2020 Expedition- horrible steering!

[wrangler6061]

So... 10 seconds of background.. I'm a repeat and faithful Expedition customer .. Special ordered a 1997 Eddie Bauer model from the factory.. Have been driving a used 2007 model since 2011..

Finally had a chance to spend a full weekend with a heavily loaded 2020 Expedition 2WD XLT model (rental car with 200 miles on it - so brand new). I won't give a full review here - but will focus on just one item.. STEERING! One complaint I have with my 2007 is the "slow" steering (almost 4 turns lock-to-lock). Surely I thought the new 2018+ models would fix that issue.. NOPE! Still almost 4 turns lock-to-lock. In my humble opinion, Ford should have done whatever they could to make a big vehicle like this NOT handle like a party barge. (Full disclosure.. I don't remember how "tight" the 1997 steering was or wasn't.. just too many years ago...)

I'm sorely disappointed.. anyone else share this concern? I was seriously considered getting a newer 2018+ model.. but.. this could be a deal-breaker..

I'm also guessing this is "just how it was designed" and not much can be done about it...

Thanks!

 

[Deadman]

Don't buy an XLT......

 

[wrangler6061]

@Deadman: I'm actually looking at a Limited... Is the steering truly any quicker on a Limited? (FYI.. I'm looking at a Limited without a sunroof as i'm tall..so the Platinum is off the table since a sunroof is standard)..

 

[LokiWolf]

@Deadman: I'm actually looking at a Limited... Is the steering truly any quicker on a Limited? (FYI.. I'm looking at a Limited without a sunroof as i'm tall..so the Platinum is off the table since a sunroof is standard)..

How tall? Our 2020 Limited with the Pano Roof Expedition easily fits my 6-7 Father In Law in the front seat with plenty of room to spare. He actually made a comment about the RAS room. Sure he could raise the seat and make it closer, but that wouldn’t make any sense.

I think the steering is perfect for the vehicle size. This thing has an Amazing turning radius for its size. That additional turn means more distance lock to lock.


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[wrangler6061]

@Deadman.. only 6'4".. but.. "tall from the waist up".. the 2020 XLT I rented had a sunroof.. and.. sure.. I could lower the seat until my head didn't touch the roof.. but then I was sitting lower than I like.. Is this being picky? Maybe so.. Turning radius on my 2007 is great.. that isn't my complaint.. and was fine on the 2020 too.... I'm not a steering/suspension expert.. but.. I don't think more turns lock to lock is required for a tight turning radius.. I think it has something to do with design and gear ratios in the steering box.. but I don't know....Let's just say.. that in my wife's 2013 Lincoln MKX (think Ford Edge).. yes.. a smaller vehicle.. but.. less than 3 turns lock-to-lock.. and it feels "responsive".. Felt like I was "rowing" the Expedition last weekend to make turns.. As a reminder.. I'm very used to very large vehicles ;-)

 

[LokiWolf]

@Deadman.. only 6'4".. but.. "tall from the waist up".. the 2020 XLT I rented had a sunroof.. and.. sure.. I could lower the seat until my head didn't touch the roof.. but then I was sitting lower than I like.. Is this being picky? Maybe so.. Turning radius on my 2007 is great.. that isn't my complaint.. and was fine on the 2020 too.... I'm not a steering/suspension expert.. but.. I don't think more turns lock to lock is required for a tight turning radius.. I think it has something to do with design and gear ratios in the steering box.. but I don't know....Let's just say.. that in my wife's 2013 Lincoln MKX (think Ford Edge).. yes.. a smaller vehicle.. but.. less than 3 turns lock-to-lock.. and it feels "responsive".. Felt like I was "rowing" the Expedition last weekend to make turns.. As a reminder.. I'm very used to very large vehicles ;-)

Did the XLT have the Electric seat? I am also Tall in the torso, but only 6’1”. Just don’t think you should eliminate options based on the roof at your height. Go sit in a few limited’s with the pano roof.

More turning radius means greater steering angle, which means more motion lock to lock, all things created equal.


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[Deadman]

@Deadman: I'm actually looking at a Limited... Is the steering truly any quicker on a Limited? (FYI.. I'm looking at a Limited without a sunroof as i'm tall..so the Platinum is off the table since a sunroof is standard)..

Drive a CCD Limited, you can adjust all the suspension settings and such just like a Platinum, so the steering gets more responsive as the suspension stiffens and softens in the different drive modes.

 

[wrangler6061]

@LokiWolf: The XLT did have the x-way (lots of buttons!) power seat.. This XLT was fairly loaded as it had the sunroof (not sure if it was the "pano roof"?) - leather.. lots of other options.. Part of why I drive large SUVs is because I like to sit up high... I'll go sit in a few Limiteds with the "pano roof" to see if it is any better. I think back to my old man.. who.. was 6'6"... but I STILL sat 2 inches higher in the seat than he did..

 

[LokiWolf]

@LokiWolf: The XLT did have the x-way (lots of buttons!) power seat.. This XLT was fairly loaded as it had the sunroof (not sure if it was the "pano roof"?) - leather.. lots of other options.. Part of why I drive large SUVs is because I like to sit up high... I'll go sit in a few Limiteds with the "pano roof" to see if it is any better. I think back to my old man.. who.. was 6'6"... but I STILL sat 2 inches higher in the seat than he did..

Yeah, 4th Gen only has one Sunroof option. The Panoramic roof. Good luck on finding the right options. We have been Very happy with our 4th Gen.


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[LokiWolf]

Drive a CCD Limited, you can adjust all the suspension settings and such just like a Platinum, so the steering gets more responsive as the suspension stiffens and softens in the different drive modes.

CCD equipped limited have the 22’s. Ours has it. You can’t adjust the suspension separate to the Modes. Econ gives you the softest, Normal is the Middle, Sport stiffens all 4 corners. Tow stiffens the rear and leaves the front normal.


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[m3bs]

I agree about the steering ratio. I’m getting used to it, but in parking situations it does seem like you have to really crank the wheel to make tight turns.

My old Armada felt like a sports car in comparison.

 

[Deadman]

CCD equipped limited have the 22’s. Ours has it. You can’t adjust the suspension separate to the Modes. Econ gives you the softest, Normal is the Middle, Sport stiffens all 4 corners. Tow stiffens the rear and leaves the front normal.


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Correct!

 

[dlcorbett]

I never felt like the expy steering was bad, but its adjustable. I agree, normal mode is pretty numb and heavy, eco mode its sludgy a bit, but sport modes a whole different animal. The sport set up is damn near perfect; it quickens up and adds just a sprinkle of feel. In sport mode, it was the better than my wifes cx5 and those are lauded for their sporty edge.

 

[Soliyou]

I don’t mind the slow steering since it makes for a relaxing highway drive.

 

[Dice Roll]

I find it does well and my garage is a side loader with a hard 90 to make. I have to jack it in a couple times both in and out due to the narrow drive against a neighbors place. It handles that well.

im 6’6.5”. I clear the sunroof in my limited. I have to watch that aspect when car shopping. Can be an issue. I hate sunroofs so much I would’ve rather there be none. The xlf still has the small one I think in front. I didn’t look at those since I wanted stuff you can’t get in them. So won’t help you much and you lose a lot of features to go that route.

 

[Soliyou]

I agree about the steering ratio. I’m getting used to it, but in parking situations it does seem like you have to really crank the wheel to make tight turns.

My old Armada felt like a sports car in comparison.

A quick steering can be very dangerous in such a heavy SUV. Especially if you over correct during emergencies.

I still can’t forget the recent Infinity crash in California. May their souls RIP.

 

[Lou Hamilton]

I personally love the steering. It reminds me of the old hydraulic steering of the older years.

My wife have a 2017 Honda CR-V. Every time I drive it, I feel like the slightest movement of the steering wheel puts me in the next lane or I go too soon into a turn. Basically, I hate it and dread every time I need to use it.

Just my opinion, but was so glad it was not like my wife’s.


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[dtholmanmax]

We just picked up a 2019 Limited (but halogen headlights, that's another topic) and I feel like the steering is much better than our 2014 Limited EL was. Also I definitely like the wheel itself better on the 19.

I agree with your assessment of the older models. Steering was loose or the ratios sucked and made the car feel ever bit as big as it actually is

 

[AKentPhoto]

I feel your pain. It's so aggravating how little seats adjust for tall people. Germans have always been good about that. I used to have an Excursion and even in that my head would hit the rear HVAC controls... I will say you will most likely not be able to ride in the back seats without them reclined. When reclining the 2nd row the base lowers at the same time.

 

[Artie]

A quick steering can be very dangerous in such a heavy SUV. Especially if you over correct during emergencies.

I still can’t forget the recent Infinity crash in California. May their souls RIP.

Damn. Speed kills.