2008 Ford Expedition

NEW FOR 2008:

- New King Ranch trim line

- Standard keyless entry keypad, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, heated mirrors, overhead console, illuminated visors, auxiliary air conditioning, second-row map lights and leather-wrapped wheel on all models

- Available rear-view camera system and power running boards

- XLT adds body-colour front and rear fascia, wheel lip mouldings and side cladding to replace black

For 2008, the Ford Expedition adds a King Ranch trim line, which was temporarily discontinued for 2007, on both the Expedition and Expedition Max, along with new standard features on all models. The new optional rear-view camera and power running boards can be added to the Eddie Bauer, King Ranch and Limited editions.

Both the Expedition and Expedition Max feature three rows of seats for eight-passenger seating, but the Max has more cargo space behind the third row, and has styling and body panels unique from the Expedition from the B-pillar back.

All Expedition models use a 5.4-litre Triton V8 engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. All use Ford's Control Trac four-wheel drive system.

The Expedition comes in four trim lines: the XLT, Eddie Bauer, King Ranch and Limited, while the Expedition Max comes in Eddie Bauer, King Ranch and Limited only.

Features on the XLT include 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, automatic headlamps, CD/MP3 stereo with auxiliary jack and SIRIUS Satellite Radio, cruise control, floor mats, power locks with keyless entry and keypad, six-way power driver's seat, cloth upholstery, roof rails, tilt leather-wrapped steering wheel, tire pressure monitoring system, fog lamps, heavy-duty trailer package, heated mirrors, privacy glass, tow hooks, speed-sensitive variable intermittent wipers, intermittent rear wiper, first-row captain's chairs, 40/20/40 split-bench second-row seat, and 60/40 flat-folding third-row bench seat.

The Eddie Bauer edition adds 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, first-row low-bucket heated and cooled seats with ten-way driver and six-way passenger power adjustment, power-folding third-row seat, six-CD/MP3 stereo with wheel-mounted controls, chrome exhaust tip and heated mirrors with memory settings and security approach lamps.

The King Ranch edition adds Chaparral leather trim and leather-and-wood steering wheel.

The Limited adds 18-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, ten-way power passenger seat, power sunroof, chrome roof rails and power liftgate.

Big and thirsty, but also roomy and comfortable, the Expedition offers considerable space in all three rows. Last year's makeover brought improved steering and stopping, while the reappearance of the King Ranch model offers buyers a further choice of interior trims. If the most luxurious Expedition isn't enough, though, the short-wheelbase model is also available at Lincoln as the Navigator.