At the heart of each and every 2007 Ford Expedition is a 24-valve, 5.4-liter V8 pushing 300 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 365 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,750 rpm. An all-new six-speed automatic transmission delivers engine output to the rear wheels, or when equipped with Control Trac’s automatic locking hubs and two-speed transfer case, to all four wheels. Regardless of which drivetrain is selected, Expedition buyers are taking home a hefty rig weighing between 5,578 and 6,155 pounds, one that is accordingly equipped with a beefy brake system consisting of large ventilated discs front and rear, four-wheel ABS, as well as electronic brake assistance and electronic brake-force distribution systems.

Under the Expedition’s reworked skin is an independent suspension system, featuring double wishbones up front and a multi-link setup in the rear with standard stabilizer bars at each end. By moving away from a solid rear axle, such as that used by the Chevrolet Tahoe and its siblings, and by routing the axle shafts through the frame rails, the new Expedition provides a flat load floor without the seats having to be removed like in the GM SUVs. Three standard tires come on the various 2007 Expedition models: 265/70R17 all-season, 265/70R17 all-terrain, and 255/70R18 all-season. Optional wheel and tire packages include 265/70R17 all-terrains, 18-inch alloys with 255/70 all-seasons, and 20-inch chrome alloys with 275/55 all-seasons. Whatever set of rims and rubber finds its way to your Expedition, it’ll be directed by a variable-assist rack-and-pinion steering assembly.

New for 2007 is the Expedition EL, a stretched version of the regular model. As such it not only adds weight but also 12 inches to the wheelbase, about 15 inches to the overall length and 21 inches to the maximum cargo capacity. In exchange for the extra room, the EL suffers from a turning circle that has grown by about three feet, a 9,000-lb. maximum tow rating that’s 200 pounds less than regular Expedition, and though EPA mileage estimates haven’t been released, the EL can expect a hit in the fuel economy department, too.