limited and extended-length Limited Max models. It offers more athletic looks and a sportier suspension. This Expedition builds on the Stealth Appearance Package that’s been around for a few years, though it’s curious that Ford didn’t just brand this an ST model like its other performance-enhanced models.

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Big news inside

There’s plenty of important stuff to highlight inside the refreshed Expedition, even if its cockpit isn’t entirely new. Some small components carry over, but importantly, the dashboard was redesigned. It looks more flowing than before and features higher-quality materials and finer details. With extra pressure from the Wagoneer and Tahoe, Ford had to move the needle and it did.

A jumbo 12-inch landscape-oriented screen is standard equipment, running the automaker’s Sync 4 infotainment system. But as in the Mustang Mach-E all-electric SUV and upcoming F-150 Lightning pickup truck, you can also get a mammoth 15.5-inch portrait-oriented display running Ford’s Sync 4A multimedia array. Either way, both infotainment offerings support wireless smartphone mirroring via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Beyond all that, a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster with Expedition-specific graphics is offered as well.

Making long highway trips less draining, Ford’s Blue Cruise hands-free driving aid will be standard equipment in the top-shelf Platinum model, courtesy of a new electrical system. That is the only trim level this advanced feature will be offered on, at least for now. It sounds like Ford may make Blue Cruise available on other models in the coming years, which would be super smart. Similar to GM’s pioneering Super Cruise system, this setup allows hands-free driving on more than 130,000 miles of approved highways in North America.

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