New '22 Expedition Limited Stealth

[USKflt]

As promised, I'm posting a separate thread after picking up our Expedition today. It is a Limited MAX 4X4 with the 303A package, HD Tow, eLSD, CCD & cargo. It was 8.5hrs one way to the dealer so was a very long day, but also gave me plenty of seat time on the way home. Sorry in advance for the length but wanted to answer some questions I've seen and was also curious about. TLDR: Was worth the wait but a few disappointments (pics in next post). I'll edit this to include other thoughts as they come back to me.

Tracker Dates:
12/02/21 - Ordered
02/14/22 - Original Production Date
03/30/22 - Actual Production Date & Sent Offsite
04/08/22 - Built
04/18/22 - Delivered to Dealer
04/30/22 - Final Prep Finished

Purchase Info:
Got it for 3% under invoice plus another $4,500 in rebates. So made out really well I think. They only charged about $215 in fees. Only option removed from Ford was auto start/stop.

For reference, I traded in a 2017 Explorer Sport and have a 2020 Expedition KR in the family. So these are the baselines of my observations

Aesthetics - I was a little meh on the new headlight design but after seeing it in person I am 100% sold. They look SO much better in person, especially the Stealth. Pictures don't do them justice at all.
Power - After driving mine, I'm glad I didn't bump up to the 304A. This has plenty of power and 40hp not worth the cost.
Ride - Seems more firm and composed than the 2020 but still a bit floaty at times. Time will tell if it's due to being an improvement or just fresh shocks. Was hoping for a little tighter, but it does seem better.
Sync 4 - So glad I didn't opt for the 4A. The 12" screen is perfect and love having the physical buttons. They did an excellent job balancing the buttons & screen options. I was second guessing myself but now have absolutely no regrets.
Adaptive Cruise - Seems improved from the 2020, but still has a tendency to be jerky at times. I've found the key is to use the blinker at the right time when planning to switch lanes.
B&O - I thought it sounded pretty good. Glad I didn't go for the Unleashed system for what they charge.
MPG - Got 15mpg hand calculated, but was mostly interstate into the wind. So not passing judgement until it's broken in.

Disappointments:
- High beams are actually pretty good. Low beams are horribly underwhelming, IMO. Need to check my alignment sometime.
- Seemed like every convenience setting was disabled by default and I had to go through and enable them (folding mirrors, BLIS, adaptive features, etc.)
- License plate lights are the only non-LED light on the exterior. Just lame.
- Has a rear camera washer but not on the front like I believed it would. Must be an HD tow thing.
- Door gaps & lines seem pretty good, but have some other minor fit and finish things (see pics later on)
- Auto wipers - Behaved very erratically and were not consistent at all
- Wireless charger - Still sucks big time. Slow charging, hot and bad placement. My phone lost charge while using Google Maps.
- Doesn't have perimeter lighting when you get close with the key. Didn't find a setting.
- They got rid of the MPG history chart which I use a lot in our other Ford vehicles
- I guess I misunderstood the speed sign recognition. Thought it would adjust cruise but seems to just be a warning. I'll dig some more on this.
- My parents' 2020 KR has a little mirror by the sunglasses holder that's nice for looking in the backseat. This one doesn't have it.
- Need to test the reverse pedestrian detection. Hopefully I didn't lose that along with the park assist.

**** Edited ****

I ordered the WeatherTech HP full mat set for the 2021 MAX and they fit perfectly. These are exponentially better than the regular LaserFit liners I’ve used for years. Lay flatter, more traction, etc. I was going to try Husky or Max Liners but glad I didn’t. These look much better IMO.

I also ordered the WeatherTech mud flaps for the 2021. The fronts fit perfectly but the rears do not. I’ll have to see if I can just send the rears back until they release them for the 2022. So that was a bummer.

 

[USKflt]

Pics

 

[USKflt]

Pics 2

 

[Cadet7263]

As promised, I'm posting a separate thread after picking up our Expedition today. It is a Limited MAX 4X4 with the 303A package, HD Tow, eLSD, CCD & cargo. It was 8.5hrs one way to the dealer so was a very long day, but also gave me plenty of seat time on the way home. Sorry in advance for the length but wanted to answer some questions I've seen and was also curious about. TLDR: Was worth the wait but a few disappointments (pics in next post). I'll edit this to include other thoughts as they come back to me.

Tracker Dates:
12/02/21 - Ordered
02/14/22 - Original Production Date
03/30/22 - Actual Production Date & Sent Offsite
04/08/22 - Built
04/18/22 - Delivered to Dealer
04/30/22 - Final Prep Finished

Purchase Info:
Got it for 3% under invoice plus another $4,500 in rebates. So made out really well I think. They only charged about $215 in fees. Only option removed from Ford was auto start/stop.

For reference, I traded in a 2017 Explorer Sport and have a 2020 Expedition KR in the family. So these are the baselines of my observations

Aesthetics - I was a little meh on the new headlight design but after seeing it in person I am 100% sold. They look SO much better in person, especially the Stealth. Pictures don't do them justice at all.
Power - After driving mine, I'm glad I didn't bump up to the 304A. This has plenty of power and 40hp not worth the cost.
Ride - Seems more firm and composed than the 2020 but still a bit floaty at times. Time will tell if it's due to being an improvement or just fresh shocks. Was hoping for a little tighter, but it does seem better.
Sync 4 - So glad I didn't opt for the 4A. The 12" screen is perfect and love having the physical buttons. They did an excellent job balancing the buttons & screen options. I was second guessing myself but now have absolutely no regrets.
Adaptive Cruise - Seems improved from the 2020, but still has a tendency to be jerky at times. I've found the key is to use the blinker at the right time when planning to switch lanes.
B&O - I thought it sounded pretty good. Glad I didn't go for the Unleashed system for what they charge.
MPG - Got 15mpg hand calculated, but was mostly interstate into the wind. So not passing judgement until it's broken in.

Disappointments:
- High beams are actually pretty good. Low beams are horribly underwhelming, IMO. Need to check my alignment sometime.
- Seemed like every convenience setting was disabled by default and I had to go through and enable them (folding mirrors, BLIS, adaptive features, etc.)
- License plate lights are the only non-LED light on the exterior. Just lame.
- Has a rear camera washer but not on the front like I believed it would. Must be an HD tow thing.
- Door gaps & lines seem pretty good, but have some other minor fit and finish things (see pics later on)
- Auto wipers - Behaved very erratically and were not consistent at all
- Wireless charger - Still sucks big time. Slow charging, hot and bad placement. My phone lost charge while using Google Maps.
- Doesn't have perimeter lighting when you get close with the key. Didn't find a setting.
- They got rid of the MPG history chart which I use a lot in our other Ford vehicles
- I guess I misunderstood the speed sign recognition. Thought it would adjust cruise but seems to just be a warning. I'll dig some more on this.
- My parents' 2020 KR has a little mirror by the sunglasses holder that's nice for looking in the backseat. This one doesn't have it.
- Need to test the reverse pedestrian detection. Hopefully I didn't lose that along with the park assist.

**** Edited ****

I ordered the WeatherTech HP full mat set for the 2021 MAX and they fit perfectly. These are exponentially better than the regular LaserFit liners I’ve used for years. Lay flatter, more traction, etc. I was going to try Husky or Max Liners but glad I didn’t. These look much better IMO.

I also ordered the WeatherTech mud flaps for the 2021. The fronts fit perfectly but the rears do not. I’ll have to see if I can just send the rears back until they release them for the 2022. So that was a bummer.

Glad you finally got it. Thanks for the updates. Only difference I have from you is the 15.5” screen. Can’t wait to get mine, one day!!! Lol.

 

[Deadman]

Sounds like you found a great deal, and it looks nice!
It seems like the updates are so minor compared to the previous generation.

The chicken wire grill just looks so gross. Looks like it belongs on the lowest trim possible. I can't believe anyone designed that and thought that was ok for 80-90 grand.

The screens not integrated into the dash just look like some engineer said "f it, lets slap an iPad on there and go have a beer".

 

[USKflt]

Sounds like you found a great deal, and it looks nice!
It seems like the updates are so minor compared to the previous generation.

The chicken wire grill just looks so gross. Looks like it belongs on the lowest trim possible. I can't believe anyone designed that and thought that was ok for 80-90 grand.

The screens not integrated into the dash just look like some engineer said "f it, lets slap an iPad on there and go have a beer".

Agree to disagree on most of your points. Exterior updates are minor, but Sync 4 alone is a HUGE upgrade over previous years. Not even close. I also like the design of the dash and controls better. There is a really nice rubberized storage tray behind the screen so I like that it’s not blended in totally. Also, disagree on the exterior. Side by side, my parents’ 2020 KR looks dated (and even more so on the interior). The new design is much sleeker and clean in person. There is no comparison between the taillight designs either.

 

[DFWHD]

Love the silver with stealth package. That's what I had on order, but ended up finding a dealer stock black stealth locally that had just arrived and grabbed it as not to wait it out for months on end.

I'm moving up from a 2013 Expedition XLT, so there is no real comparison. I don't have any issue with low beams, they seem as bright as I expected (so much better than the 2013). I noticed the speed sign thing too, but do believe it's just a warning. As for the camera in front, I have HD tow and the Sync 4A larger touchscreen and certainly does have the front camera. Maybe it's part of the Sync 4A package? Sadly, I got my first scratch on the rear bumper today. Tried to buff it out, which helped some but still visible. I guess the universe didn't intend me to keep it pristine too long. As my wife said, "I'm just glad it wasn't me that did it". A lot of truth there!

 

[USKflt]

Love the silver with stealth package. That's what I had on order, but ended up finding a dealer stock black stealth locally that had just arrived and grabbed it as not to wait it out for months on end.

I'm moving up from a 2013 Expedition XLT, so there is no real comparison. I don't have any issue with low beams, they seem as bright as I expected (so much better than the 2013). I noticed the speed sign thing too, but do believe it's just a warning. As for the camera in front, I have HD tow and the Sync 4A larger touchscreen and certainly does have the front camera. Maybe it's part of the Sync 4A package? Sadly, I got my first scratch on the rear bumper today. Tried to buff it out, which helped some but still visible. I guess the universe didn't intend me to keep it pristine too long. As my wife said, "I'm just glad it wasn't me that did it". A lot of truth there!

Mine does have a front camera. Just not a front washer for the camera. The rear one has a washer. I was under the impression it would have both as the 2020 does and our Explorer even did. I’m assuming it’s an HD tow package deal.

 

[texevora]

Thanks for the detailed write-up. I’m trying to decide whether to go through with my trade-in of my ‘19 Expy Limited 4x4 for my incoming order of a ‘22 limited 4x4 stealth performance pkg.

Im confused about your comments on the headlights, can you elaborate on what you like more about the new design? The low beams were disappointing? Any idea how they compare to the 19-21s with LED headlights?

On the taillights, are you saying the new design is better? Always thought the taillights looked pretty good on the 19-21s (the ones with LEDs)

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

I guess I misunderstood the speed sign recognition. Thought it would adjust cruise but seems to just be a warning. I'll dig some more on this.

Meh, who obeys the speed limits anyway?

Need to test the reverse pedestrian detection. Hopefully I didn't lose that along with the park assist.

Just listen for the screaming.

Congrats on the new ride!

 

[maxlim2022]

Many thanks for your write up. I see you ordered from Granger. Dis as well, due production June 20th or so (got the email 3 days ago) Your Pics under Pics2 given me concern but as long as its all cosmetic, I guess we shall be fine, though I must admit I personally have beef with interior aesthetics when they are not properly done....I will just have to deal with it. I'm glad to hear you are happy with the 12 inch screen. I also wanted physical HVAC buttons, not via interface and I guessed 12 inches should suffice for the other stuff. Please keep posting, some of us are living vicariously through you

 

[USKflt]

Thanks for the detailed write-up. I’m trying to decide whether to go through with my trade-in of my ‘19 Expy Limited 4x4 for my incoming order of a ‘22 limited 4x4 stealth performance pkg.

Im confused about your comments on the headlights, can you elaborate on what you like more about the new design? The low beams were disappointing? Any idea how they compare to the 19-21s with LED headlights?

On the taillights, are you saying the new design is better? Always thought the taillights looked pretty good on the 19-21s (the ones with LEDs)

I actually like the looks of the previous LEDs better. I just think the overall front end look is better in person on the ‘22s. Much cleaner and sleek. The low beams IMO are worse than the previous LEDs and are worse than our ‘17 Explorer LED reflectors that we traded in. I’m going to mess with them some more but very disappointed so far. Very poor throw and spread. Brights are pretty good. Anytime my brights dimmed I felt like I needed to slow way down. The brights seem to fade off and on instead of instant off and on, which I kind of like.

On the taillights, I just think the new design is way better aesthetically. Especially on the Stealth.

 

[USKflt]

Love the silver with stealth package. That's what I had on order, but ended up finding a dealer stock black stealth locally that had just arrived and grabbed it as not to wait it out for months on end.

I'm moving up from a 2013 Expedition XLT, so there is no real comparison. I don't have any issue with low beams, they seem as bright as I expected (so much better than the 2013). I noticed the speed sign thing too, but do believe it's just a warning. As for the camera in front, I have HD tow and the Sync 4A larger touchscreen and certainly does have the front camera. Maybe it's part of the Sync 4A package? Sadly, I got my first scratch on the rear bumper today. Tried to buff it out, which helped some but still visible. I guess the universe didn't intend me to keep it pristine too long. As my wife said, "I'm just glad it wasn't me that did it". A lot of truth there!

I think I found the speed sign setting. Was looking in Speed Limit Assist and that’s where the warning is. But if you go in the Cruise Control settings there’s a toggle for Speed Sign Recognition. A little confusing and a little different than the F150 menu. I’ll have to try it out this week.

 

[Beachums]

Thanks for sharing. I just put in an order on Thursday for the SPP.... I am one of the crazies that want to pay 10 Gs for shiny red calipers and a factory tune...lol.
I'm told, the order books for the 22MY closed Friday.
Thanks for sharing the good and the bad....

 

[Mxer0022]

Thanks for sharing. I just put in an order on Thursday for the SPP.... I am one of the crazies that want to pay 10 Gs for shiny red calipers and a factory tune...lol.
I'm told, the order books for the 22MY closed Friday.
Thanks for sharing the good and the bad....

I believe there are changes to the internals of the HO ecoboost as well. And not to mention the 22 speaker stereo instead of 12.

 

[Rob6805]

I actually like the looks of the previous LEDs better. I just think the overall front end look is better in person on the ‘22s. Much cleaner and sleek. The low beams IMO are worse than the previous LEDs and are worse than our ‘17 Explorer LED reflectors that we traded in. I’m going to mess with them some more but very disappointed so far. Very poor throw and spread. Brights are pretty good. Anytime my brights dimmed I felt like I needed to slow way down. The brights seem to fade off and on instead of instant off and on, which I kind of like.

On the taillights, I just think the new design is way better aesthetically. Especially on the Stealth.

Ford went from LED projector lights on the 18-21 to LED reflector lights on the 22's. The reflectors aren't as good and are a cost save measure.

 

[kzei]

@USKflt question for you in your floor mats. I plan o taking them with me to the dealer when I pick up. Not going to give my monsters the opportunity to get dirt in there . How does the second row mat work when you slide the seat? I’ll have littles getting in and out daily and wasn’t sure if there was enough clearance for sliding the seats. Thanks so much for the pictures and write up. Just makes the continued wait that much harder.

 

[USKflt]

@USKflt question for you in your floor mats. I plan o taking them with me to the dealer when I pick up. Not going to give my monsters the opportunity to get dirt in there . How does the second row mat work when you slide the seat? I’ll have littles getting in and out daily and wasn’t sure if there was enough clearance for sliding the seats. Thanks so much for the pictures and write up. Just makes the continued wait that much harder.

I also took mine with me to the dealer. You do not lose any functionality with the tip and slide. See attached picture.

 

[kzei]

I also took mine with me to the dealer. You do not lose any functionality with the tip and slide. See attached picture.

Oh my gosh, So helpful! Thank you. I’ll order now and hopefully they won’t gather too much dust in the garage while we wait

 

[mdexp]

Nice write up! I have a nearly identical vehicle - only differences are exterior color (mine is white) and ours has the 15.5" screen. I was a bit hesitant to give up the physical buttons, but have been pleasantly surprised at how intuitive/useable the screen controls are. I've learned to really like the big screen and am a bit of a techy at times so glad that it had it, but can't imagine being disappointed either way.

I agree with you on the styling changes.. in person looks even better than the pictures and I think it is a really nice upgrade to the previous model. The new infotainment is leaps and bounds better than the last generation as well. By far that was my biggest complaint on the 2019 Expedition Max Limited we traded; this version has addressed nearly everything I didn't like about the last and looks much more modern.

We've had ours for about a month now and overall we are very happy with the new vehicle. I'll admit it sounds like you got a better deal than we did, though. We were at MSRP but justified it due to a really good offer on our trade.