2020 Ford Expedition Base — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2020 Ford Expedition Base

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $50,234–$66,378
Fuel Economy 15 MPG
Seating 8 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $3,500/yr

Key Specifications — 2020 Ford Expedition Base

Seating Capacity8 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$50,234–$66,378

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2020 Ford Expedition Base

The 2020 Ford Expedition Base is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 7.1/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.2/10, while Value at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 6.9/10 for reliability, this suv trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 8.2/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

With 7.2/10 for performance, this is a car tuned for daily driving rather than excitement — perfectly capable on the commute, unremarkable on a back road. Technology scores 6.7/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $50,234–$66,378, 15 MPG, seating 8, the Ford Expedition Base sits in the premium tier of the suv category. The value score of 6.6/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Verdict: The 2020 Ford Expedition Base sits in the middle of the field. Until its reliability and technology and value scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among SUVs

The 2020 Ford Expedition Base ranks #1814 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 26% of the segment. Its 7.1/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $50,234 starting price is about 39% above the segment's median of $36,079.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →

Which Expedition Base Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2017 Ford Expedition Base scores 7.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.1 — and starts roughly $5,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 7.4/10$58,797 Read review →
2024 7.4/10$57,085 Read review →
2023 7.3/10$55,372 Read review →
2022 7.4/10$53,659 Read review →
2021 7.2/10$51,947 Read review →
2020 (this review) 7.1/10$50,234
2019 7.1/10$48,522 Read review →
2018 7.1/10$46,809 Read review →
2017 7.1/10$45,097 Read review →
2016 7.1/10$43,384 Read review →
2015 6.9/10$41,672 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2020 Ford Expedition Base

✓ What it does well

  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well

✗ Where it falls short

  • Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
  • Fuel economy at 15 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

Common Questions — 2020 Ford Expedition Base

Is the 2020 Ford Expedition Base reliable?

We rate the 2020 Ford Expedition Base's reliability 6.9/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.

Is the 2020 Ford Expedition Base worth buying?

It scores 7.1/10 overall, ranking #1814 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 26% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.

How much does the 2020 Ford Expedition Base cost?

The 2020 Ford Expedition Base starts at $50,234 and ranges up to $66,378 across trims (MSRP when new). At 15 MPG, expect roughly $3,500/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

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