Do Explorer and Expedition get the same mpg?

[hdsalinas]

Hi,

I dont own a Ford yet, (actually, I own a Hyundai Tucson and a Santa Fe) But my wife and I want to replace our 2004 Santa Fe with a roomier car with a third row. We have a 4 year old and a baby on the way and want a car that would allow us to carry our children in their car seats while leaving us an entire row available for the eventual drive/trip with grandma and grandpa or friends and family.

We are considering a 2007-09 Explorer or Expedition. We really like the Expedition but we feel that it would be too expensive to quench its bigger V8's thirst. I feel that an Explorer would provide us with the added benefit of a third row (although I would get more legroom from expedition) at a more reasonable fuel consumption - and lower sticker price.

I have done some research on both vehicles and was surprised to see over at edmunds.com that they both get the same mileage (14mpg). Is this right? I would think that the explorer would get better mileage than the expedition.

I know that you are probably biased toward the explorer, but I would be interested to know what made you decide to get an Explorer over an Expedition.

Thanks.

 

[JW]

I had a 1998 Expedition with a 5.4L, and just got rid of it for a 2003 Explorer with a 4.6L. So far the Explorer is about 4 MPG better on the highway (around town is about the same at 12-13). I went with an Explorer this time because it was a lot easier to find one with everything I wanted than it was an Expy, plus I've always liked my wife's 2004 4.0L. Easier to drive, easier to park, easier to wash, easier to feed, and still seats 7.

 

[Joe Dirt]

I agree with JW. Unless you've driven an Expedition, the size is sneaky large outside. I think that they're just too darn big in parking lots and less accessible especially when your 4yo will be old enough to get things in and out of the car for you. Explorer yes, Expy, no. Even the 3rd Gen Explorer is noticeably larger than the 2nd gen Explorer. Things keep growing!

I would definitely try both, but make sure you drive an Expedition in some confined spaces and see if it's what you and your wife want to deal with.

 

[JW]

Another consideration, if you do your own work - oddly enough the smaller Explorer is much easier to work on under the hood than the Expedition. Plug/coil changes on my Expedition were a nightmare, especially cylinders 3 and 4, as they were hidden under the cowl and a mess of hoses and wiring harnesses. All eight plugs on the Explorer are right out in the open.

 

[willied]

The added room in the Expedition is nice, but the Explorer is easier to park, more nimble, and it should get a little bit better gas mileage.

 

[zukman]

I drive a 98 Expy I love it as it is the same size as the third gen Explorer. Mine has air ride third row air. And I traded off my 2nd gen Explorer for it. It does donuts very well thank you.

 

[mycaptainchris]

my 4.6 V8 07 Explorer get 16-17 around town and over 20 on road trips...... maybe I'm a grandpa of a driver but I've never had mpg in the low teens!!!!!

Agree above about the exped, it is a really big SUV and although it would be great for road trips with the olds, how often do you do that and what do you have to live with all the rest of the time. Perhaps get the Explorer and a trailer. Ford are doing some great deals on the current explorer as the new 2011 is soon to be released.