2023 Ford Expedition SL — Carivo review carivo.co
SUV

2023 Ford Expedition SL

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $71,983–$90,165
Fuel Economy 18 MPG
Seating 8 passengers
Category SUV
Est. Annual Fuel $2,917/yr

Key Specifications — 2023 Ford Expedition SL

Seating Capacity8 passengers
Body StyleSUV
Base Price$71,983–$90,165

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

About the 2023 Ford Expedition SL

With an overall Carivo score of 7.3/10, the 2023 Ford Expedition SL earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.6/10, while Value at 6.2/10 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. Reliability comes in at 7.1/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. Safety is a strength too — 8.6/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Performance lands mid-pack at 7.4/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology comes in at 7.1/10 — functional and modern, with wireless connectivity and core ADAS features, though some competitors pack more standard tech at this price point.

Priced from $71,983–$90,165, 18 MPG, seating 8, the Ford Expedition SL sits in the luxury tier of the suv market. The value score of 6.2/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.

Bottom line: There's a case for the 2023 Ford Expedition SL, but it needs the right buyer. Its value scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.

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 2023 Ford Expedition SL ranks #1384 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 44% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $71,983 starting price is about 100% 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 SL Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2020 Ford Expedition SL scores 7.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.3 — and starts roughly $6,500 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$76,436 Read review →
2024 7.4/10$74,210 Read review →
2023 (this review) 7.3/10$71,983
2022 7.3/10$69,756 Read review →
2021 7.2/10$67,531 Read review →
2020 7.1/10$65,304 Read review →
2019 7.1/10$63,078 Read review →
2018 7.1/10$60,852 Read review →
2017 7.1/10$58,626 Read review →
2016 7.0/10$56,399 Read review →
2015 6.8/10$54,173 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2023 Ford Expedition SL

✓ What it does well

  • Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
  • 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
  • Value-for-money is a weak point; comparable alternatives offer more for the price
  • 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 18 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

Common Questions — 2023 Ford Expedition SL

Is the 2023 Ford Expedition SL reliable?

We rate the 2023 Ford Expedition SL's reliability 7.1/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class.

Is the 2023 Ford Expedition SL worth buying?

It scores 7.3/10 overall, ranking #1384 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 44% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.

How much does the 2023 Ford Expedition SL cost?

The 2023 Ford Expedition SL starts at $71,983 and ranges up to $90,165 across trims (MSRP when new). At 18 MPG, expect roughly $2,917/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.

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