Regular vs. Max

[gural]

I live in the city and having a short version is a letter idea
I can not find a parking place which have more then 200 inch
so every time I need to park on more then one place... lucky the are so many small electrics

And regargind the place i got 3 seats in 2 row
and if I got with bigger group I got a box on the roof and I can always put a box on the trailer hitch

 

[Mxer0022]

Depends on how much your wife likes to pack on trips. It could be just us two and we would have to have the max to accommodate all the cargo she packs. We could go on a 2 day trip and you'd think we were leaving for 2 weeks. Now add 4 boys and a large goldendoodle and we are completely loaded.

 

[Gmas15]

Well, we're a very active family. Camping, ski trips, beach, DIY runs, youth sports coach, tow a camper, you name it. Regular length has been fine for us. Sure, on some fully loaded trips, I would liked the extra space, but it's marginal. I have a roof box for those trips. Also, like the OP, the vehicle fits better in the garage, easier to park, navigate in the city.

But, I would think with 3-4 kids and dog, and third row always up, then max would certainly be the way to go.

 

[4CHN8]

Go for the Max. Having extra room when you don't need it is better than not having room when you do need it.

 

[mhExped]

...you could consider sticking with the regular length Expedition but with a bench seat 2nd row.

Agree 100% with this.

2nd row bench seat makes a huge difference in the regular length when you're packing lots of stuff in the rear cargo area with 3rd row seats folded flat + transporting people and dogs.

If 2nd row captain's chairs were a requirement, I'd only consider the Max.

For reference, we've got 3 kids (they and their stuff get bigger every day, btw) + dog with the regular Expy. When we haul lots of stuff, we often have 3rd row folded flat, cargo area filled to capacity, + roof top cargo box + small trailer. 2nd row bench seat makes it just workable, but if we were doing it over at this point we'd have gone with the Max.

 

[LG_123]

We have three kids and the oldes (4 years old) sits in the third row like you’re suggesting. It works well since she can buckle herself now. The reasons to get a max are if you want to transport drywall/plywood sheets, larger gas tank, and longer wheel base for towing. The extra trunk space probably isn’t a big difference maker if you’ll have the third row mostly folded anyway.

 

[LG_123]

PS I also recommend the middle row bench so you have more seating options. They fold out of the way very easily so it’s no problem to get back to the third row.

 

[rick619]

I have the regular and have 3 kids: 8, 10, 13. We also have 3 dogs. The regular length is perfect for us. We got one with the middle row captains chairs. If we have all 3 kids with us, one sits in the 3rd row. We wanted to be able to keep them as separate as possible. Plus everyone likes the arm rests with the captains chairs, a more luxury look and feel.

Plus, I would definitely get the regular if the max won't fit in your garage.

 

[Dan B]

We have a 2014 EL with captains chairs in the second row, and a 2020 with a bench second row. The EL is a bit more difficult to park, but with the back up mirror its not that much more work. Our kids are grown, but we travel long distances with 3 hunting dogs. They the dogs, much prefer the captains chairs because they can freely move to the back, where the 3rd row seats are typically down. My wife did have me make a box for the space between the second row seats that matches the height of the seats. The second row seats and space riser are typically covered with a moving blanket. There was space under the seat box for a drawer, as if we needed more storage.

 

[Kanderson]

We have had both the Max and the Regular. I got tired of the extra foot or more in the back. We have 5 people in our car on a regular basis. We put the oldest, in a booster seat now, in the back, and that way I can still fold down the larger side for luggage. If we need all the seats we have an attachable box for the back. I would want my car to fit in my garage.

 

[Frugala]

I had a 2015 EL, and upgraded to 2021 regular this year. There were maybe a handful of times during those 6 years where I "needed" the extra room. But for those few times, I could have solved it some other way (trailer hitch rack for example). Now I chose the shorter length so I can put it in the garage, and VERY happy about that now.

 

[night vision]

Max all the way. I have the EL version of the 2017 in a Limited configuration. While it's 15.5 inches larger than my 2004 Expedition Eddie Bauer, it's TOTALLY worth the extra space.

I hate to use mine for my business of hauling materials from hardware stores to my rental properties, but I can fit so much more in depth wise than my 04.

You'll be happier with the longer one. It's nice.

 

[PNWExpy]

Seems like most on here prefer the max version.. I definitely second guessed myself a bit but ultimately I’m happy with the standard. Although the small gas tank is disappointing. With two kids and a dog there are times when the extra space would be nice but for 95% of our trips it’s not a problem. I chose maneuverability over extra space. In town and parking lots my expy is borderline better than my civic. And we do a bit of mild overlanding so the short comes in handy here too.

 

[baseballdad1137]

I bought a standard and wish I would've gotten a max. 3 kids and lots of baseball gear in the back has proven to be a challenge so far. Currently looking at trading in for a Max. I really should've checked it out during the 3-day return period my dealership offers, so it's going to cost me if I end up trading.

 

[bbenz3]

We went with the Max as every seat will be full so needed the extra cargo space.

 

[TSieler]

Have you checked out the bench in the second row? We have 5 kids. Access to the third row is a breeze. The second row has plenty of room and feels like you’re sitting in captains. We can also have an adult sit directly next to the baby with easy access. Having that configuration would allow you to have all three kids in the second row and your dog in the third down the road.

 

[LyoddChrissmiss]

Said before. Parking in the garage is tops. Unless you enjoy always washing and drying your car.
Sure MAX is nice, but you won’t need it.

 

[Pawpaw]

Our kids are grown and bought our regular length for my daily driver. Sold the F350 dually I drove for 4-1/2 yrs and the Expy feels like a sports car! Love the ride and fuel mileage also. If I need to haul anything long I'll hook up to my 14' utility trailer. Love this FX4 so far.

 

[Polo08816]

Said before. Parking in the garage is tops. Unless you enjoy always washing and drying your car.
Sure MAX is nice, but you won’t need it.

I never dry my car anymore. It's a waste of time.

 

[VBreithaupt]

We have 3 kids and a dog and grandpa just moved in? Have any aging parents? I had a tahoe for years and it just never seem to have enough space. Moved to Suburban and loved the extra room. It was a piece of crap and I dumped it. I have the Max now and I seem to always use the space up. I always felt for the minimum difference in gas mileage why not go with the bigger and not have to put a carrier or hitch tray on. I say make sure your insurance is up to date and drive your current car through the front of the garage and do a little up grade on the repair to fit the MAX. Ha!!