What Is the Difference Between The Ford Expedition XLT and The Limited?

The Ford Expedition XLT and Ford Limited are two different versions of the SUV, with a few key differences. 

The XLT is designed for an active lifestyle, while the Limited has more luxury features that make it perfect for families or retirees.

What Is the Difference Between The Ford Expedition XLT and The Limited?

The Ford Expedition Limited is a higher-end version of the Expedition XLT. The Limited has a more powerful engine and additional luxury features and design compared to the XLT. But the XLT is a fantastic XLT that may meet your needs and save you some money.

Not only that but keep reading to learn about the distinctions between these two SUVs.

What Features Are Unique to Each Vehicle?

Ford Expedition XLT has the following features:

  • Trailer sway control
  • Keyless entry with push start ignition. This feature is not available on Limited models, so you must take out your key fob before starting up your vehicle.

The Ford Expedition Limited offers these additional high-end features:

  • Heated and cooled front seats. The XLT has heated second row captain’s chairs, but the Limited adds leather to those as well as first row seating. That way everyone can be comfortable on long trips!
  • Parking sensors for both rows of wheels (front and back). The XLT does not have this feature.
  • Lane keeping assist alerts drivers if they are drifting into another lane without signaling first. This is an additional safety measure that the Limited has but the XLT doesn’t.

Expedition Limited Vs. XLT: Engine

The Ford Expedition XLT offers a standard V-shaped engine in its standard configuration, one that has been around since the early 1990s and offers 285 horsepower. 

The Limited comes with a twin-turbo EcoBoost V-shaped engine instead.

This provides 365 horsepower and 510 lbs. of torque to get you quickly up to speed when needed!

A V-shaped engine is a type of engine that has been around for many years. 

It gets its name from the unique shape it features, which includes two separate banks of cylinders and crankshafts in one V-shaped configuration. 

This creates more power than you would get with a regular or inline engine design while also being lighter overall!

Finally, the Expedition XLT has a maximum towing capacity of 9000 pounds while the Limited offers 11000.

Both models use an automatic transmission that has six speeds in its standard configuration. This provides you with smooth acceleration when needed.

Expedition Limited Vs. XLT: Size

The Ford Expedition XLT comes with a length of 206.0 inches, a width of 84.0 inches and a height of 77.0 inches for its regular model, while the Limited is 204.0 x 78.0 x 74.0 inches. 

With the XLT, you get an additional nine cubic feet of space inside your vehicle (215 vs 206).

Expedition Limited Vs. XLT: Capacity

The Ford Expedition XLT comes with either six or seven seats, depending on your preference. 

The roomy backseat has comfortable captain’s chairs that are perfect for long trips!

The Ford Limited SUV is slightly smaller than its counterpart, with five full-size seats (three in the second row and two up front). It does offer more cargo room than the XLT, however.

The Ford Expedition Limited and XLT offer 96 cubic feet of cargo space with all the seats folded down in their regular models (the Eddie Bauer has 97). This is enough room to carry most large items such as pieces of furniture or even a refrigerator!

Expedition Limited Vs. XLT: Fuel Economy

The Ford Expedition uses regular unleaded gasoline to operate its engine. You can use either 87 or 89 octane, depending on your preference.

The XLT has a fuel economy of 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on highways.

This makes it slightly worse than average for SUVs, with its main competitors being the Chevy Tahoe, Toyota Sequoia and Nissan Armada.

The Limited model gets an EPA-estimated 14 MPG in the city and 20 on highways. This makes it slightly better than the average for its class, with other similar vehicles being Ford Explorer Sport AWD, Chevy Suburban 1500 LTZ and Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve.

Expedition Limited Vs. XLT: Price

The Ford Expedition XLT comes with a starting MSRP of $47,000 for the standard model and an upgraded model (Eddie Bauer) starts at $50,700. 

The Limited SUV has a base price of $52,800 to start off. 

Keep in mind that the XLT will probably depreciate faster than the Limited, but this is still an excellent value for some people.

Expedition Limited Vs. XLT: Exterior

The XLT comes with a sporty exterior that has 17-inch wheels. This gives it an aggressive look while also increasing its handling when you’re on the road!

The Limited SUV is slightly more elegant than its counterpart but still offers plenty of room for your gear in the back. You’ll get 18-inch wheels with the Limited that also boasts a sporty look!

Is the Expedition XLT or the Limited Better?

Choosing between the Ford Expedition XLT and Limited largely depends on your personal preferences. 

If you’re someone who wants to have luxury features, go with the Limited model because it offers more of them for a similar price point.

If you want an SUV that has space inside but doesn’t come with all those extra bells-and-whistles, go with the XLT instead. 

Either way, you’ll have an excellent SUV that’s perfect for your lifestyle.

Are There Years I Should Avoid?

2011, 2012 and 2013 Ford Expeditions are not good vehicles to purchase

While the XLT is one of the bestselling models, this particular year has some issues that make it a poor choice for many people. 

The 2011 model has problems with the engine that can cause it to seize up. 

The 2012 and 2013 models have similar issues but also come with faulty electronics in some cases.

Do Ford Expedition Models Have Problems With Their Electronics?

The electronics on some vehicles may fail after they are purchased, which means you will need to get them fixed. 

Ford has a good reputation for the quality of its electronics, but there have been some reports from owners that they are faulty or even stop working altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the horsepower for each Ford Expedition?

The XLT has a 302 horsepower, V-shaped engine that produces 285-pound feet of torque at 4000 RPM.

The Limited SUV uses the same powertrain, but it features 310 hp and 350 lb. ft of torque at 3400 rpm instead.

Will I be able to tow a heavy trailer with each Ford Expedition model?

No. The XLT has a maximum tow capacity of 8000 pounds, which is low for vehicles in this class and does not allow you to pull many trailers.

The Limited can only handle up to 10000 pounds, making it slightly worse than the XLT.

Closing Thoughts

Ford Expedition XLT and Limited have many similarities, but XLT is slightly better for those who want an affordable SUV with low fuel consumption and more legroom. 

For those looking to have plenty of power as well as roomy interior space, Ford Limited should be the preferred choice!

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