Does Ford Expedition hold value?
The Ford Expedition generally holds its value reasonably well for a full-size SUV, depreciating more slowly than many family crossovers but not as strongly as some top-value, off-road, or luxury models. Its resale strength depends on year, trim, mileage, maintenance, and market conditions.
Understanding value retention
Several factors influence how well an Expedition preserves value. Here are the most influential ones to consider when evaluating a used example or pricing a trade-in.
- Miles driven and overall condition
- Model year and generation lifecycle
- Trim level and factory options
- Maintenance history and verifiable service records
- Accidents or title issues
- Original equipment and the condition of major systems (engine, transmission, drivetrain)
- Exterior color and interior materials, which affect demand
- Market demand for full-size SUVs and current fuel prices
In practice, a well-maintained Expedition with lower mileage and desirable features tends to hold its value better, while high-mileage or poorly maintained examples depreciate more quickly.
How it stacks up against peers
Compared with rivals, the Expedition's resale performance sits in the competitive middle of the segment. It offers compelling space, towing capability, and modern tech, which helps preserve value, but it may lag behind some brands with stronger long-term reliability reputations or higher demand in certain markets (for example, Toyota Sequoia or Nissan Armada for specific buyers).
- Toyota Sequoia: strong resale value and well-regarded reliability
- Chevrolet Tahoe / GMC Yukon: solid depreciation with strong demand in many regions
- Nissan Armada: dependable, with reasonable resale retention
- Luxury-adjacent models (e.g., Lincoln Navigator): typically higher initial resale but steeper depreciation on new-price premium
These comparisons can vary by region and trim, so prospective buyers or sellers should check local pricing trends and recent transaction data for their area.
Which years offer better value?
Value retention tends to align with the Expedition’s generation lifecycle and how well a given year balances modern features with proven reliability. The current second generation began with the 2018 redesign and has carried incremental updates through the early 2020s. In general, used examples from the 2018–2020 window provide a favorable mix of price, capability, and reliability, while 2021–2023 models bring more technology and optional features at a higher purchase price. If you want the latest tech at a reasonable price, look for late-generation 2020s models with comprehensive maintenance histories and lower mileage. As always, avoid heavily optioned, high-mileage examples unless the price reflects the risk of potential maintenance needs.
- Best value opportunities: 2018–2020 Expedition models
- Modern features without extreme price: 2021–2023 models
- Key buying considerations: verify maintenance history and check for any transmission or system service notes
Bottom line: a well-documented, low-mileage Expedition from a solid year will typically offer stronger resale potential than a high-mileage or poorly documented example.
Tips to maximize resale value
Owners who want to protect resale value should focus on proactive maintenance, documentation, and presentation. The following practices help maintain value over time.
- Keep comprehensive service records and receipts for all major maintenance and repairs
- Limit cosmetic damage; address dings, scratches, and interior wear promptly
- Preserve original parts and window sticker when possible; document any replacements
- Choose a widely appealing color and avoid polarizing options
- Disclose any accidents or title history upfront and provide repair documentation
- Maintain tires and brakes; replace as needed to avoid depreciation from worn components
- Protect the interior (upholstery, carpets, dashboards) to keep the cabin looking new
By maintaining the vehicle’s condition and history, owners can maximize resale value when it’s time to sell or trade in.
Bottom line
Overall, the Ford Expedition offers competitive resale value within the full-size SUV segment, especially when it is well maintained, has moderate mileage, and remains in desirable trim. Its depreciation aligns with expectations for its size and powertrain, and prudent maintenance and thoughtful option choices can help maximize returns at trade-in or resale.
Summary
The Ford Expedition generally holds its value well for a large SUV, with value largely driven by mileage, maintenance history, and desirability of the trim and features. It performs solidly against many peers, though top-resale performers vary by market and brand reputation. For buyers and sellers, focusing on well-documented maintenance, low mileage, and carefully chosen options is key to maximizing resale value.
Do Ford Expeditions last long?
Yes, Ford Expeditions can last a long time, often exceeding 200,000 to 300,000 miles, especially with proper maintenance. They are known for their durability, and many owners report successful long-term ownership, with some older models reaching over 400,000 miles. However, potential issues like cam phaser problems have been reported in some earlier models, although newer models have reportedly addressed some of these concerns.
Factors that influence lifespan
- Proper maintenance: Regular oil changes, service appointments, and addressing minor issues promptly are crucial for maximizing the lifespan of an Expedition.
- Vehicle age and model: While older models have proven their longevity, newer models (especially from 2018 onward) have improved build quality and performance.
- Engine and components: The Expedition is equipped with a durable engine, but components like the spark plugs, exhaust manifolds, and transmission can sometimes require repairs, particularly in certain model years.
Tips for maximizing lifespan
- Follow the recommended maintenance schedule: in your owner's manual.
- Don't ignore minor issues: like strange noises or rough shifting, as they can lead to bigger problems down the road.
- Consider the engine history: Some engines have known issues. For example, older 5.4L engines sometimes experience cam phaser problems, so it's wise to research the specific engine in the model you're considering.
What is the #1 most depreciating car?
Cars That Hold Their Value Worst
- Jagur I-Pace: 72.2% Depreciation.
- BMW 7 Series: 67.1% Depreciation.
- Tesla Model S: 65.2% Depreciation.
- Infiniti QX80: 65.0% Depreciation.
- Maserati Ghibli: 64.7% Depreciation.
- BMW 5 Series: 64.7% Depreciation.
- Nissan Leaf: 64.1% Depreciation.
- Maserati Levante: 63.7% Depreciation.
Do Ford Expeditions hold their value?
Ford Expeditions hold their value better than the average large SUV, though they still depreciate significantly over time. They perform better than some competitors due to their strong brand reputation and demand for large, capable SUVs. However, buyers should still consider depreciation costs when calculating long-term ownership expenses and can look for specific model years, such as the 2023, for a potentially better value, as explained on CarEdge.
- Better than average depreciation: The Ford Expedition depreciates by an estimated 49% over five years, which is better than the 54.1% average for the large SUV category.
- Strong resale demand: A strong brand reputation for reliability and a dedicated following help drive demand for used Expeditions, which supports their resale value.
- Significant depreciation: Despite performing better than the average, a significant portion of the vehicle's value is still lost, especially in the first few years of ownership.
- Model year matters: Certain model years, like the 2023, are considered to offer better value, often with a lower percentage of new-vehicle price paid and more remaining useful life, according to CarEdge.
- Other costs: When factoring in depreciation, remember to also consider other long-term costs like maintenance, fuel, insurance, and financing, as detailed on the Boulevard Ford of Lewes Blog.
What SUV retains its value best?
The Toyota 4Runner is consistently ranked as one of the best SUVs for retaining its value, especially among 5-seater models, largely due to its reliability and long production cycles. Other strong contenders include the Toyota RAV4, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (Plug-in Hybrid), and the Lexus RX.
Top SUVs for resale value
- Toyota 4Runner: Holds its value exceptionally well due to reliability, long model cycles, and a strong aftermarket community, making it one of the best overall.
- Toyota RAV4: A top performer in the compact and small SUV category, the RAV4 is known for excellent resale value.
- Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (Plug-in Hybrid): Ranked high for its impressive resale value, especially in its hybrid form.
- Lexus RX 350: A top-ranked luxury midsize SUV that holds its value well, often retaining over 60% of its value after five years.
- Lexus UX 200: A luxury crossover SUV that leads its segment in resale value.
- Toyota Land Cruiser: A large SUV that has the best resale value in its class.
- Toyota Grand Highlander: The top performer for three-row SUVs, retaining a high percentage of its value after five years.
- Honda CR-V: A consistently strong performer in the compact SUV market, with its hybrid models often holding value even better.
Factors that influence resale value
- Reliability: Brands like Toyota, Lexus, and Honda are known for their high reliability, which significantly boosts resale value.
- Long Model Cycles: SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner, which don't change significantly for many years, tend to have better resale value.
- Strong Demand: A history of strong demand, both new and used, like with the Toyota 4Runner, helps cushion depreciation.
- Hybrid Models: Increasingly, hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of SUVs are showing higher resale values due to market demand.
