Used Ford Expedition Buyer's Guide: 2015-2024 | Jay Malone Ford Hutchinson MN

If you’re shopping for a used full-size SUV in central Minnesota, the Ford Expedition is one of the most capable, most versatile, and most family-friendly options on the market. The 2015-2024 model years cover two distinct generations, the introduction of the long-wheelbase Expedition MAX, the move to twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 power across the entire lineup, and a decade of feature, towing, and technology evolution.

This guide walks through every major decision so you know exactly what you’re looking at when you shop. The Expedition is consistently one of our most popular used Ford SUVs — we sell it to families upgrading from a midsize SUV, to buyers with regular towing needs, and to anyone who simply wants the space and capability of a full-size SUV without the truck-shaped exterior. We know what to look for, what the common issues are by year, what holds up in Minnesota winters, and which trim and configuration combinations actually deliver value.

Used Expedition Generations: 3rd Gen (2007-2017) vs 4th Gen (2018-2024)

The Expedition had a complete redesign for the 2018 model year. The 2015-2017 Expeditions are the tail end of the 3rd generation. The 2018-2024 Expeditions are the 4th generation — an entirely different vehicle on a different platform, with a different interior, different feature priorities, and meaningfully more capability across the board.

The 3rd gen (2015-2017) Expedition has the body-on-frame platform shared with the F-150, the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 introduced in 2015 (replacing the previous 5.4L V8), and a more traditional SUV interior. The 4th gen (2018-2024) moved to a lighter aluminum body construction (same approach as the F-150’s 2015+ switch), upgraded to a 10-speed automatic transmission, and got a substantially refreshed interior with more technology. The 4th gen is the vehicle most central MN buyers gravitate toward on the used market — the upgrade over the 3rd gen is real.

The decision between 3rd and 4th gen usually comes down to budget. A 2017 3rd-gen Expedition Limited with reasonable mileage runs significantly less than a comparable 2020 4th-gen Limited — often $10,000-$15,000 less for similar trim. The 4th gen brings the interior upgrade, 10-speed transmission, more horsepower, and significantly newer technology. The 3rd gen gives you a proven platform at a meaningfully lower price point.

Expedition vs Expedition MAX: Which Length Is Right for You?

The Expedition comes in two lengths: the standard Expedition and the long-wheelbase variant (called Expedition EL on 3rd-gen trucks, Expedition MAX on 4th-gen trucks). The wheelbase is the same in both, but the MAX extends the body roughly 12 inches behind the rear axle, which is dedicated to additional cargo space.

For many central Minnesota families, the MAX is the right call — the extra cargo space is genuinely useful for hockey families, camping, road trips, and any scenario where the third row is in use and people still need to bring stuff with them. For buyers without consistent third-row usage or large cargo needs, the standard Expedition is the more practical (and cheaper) choice.

Used Expedition Engine Options 2015-2024

From 2015 forward, the Expedition is V6 only — specifically, the 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6. This is a meaningful difference from competitors like the Chevy Tahoe (which offers V8s) and is worth understanding upfront. Some buyers come to the full-size SUV market expecting a V8; the Expedition makes its case with twin-turbo V6 power instead.

Fuel economy: The 3.5L EcoBoost delivers ~17-19 mpg combined depending on year and configuration — better than most full-size SUV V8s and roughly comparable to V6 competitors. Expect lower mpg in MN winter conditions and when towing.

Used Expedition Trim Levels: What Each One Delivers

The Expedition trim hierarchy expanded considerably with the 2018 redesign and again with the 2022 refresh. Here’s what to expect at each level:

For most central Minnesota Expedition buyers, the XLT and Limited trims are the value sweet spots. XLT gives you everything most families need at the most accessible price point. Limited adds the leather and heated/ventilated seats for $4,000-$6,000 more on the used market. Platinum is worth the premium if you want the High Output engine and full luxury feature set. Timberline is a specific buyer profile but legitimately differentiated.

A Jay Malone Ford customer with their used Expedition. One of our most popular used Ford SUVs.

Which Year Used Expedition Is the Best to Buy?

The right year depends on your budget and your priorities on the 3rd gen vs 4th gen decision. Here’s how we’d break it down for central MN buyers in 2026:

Years to be more cautious about: The 2018 4th-gen launch year had some early software and transmission tuning concerns that were resolved by 2019 production. The 2022 launch of SYNC 4A also had some early software bugs that have since been addressed via updates. None are deal-breakers, just things our service team verifies before any specific Expedition gets priced.

Common Issues by Year — What to Inspect

Here’s what our service department typically looks at on used Expeditions by generation:

Towing Capability and What to Know

Towing is one of the Expedition’s strongest arguments and a major reason buyers cross-shop it against the Tahoe/Suburban. Here’s what to know:

Max tow capacity: Up to 9,300 lbs on properly-equipped 4th-gen trucks. The standard Expedition handles most central MN towing needs — campers, boats, snowmobile trailers, utility trailers, livestock trailers up to mid-size. That’s more than the Chevy Tahoe with the 5.3L V8 (around 8,400 lbs) and more than the Grand Cherokee’s 7,200 lb max.

What equipment matters: The Heavy Duty Tow Package is the difference between standard tow rating and maximum. It includes an integrated trailer brake controller, upgraded cooling, trailer sway control, and (on 4th-gen trucks) Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Worth verifying on any specific Expedition you’re considering for towing.

EcoBoost towing strengths: The twin-turbo V6 produces peak torque at lower RPM than naturally-aspirated V8s, which actually helps in tow situations. Many drivers who have towed both report the EcoBoost feels more responsive under load than the Tahoe 5.3L V8. The 10-speed automatic on 4th-gen trucks adds tow/haul mode optimization that the 6-speed lacks.

Limitations: Towing significantly reduces fuel economy — expect 10-12 mpg with a heavy trailer. Not unusual for any full-size SUV. Plan accordingly for longer trips.

Used Expedition in Minnesota Winters: What to Look For

The Expedition is one of the better full-size SUVs you can buy for Minnesota winter use. Here’s what matters for MN buyers:

4x4 vs 4x2: For central Minnesota, the 4x4 system is worth the premium. Used 4x4 Expeditions typically run $1,500-$2,500 over comparable 4x2 trucks — well worth it for MN buyers. The 4th-gen system includes Terrain Management with multiple driving modes (Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, Eco, Slippery, Sand, Mud/Rut, Deep Snow/Sand).

Aluminum body advantage: The 4th-gen Expedition uses an aluminum body (like the F-150 since 2015). Aluminum doesn’t rust the way steel does in road-salt conditions — a real long-term advantage for Minnesota winters. The 3rd-gen Expedition (2015-2017) is steel; you’ll want to verify undercarriage and body condition more carefully on those.

Remote Start: Standard on XLT and above (most years). A significant MN-winter quality of life feature, particularly with the larger interior to warm.

Heated seats/steering wheel: Heated front seats standard on XLT and above (4th gen) and Limited (3rd gen). Heated rear seats available on Limited and above on most trims. Heated steering wheel standard on Limited and above of most 4th-gen years.

Tires: Original equipment tires are typically all-season. For Minnesota commuting in deep winter, dedicated winter tires deliver noticeably better performance — the Expedition’s size and weight make winter tires especially valuable. We offer winter tire packages through our parts and service department and can match a set to any used Expedition we sell.

Family-owned, factory-trained, and right here in Hutchinson — voted Best Place to Buy a Vehicle.

What to Expect on Price

Used Expedition pricing varies significantly by generation, year, trim, MAX configuration, and mileage. Here are general ranges for typical configurations on the central MN market right now:

Ranges are general guidance for typical configurations on the central MN market. Expedition MAX (or EL) configurations run $2,000-$5,000 above comparable standard-length configurations. Timberline pricing aligns roughly with Platinum. Specific pricing depends on mileage, options, condition, and current inventory.

Ford Blue Certified vs Standard Used

Eligible used Ford Expeditions at Jay Malone Ford may qualify for Ford Blue Certified — Ford’s factory certified pre-owned program. For Expeditions up to 10 years old with under 120,000 miles, certification adds a comprehensive 139-point inspection plus a factory-backed Limited Warranty extending coverage on the powertrain, plus a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Browse our Ford Blue Certified Expedition inventory for vehicles that meet program eligibility, or our broader used Expedition inventory for everything else. Standard used Expeditions are still backed by the same Jay Malone Ford service department and body shop — the difference is the factory warranty extension, not the inspection quality (we inspect every used vehicle the same way).

Why Buy Your Used Expedition From Jay Malone Ford

Used Expedition is one of the most popular used full-size SUVs in central Minnesota. Here’s what you specifically get at Jay Malone Ford:

• Ford Master Certified service department — we inspect every used Expedition with factory-trained technicians who work on these vehicles every day. Voted Best Auto Mechanic in Hutchinson.
• Aluminum body repair capability — our body shop has the certified equipment and training for aluminum work that 4th-gen Expeditions require. Voted Best Body Shop in Hutchinson.
• EcoBoost expertise — the 3.5L EcoBoost is the same engine family across F-150 and Expedition. Our techs see this engine every day.
• Family-owned since 2005 — Jay, Jake, and Jordan Malone. Same family, same dealership. No corporate hierarchy to navigate if something needs attention after the sale.
• One dealership, two new-vehicle franchises — trade your used vehicle of any brand on an Expedition. We take everything.
• Ford Blue Certified inventory available — for vehicles meeting program eligibility, with factory-backed warranty extensions.
• Local accountability — we serve buyers from Hutchinson, Glencoe, Litchfield, Willmar, Waconia, and across central Minnesota.

Jay, Jake, and Jordan Malone — the family running Jay Malone Motors since 2005.

Frequently Asked Questions

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