Ace of Base: 2018 Ford Expedition

Fifty thousand dollars is not exactly what springs to mind when one mentions the words “base model vehicle.” In fact, it’s likely to be precisely the opposite.

Thing is, this series isn’t solely about el-cheapo wheels. Sometimes, it’s about those rare occasions when an entry level trim for a particular model is the best one of the range. This is one of those times.

Ford shovelled mountains of cash into developing the new-for-2018 Lincoln Navigator. Plush trims, decadent trappings, and an overall sumptuous interior are going to give the Escalade a serious run for its money. Who knows; it might even regain enough cred to once again appear in rap lyrics. It’ll never appear on these Ace of Base pages, though, because I firmly believe the best Nav is the $100,000 Black Label trim.

As for its platform mate, the Expedition? That’s a different story. Just like the little brother who benefits from his parents’ decision to install a backyard rink (which his older brother will use to train for the local farm team), the Expedition sees its own star rise simply by dint of association.

A familiar 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine is under the hood, offering plenty of towing and hauling power for the majority of customers in this segment. Your author does truly enjoy the exhaust note emanating from the burly 6.2-liter brute at General Motors, but there’s no denying the EcoBoost is a great engine. Ford put a variation of it in the GT, fer chrissakes. Here, a 10-speed automatic and start/stop allow the big SUV to approach something resembling fuel efficiency.

Various electronic nannies like trailer sway control and all manner of stability controls are included and expected at this price point. A set of just-fine 18-inch rims are standard on the base XLT; moving up to the Limited simply bumps those to 20s.

Cloth seats are found in the $51,695 XLT along with a trick second-row 40/20/40 bench allowing fore/aft movement for the centre section. The $10,000 walk to the Limited brings leather seats and power action to the second row, arguably frivolous additions if the Expedition is expected to be a family workhorse. The third row is power folding on all trims, even the XLT.

Rear auxiliary climate controls keep the peanut gallery happy, while a quartet of USB ports (two up front and a pair in the middle row) keep everyone’s devices charged up. This stuff matters. Drivers of all sizes should be able to get comfy with a six-way power seat, power adjustable pedals, and a leather wrapped tilt/telescope wheel. Push button start means one doesn’t have to dig for keys.

I’m certain I’ll get raked over the coals for plunking a $50k truck in this Ace of Base series. However, given the equipment levels of its more costly brethren, the Expedition XLT represents the best value in its lot.

Just don’t get the cheapest Navigator. In that machine, Black Label (in a Chroma Crystal Blue with the Yacht Club theme, natch) is the only way to ride.

[Images: Ford Motor Company]

Not every base model has aced it. The ones which have? They help make our automotive landscape a lot better. Any others you’d like to see in our series? Let us know in the comments. Naturally, feel free to eviscerate our selections.

The model above is shown with American options and is priced in Freedom Dollars. As always, your dealer will probably sell for less.