Own a 2018 XLT, Have 2019 Limited Rental for the Week - Observations and Questions

[MATT0404]

I coincidentally ended up with a 2019 Limited Expedition for my rental this week while traveling for work. A couple things stand out to me after the first day and 500+ miles.

1. This thing feels like it is much better tuned and more powerful than my 2018. Do the 2019's have different tuning? The difference is NOT subtle.
2. I'm assuming this has the CCD suspension because it is leaps and bounds better on the highway than my XLT. Super smooth and handles bumps much better. That's not to say my XLT is lacking here, I'm just surprised by how much better the Limited is.
3. It is substantially quieter inside the cabin. In my XLT standing water or snow slush that is kicked up on the underside of the vehicle result in a metallic, tinny sound. Water kicked up underneath the Limited is much quieter. I'm going to have to investigate how they achieved better cabin isolation; interior vs exterior treatments.
4. B&O sound system, while better than standard XLT, is very underwhelming.

I'm really curious about the tuning aspect. The engine and transmission both seem more responsive and in sync with one another. Power delivery is also much more robust and linear. I'm wondering if I should be talking to my dealer about lack of power or if this is simply the result of revised tuning between model years. I've been seriously contemplating a tune recently, but not fully comfortable with warranty implications given I paid for the extended warranty. That said, I grew up driving and tuning turbo cars and I'm not sure I can resist the urge. Especially when the results would (or should) be even better than the Limited I'm driving now.

Note that I do have bigger tires than stock which sap power. However, they were just put on this weekend, so my reference point is a bone stock 202A XLT.

 

[julijn]

I coincidentally ended up with a 2019 Limited Expedition for my rental this week while traveling for work. A couple things stand out to me after the first day and 500+ miles.

1. This thing feels like it is much better tuned and more powerful than my 2018. Do the 2019's have different tuning? The difference is NOT subtle.
2. I'm assuming this has the CCD suspension because it is leaps and bounds better on the highway than my XLT. Super smooth and handles bumps much better. That's not to say my XLT is lacking here, I'm just surprised by how much better the Limited is.
3. It is substantially quieter inside the cabin. In my XLT standing water or snow slush that is kicked up on the underside of the vehicle result in a metallic, tinny sound. Water kicked up underneath the Limited is much quieter. I'm going to have to investigate how they achieved better cabin isolation; interior vs exterior treatments.
4. B&O sound system, while better than standard XLT, is very underwhelming.

I'm really curious about the tuning aspect. The engine and transmission both seem more responsive and in sync with one another. Power delivery is also much more robust and linear. I'm wondering if I should be talking to my dealer about lack of power or if this is simply the result of revised tuning. I've been seriously contemplating a tune recently, but not fully comfortable with warranty implications given I paid for the extended warranty.

Note that I do have bigger tires than stock which sap power. However, they were just put on this weekend, so my reference point is a bone stock 202A XLT.

View attachment 29997

that one you have does not have the ccd suspension .. only came with the 22 inch rims and those are 18s.interseting.. I have a limited with the 302a package...I hope that when I put on that readylift, it doesn't mess up my smoothe ride..

 

[JExpedition07]

Different rear end gear ratios

 

[MATT0404]

that one you have does not have the ccd suspension .. only came with the 22 inch rims and those are 18s.interseting.. I have a limited with the 302a package...I hope that when I put on that readylift, it doesn't mess up my smoothe ride..

Thanks for the info. Really surprised it's not CCD. It's super comfortable on the highway and even around town. Might have to dig into the parts catalog to see if the shocks/struts are different between XLT and limited.

Edit: appears 4x4 XLT and non-CCD Limiteds share the same front and rear struts.

Different rear end gear ratios

I'll have to see if I can figure out what rear end is in it. Pretty sure my XLT is standard 3.31.

 

[Deadman]

If the 2019 had the big knob on the dash where your little ash tray/storage cubby is, then is a tow package unit with 3.73's in it. The knob is to the left of the radio, and its the stupid trailer back up idiot driver assistance knob.
I purposely searched for a tow pack 302A because I wanted the CCD, and the 3.73's. If you have the ash tray/storage cubby, you have 3.31 gears which to me are simply a highway ratio. I wanted the 3.73's for grunt and I don't care about the MPG they hurt.

The limited "might" have extra sound deadening material in them, I don't know but I would think they do after what your experiences were. I know a little sound deadening makes a world of difference for the road noise.

 

[dlcorbett]

I think a lot of wat ur experiencing is its a bit newer. I think ford makes small build/tune changes every new my to make the cars feel fresher. Also, the ltds use different interior pieces which help with the interior ambiance.

 

[16plati]

that one you have does not have the ccd suspension .. only came with the 22 inch rims and those are 18s.interseting.. I have a limited with the 302a package...I hope that when I put on that readylift, it doesn't mess up my smoothe ride..

Depending on what size tires you go with it may be a tad more stiff. I went with 35s and it’s slightly noticeable, but nothin drastic. I may actually drop to 33/12.50/20s next time I need tires

 

[16plati]

Also, @Deadman hit it with the 3.73s. Acceleration is much more noticeable with these gears so it’s going to feel way different than say 3.31s. Here’s a good reference chart I use to compare

 

[Deadman]

I figured with a 10 speed it should already have a pretty serious overdrive, so I couldn't imagine buying one with 3.31's in it..... I kinda let the transmission overdrive handle the 3.73's mpg penalty and so far I'm very satisfied. I sure wouldn't want any lower numbered ratio. My neighbor has a F150 with 10 speed and Ecoboost 3.5 (he's not sure if he has 3.55's or what, but its NOT 3.73's) and we've compared the same hills and the same speeds with the cruise control on and his drops into 8th gear to climb the hills and mine usually stays in 10th, but at times drops to 9th. That alone will equate to a LOT less transmission wear over a lifetime on miles!
Just my opinion.,....

 

[dlcorbett]

Also, the sound system is very media and data dependent. If you listen to media with low quality, youll hear it and its kinda meh. But tune it right and listen to good quality music and its actually very very good.

 

[MATT0404]

I'm thinking the additional power is the result of what you guys are saying; 3.73 vs 3.31. It drives great with the lower gearing. Had I known back then what I know now...well you guys know the rest. Still no buyer's remorse. Just might have to bite the bullet and get mine tuned.

 

[MATT0404]

Also, the sound system is very media and data dependent. If you listen to media with low quality, youll hear it and its kinda meh. But tune it right and listen to good quality music and its actually very very good.

Being a 2 channel audiophile, I totally understand. My source is Tidal HiFi and Spotify premium over Bluetooth, which is inherently lossy. So not the best source.

 

[Flexpedition]

Do you think there could be some psychology involved?

When in a $60/day rental, I'm more apt to push it a little further and harder than I would my own $600/month personal vehicle.

I also feel like if something were to go wrong, it'd be easier to bamboozle a Hertz employee (who often are disinterested new hires) versus my local dealership service drive guy (tough to con him, been there 30+ years).

Fairly certain you will find zero insulation difference between trim levels to explain ride quality. Tires on the other hand....

 

[MATT0404]

Do you think there could be some psychology involved?

When in a $60/day rental, I'm more apt to push it a little further and harder than I would my own $600/month personal vehicle.

I also feel like if something were to go wrong, it'd be easier to bamboozle a Hertz employee (who often are disinterested new hires) versus my local dealership service drive guy (tough to con him, been there 30+ years).

Fairly certain you will find zero insulation difference between trim levels to explain ride quality. Tires on the other hand....

Very possible. I'm curious how my observations will hold up after spending a week in the rental and getting back behind the wheel of my XLT.

 

[dlcorbett]

Its funny how peoples experience, personal preference, or minor vehicle differences can determine what people feel about a vehicle. Not too long ago(a week ago), someone was talking about how there 2019 ltd was noisy and bouncy and how their vehicles dynamics was wearing thin on them. You get the same vehicle as a rental and thinks its dynamics are slightly superior to yours though yours is xlt.

 

[lobsenza]

The axle ratio is probably the biggest difference. 3.31 is a highway ratio. 3.73 makes the vehicle feel like it has more power. You will get a slight drop in highway fuel economy with the 3.73. I doubt there will be a difference around town.

 

[cmiles97]

With Jeep Wranglers, folks change their gearing out for higher ratios. I'd say go for 4.10 aftermarket. I'd bet an Expy with that would get up and go as long as you don't mind the mileage penalty.

My 2002 Tacoma TRD 4x4 v-6 had 4.10 gear ratio and was quick off the line but it got worse gas mileage than my 2017 Expedition.

 

[MATT0404]

If it could be done for a reasonable price I'd consider putting 3.73's in my XLT. This Limited feels just right with them. I get the feeling it would be cost prohibitive, unfortunately. 4.10's would be a stretch for my purposes.

 

[Deadman]

If it could be done for a reasonable price I'd consider putting 3.73's in my XLT. This Limited feels just right with them. I get the feeling it would be cost prohibitive, unfortunately. 4.10's would be a stretch for my purposes.

On this new stuff, I'm sure it would be expensive to do it right to get the 3.73's. The tow pack gave bigger radiator, trans coolers, and whatever else, I couldn't understand why anyone bought a Non-tow-pack unit. It just made perfect sense to me.

 

[aggiegrad05]

On this new stuff, I'm sure it would be expensive to do it right to get the 3.73's. The tow pack gave bigger radiator, trans coolers, and whatever else, I couldn't understand why anyone bought a Non-tow-pack unit. It just made perfect sense to me.

Because I don't tow anything, all models come with a trans-cooler (whether you got the tow pack or not), and the standard radiator is absolutely sufficient for my use. Why would I spend the extra cash for something I don't need?