The 2017 Ford Expedition ranks 2 out of 6 Large SUVs. The 2017 Ford Expedition gives you three rows of roomy seating, and an available extended wheelbase model offers class-leading interior and cargo space. However, some competing large SUVs offer extra features and better fuel economy.
Pros Excellent cargo capacity in the EL model Spacious seating in all three rows Smooth ride Powerful engine
Cons Some low-grade materials in cabin
Old school is in session: The 2017 Ford Expedition teaches a few lessons to today's crossover SUVs with twin-turbo power, luxury-truck touches, and big towing and hauling numbers. The Expedition isn't just surviving, it's thriving. In 2015 it subbed in a whomping turbo V-6 for its V-8, gained an adaptive suspension and a new infotainment system, and slathered on a fresh layer of luxury touches. A decade or more past its last, serious redesign, the Expedition hasn't ever been better.
Pros Stronger, higher-mpg engine Should ride smoother and quieter than ever Good third-row space in EL model Plush King Ranch interior Drives smaller than it looks
Cons It's still an 8-year-old design Not easy to park, even with rearview camera Gas mileage has made gains, but not big ones
There are plenty of car-based crossovers to choose from these days. But there are times when you might want the capabilities of a beefy, traditional SUV. The 2017 Ford Expedition is one of our top recommendations in this segment thanks to massive passenger, cargo and towing capabilities. The 2017 Ford Expedition carries over with no significant changes.
Pros Roomy third-row seat Strong and efficient turbocharged V6 Easy-folding rear seats increase interior flexibility Tows more than similarly sized crossovers
Cons Undeniably bulky size makes it difficult to park (especially the extended-wheelbase EL version) Interior looks a bit dated.
The 2017 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid ranks 1 out of 22 Luxury Midsize SUVs. The 2017 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid emulates everything you expect from Porsche: affluence, elegance, and performance. It's both sporty and posh, but there's isn't much room for your belongings in the back, and its fuel economy is lower than what you might expect from a plug-in hybrid.
Pros Stylish and comfortable interior Agile handling Quick acceleration Feature-rich infotainment system
Cons Small cargo space Poor fuel economy for a hybrid
The 2017 Cayenne gets Porsche's latest (PCM 4.0) touchscreen infotainment system on every trim level, improving functionality. Limited Edition Cayenne and Cayenne S E-Hybrid Platinum models also join the range, bringing the trim level count up to eight. The Cayenne Diesel has been discontinued due to the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal.
Pros Truly impressive handling for a crossover SUV Wide selection of strong engines available Exquisite interior and build quality Plenty of customization options
Cons Relatively small cargo capacity for the segment Quite a few optional features should be standard given the price tag
The Cayenne is a spicy-hot mix of luxury, off-road ability, and sports-car performance—just what you’d expect in a Porsche SUV. The base model has a 300-hp V-6; the S makes 420 hp and the GTS makes 440 hp, both from a twin-turbo 3.6-liter V-6. There's also the S E-Hybrid. All have an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. A leather-lined cabin and infotainment with navigation make it a comfortable road tripper. The Cayenne is easy to hustle around curves and equally ready for family duty. The EPA rates the Cayenne S E-Hybrid at 46 MPGe in combined driving while depleting the battery charge and using the electric motor. As a more conventional hybrid, the Porsche is rated at 22 mpg combined. That won’t rattle the worldview of many Tesla owners, but it’s substantially better than other Cayenne models.
