Ford’s New Full-Size Off-Roader: The 2022 Expedition Timberline

We are fans of everything that goes off-road, and we especially love when manufacturers add new off-road trims to their lineups that go deeper than just paint and stickers. With the 2022 refresh of its largest SUV, Ford has introduced the all-new Expedition Timberline. Let's dig in and see what makes the 2022ford expedition Timberline unique.

Off-Road Goodness

The new Timberline is slated to be Ford's most off-road-capable Expedition ever. While we're still waiting for a full Expedition Raptor, the new Timberline is a step in the right direction. Because the Expedition shares much of its DNA with the Ford F-150, the SUV is underpinned by a fully boxed high-strength steel frame. Thanks to those same similarities, the Expedition Timberline utilizes many of the Raptor's steel underbody skidplates, including the truck's unique front skid.

Although the 2022 ford expedition Timberline's suspension isn't lifted, Ford has still improved it with off-road-enhanced springs and sway bars, along with off-road-tuned steering. Tires are meaty 265/70R18 Goodyear Wrangler all-terrains that measure about 33 inches tall and 10.5 inches wide. The tires are mounted on 18-inch black aluminum wheels that feature laser-engraved Timberline logos.

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The Goodyear tires are sure to keep things moving off-road, but having a bit of help never hurts. The Expedition Timberline comes equipped with an electronic locking rear differential and seven selectable drive modes. The Expedition Timberline is also the first vehicle outside of the Bronco family to feature the innovative Trail Turn Assist function. Trail Turn Assist uses the vehicle's brake traction control system to slow the inside rear tire, allowing the vehicle to essentially pivot around it, thus enabling a tighter turn on low-friction surfaces.

Just because it's a full-size SUV doesn't mean the Expedition Timberline will get easily hung up on the trail. Thanks to unique front and rear fascias, the Expedition Timberline comes with an impressive 28.5-degree approach angle, a 23.7-degree departure angle, and best-in-class 10.6 inches of ground clearance.

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High-Output Power

For the first time since its introduction in the 2017 F-150 Raptor, we're seeing Ford's high-output 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 being put to use outside of the F-150 lineup. The 2022 ford expedition Timberline will be powered by the potent EcoBoost engine, though with one slight change from Raptor. The high-output EcoBoost in the Expedition Timberline will produce 440 hp, 10 ponies fewer than in the Raptor. Torque remains the same at 510 lb-ft. All 2022 Expeditions are fitted with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and the Timberline comes with a two-speed transfer case with low-range and auto high-range settings.

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Towing and Hauling: 2022Timberline

Many who seek outdoor adventure also tow on a regular basis. Whether it's a camping trailer, UTVs, or a boat, 2022 Expedition Timberline owners will be able to tow more than before and do it with better confidence. Ford hasn't stated the exact towing capacity of Timberline, but the 2022 Expedition's maximum towing ability has increased to 9,300 pounds. We'd expect Timberline to fall somewhere in the 9,000-pound range, which is still impressive.

Ford is also introducing Pro Trailer Backup Assist version 2.0 on the 2022 Expedition. This new version of Pro Trailer Backup Assist lets drivers steer a trailer in reverse by way of a dash-mounted knob, just like the original Pro Trailer Backup Assist. In version 2.0, however, the system works without the need for a spotting sticker on the trailer or for trailer dimensions to be input into the system. The vehicle now uses cameras to automatically determine the trailer's location, making the entire experience far more user friendly.

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Enhanced Interior

As part of the 2022 refresh, Ford has given the Expedition an updated interior. Specifical to the Timberline is an available new Deep Cyprus Green color, and there are red accents and contrast stitching throughout. These colors and accents are said to convey the ruggedness of Timberline. The SUV's seats also feature a debossed Timberline logo.

Most impressive, however, is the available 15.5-inch center touchscreen. First installed in the all-electric Mustang Mach-E, and coming soon in the F-150 Lightning, this portrait-oriented touchscreen is the largest in its class by a wide margin. The system is powered by Ford's new Sync 4A and is also available with a Bang & Olufsen Unleashed audio system with 22 speakers, the most in the class.

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Rugged Exterior Design

Performance is nothing if a vehicle doesn't look the part. Most striking is the Expedition Timberline's signature color, Forged Green. A dark carbonized grille connects through to the front fascia and down to the unique Raptor front skidplate. Red Ember accents are found around the front skidplate and on the truck's nameplate. Of course, the tow hooks are also red. Three outfitter packages are available for the 2022 Expedition's roof rails, as well. These include the Bike package, for hauling bikes on the roof, the Cargo package, which includes a sealed cargo box, and the Mega Warrior package, which includes a Yakima roof basket. All three are custom designed for Expedition and can be installed by the dealer.

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Final Thoughts

The new 2022 ford expedition Timberline is definitely more than just a sticker package. Although there's still certainly some room for improvement (Fox shocks, please), Ford has given the Timberline all the right stuff to take your next family adventure far off the beaten path and back home after. And it looks good, too.

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