Summer road trips in Southern California are a different animal. You might be hauling eight people and gear to a National Park one weekend, then towing a boat trailer to Lake Havasu the next. The vehicle sitting in your driveway needs to be more than just big, it needs to be genuinely capable, comfortable for long hauls, and smart enough to make the miles feel shorter. The Ford Expedition checks every one of those boxes.
Seating for the Whole Crew
The Expedition seats up to eight passengers across three rows, and unlike some three-row SUVs where the third row is a punishment, the Expedition MAX stretches the wheelbase to give adults actual legroom back there. Whether you’re shuttling kids to summer camp or loading up for a multi-family Yosemite run, everyone arrives without complaints. The second row can be configured as a 60/40 bench or as captain’s chairs, depending on trim, giving you flexibility based on how you pack.
Towing That Actually Gets You Somewhere
The Expedition’s twin-turbo 3.5L EcoBoost V6 produces up to 440 horsepower in higher trims and can tow up to 9,300 pounds when properly equipped. That’s enough for a loaded boat, a pair of ATVs, or a travel trailer – with room left over for everyone’s luggage inside. If your summer plans involve a trailer, review our Ford Super Duty guide for even heavier towing needs, but for most family hauling situations, the Expedition covers it confidently.
Cargo and Comfort Built for Distance
Behind the third row, the Expedition offers 20.9 cubic feet of cargo space – enough for a serious amount of luggage, a cooler, and the gear that somehow multiplies every time you’re packing for a trip. Fold the third row flat, and you’re looking at 57.5 cubic feet, and fold both rear rows, and you have 104.6 cubic feet of space. For longer trips, features like the available rear-seat entertainment system, dual-zone automatic climate control, and the 12-speaker B&O audio system make the drive part of the experience rather than something to be endured.
Tech That Handles the LA-to-Everywhere Drive
The Expedition’s available SYNC 4 infotainment system includes a 15.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available over-the-air software updates that keep the system current. The navigation system integrates with real-time traffic data, which is genuinely useful when you’re trying to route around I-5 construction on your way out of the Valley. The Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and pre-collision assist, reduces fatigue on longer highway stretches considerably.
Expedition MAX: When You Need More
For larger families or heavier haulers, the Expedition MAX adds roughly 12 inches of length, significantly expanding third-row legroom and cargo capacity. It’s the right choice if your summer trips tend to involve more people, more gear, or both. Available trims run from the base XL through XLT, Limited, Platinum, and the off-road-focused Timberline, so there’s a configuration for every kind of SoCal family adventure.
Pre-Trip Service at Galpin Ford
Before you head out for the summer, make sure your Expedition is road-trip ready. Our service department can perform a full multi-point inspection covering tires, brakes, fluids, and your heating and cooling system – the last thing you want is an A/C issue on a July run through the Mojave. You can also check for any open recalls or warranty items before departure.
Explore our current Ford Expedition inventory near Los Angeles and let our team walk you through trim levels, towing packages, and available incentives. If you’re weighing your options, see how the Ford Explorer compares for families who don’t need quite as much size.
