Ford Expedition Stealth Performance: Luxury Full-Size Hot Rod
Unlike the off-roading Timberline, the Ford Expedition Stealth Performance is a Hi-Po hot rod for the streets (with seating for eight)!
Twenty years ago, Ford’s SVT division wanted to make an SUV version of its second-gen Lightning. Based on the Expedition, it was to be called the Thunder. But, alas, Ford canceled the project and later pivoted to the Raptor and off-roading. The rest is forgotten history… Until last year when Ford tucked the Raptor’s High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost V6 under two new Expeditions. The first, for off-roaders, is the Timberline, which we reviewed HERE. The second, born for the streets, is the Expedition Stealth Performance, the subject of today’s review.
Sure, it’s not called Thunder, and SVT is now, effectively, Ford Performance. But make no mistake. With 440 horsepower and 510 ft.-lbs. of peak torque, the Expedition Stealth runs to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds (as measured by Car and Driver). Which is three-tenths of a second quicker than our beloved Lightning. So, pretty darn quick for a full-sized SUV with seating for seven or eight. Black wheels, trim, grilles, roof racks, and badging complete the part-sporty, part-sleeper aesthetics.
The Car Connection’s Take
Our colleague Joel Feder over at The Car Connection recently tested the Ford Expedition Stealth Performance. As with any new vehicle, it’s a mix of hits and misses, to put it in Car Connection parlance. On the positive side of the spectrum, Mr. Feder complimented the Expedition’s comfortable interior, high-tech infotainment interface, and, of course, its Raptor power:
My butt dyno says this massive aluminum-bodied SUV launches from 0-60 mph in less than 7.0 seconds, and it never seems to run out of steam regardless of the situation. Passing power is abundant. The 10-speed automatic is a joy as it smoothly slips through the gears while seemingly never getting lost, and power just flows to the road. This is a heck of a motor in a vehicle that weighs about 5,500 lb.
To this, we agree. Although the suspensions are tuned differently, we experienced similar performance with the Expedition Timberline last year. That H.O. 3.5L EcoBoost is a monster in the torque department. And the tall SYNC 4A screen — a $795 option with the Stealth Performance package — is quick and easy to navigate. Although, to be honest, the standard screen includes superior physical HVAC buttons. And the B&O Sound System isn’t quite as good as the B&O Unleashed found in high-trim F-150s.
In terms of misses, Mr. Feder critiqued the Stealth’s missing features, high pricing, and lack of a hybrid option. In Mr. Feder’s opinion, the Lincon Navigator provides more luxury for a similar price:
The Stealth performance package adds $9,880 to the Limited model for the Raptor engine, sport-tuned suspension, and 12-speaker B&O sound system. There was also $995 for adaptive shocks with a camera that reads the road, $795 for a heavy-duty tow package, $1,100 for an electronic limited-slip rear differential, and $795 for a 15.5-inch touchscreen. That’s just over $3,000 more than a base Lincoln Navigator with rear-wheel drive or about the same price as a four-wheel-drive Navigator, which has a much nicer interior.
On this point, we again agree with Mr. Feder. Interior quality is a problem area we’ve seen across a wide range of Ford products, including the Bronco, Mustang, F-150, and Expedition.
Ford tends to make wonderfully ergonomic interiors with tons of features. But as prices climb toward and past six-figure MSRPs, the materials and touch surfaces lack the quality found in more luxury-oriented brands. In a Mustang or Bronco Raptor, one understands that performance is the point, with luxury being a distant second. But here on an $80,000+ luxury SUV, it’s harder to forgive subpar quality.
For a deeper dive into the Ford Expedition Stealth — plus a ton of photos — please head over HERE to our sister site, TheCarConnection.com.
Expedition Stealth Quick Specs
Courtesy of Ford Motor Company.
There are two Stealth packages available on Expedition Limited and Limited MAX. The first (302A) is simply a blacked-out appearance package with slick 22-inch wheels. The second (304A) is the Stealth Performance Package. This is the one you want. It’s got the looks plus the High Output variant of the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 along with a sport-tuned suspension and red brake calipers (red = fast).
- Engine: 3.5L Twin Turbo EcoBoost V6
- Horsepower: 440 @ 5,000 rpm
- Torque: 510 lb.-ft.
- Transmission: 10-Speed Automatic
- Red brake calipers
- 22-inch premium black aluminum wheels
- Gloss-black grille, mirror caps, roof rails, running boards, tailgate appliqué, rear bumper skid plate, fog lamp bezels, headlamp and taillamp housing, badges, and Ford logos.
- Dual exhaust
- Sport-tuned suspension
- 12-speaker B&O sound system
- Unique interior with red stitching
- 15.5″ Vertical Infotainment with SYNC 4A (Optional)
- Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0
- Unique floor mats
Expedition Stealth Video Review
For a detailed tour and performance review of the Ford Expedition Stealth, make sure to watch this video courtesy of The Straight Pipes over on YouTube.
Photos: Ford Motor Company
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