The 2008 Ford Expedition comes in two lengths, the standard model with a 119-inch wheelbase, and the Expedition EL with its 131-inch wheelbase. Every Expedition is powered by a single-overhead-cam 5.4-liter V-8 that is rated at 300 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment. Every Expedition model is available with either rear-wheel drive (2WD) or electronically engaged four-wheel drive (4WD) that can be driven on dry pavement and includes low-range gearing. A Class III trailer hitch is standard.

Four trim levels are available: the entry-level XLT, the outdoor-styled Eddie Bauer, luxurious Limited, and the new top-of-the-line King Ranch.

The XLT ($30,620) and 4WD XLT ($33,529) come with cloth upholstery with front captain's chairs (driver's seat is six-way power adjustable), a 40/20/40 split-bench seat in the second row, and a rear cargo bin. A tilt steering wheel (leather-wrapped for 2008), front and rear air conditioning with rear controls, remote keyless entry, automatic headlights, alarm and an AM/FM/CD stereo with MP3 player connectivity and rear controls are also part of the package. Exterior standard equipment features 265/70R17 tires on alloy wheels, running boards, roof rails, fog lights, power-adjustable outside mirrors (now heated), and a rear liftgate with flip-up glass and a rear defroster/wiper/washer system. Also added as standard for 2008 are keyless entry keypad, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, overhead console, and illuminated visors. The 2WD models have highway tires and the 4WD drive models have on/off-road tires and front tow hooks.

The XLT EL ($34,145) and XLT EL 4WD ($37,045) are equipped the same as standard wheelbase versions, except they come with a split-folding third-row seat and a conversation mirror.

Options for XLT models include second-row captain's chairs ($530), a manual- ($875) or power-folding ($1370) third-row bench seat, leather upholstery ($1295), rear load-leveling air suspension ($485), a heavy-duty towing package ($395), a premium AM/FM stereo with six-disc CD changer ($300) and Sirius satellite radio ($195). A Convenience package ($675) offers rear obstacle detection, power-adjustable pedals, power rear quarter windows, and a universal garage door opener. An Off-Road package ($200) for 4WD XLTs has tubular side steps and skid plates.

The Eddie Bauer ($35,865) and Eddie Bauer 4WD ($38,675) are trimmed as outdoor adventure vehicles and are distinguished by a longer list of convenience features as standard equipment, notably the Expedition's unique power-folding split third-row seat. Other standard features include leather upholstery, 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, six-way power adjustable front passenger seat, memory for the mirrors and driver's seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, an AM/FM stereo tuner with 6CD changer, trip computer, conversation mirror, mirror-mounted turn signals, and protective cladding for the lower body panels. The Eddie Bauer EL ($38,515) and Eddie Bauer EL 4WD ($41,415) are equipped like the standard wheelbase versions but have front tow hooks and 255/70R18 tires instead of 17s.

Options for Eddie Bauer models over and above those of the XLT include heated and cooled front seats ($625), new-for-2008 power running boards ($995), power rear liftgate ($495), a navigation system ($1295), rear-seat DVD entertainment system ($1995), the new rear backup camera ($455), and P275/55R20 tires.

The Limited ($38,025) and Limited 4WD ($40,925) add heated and cooled front seats, 10-way power-adjustable front passenger seat, universal garage door opener, power rear quarter windows, power-adjustable pedals, and 255/70R18 tires on chrome alloy wheels. The Limited EL ($40,675) and Limited EL 4WD ($43,575) are equipped the same but also have front tow hooks.

The new King Ranch ($39,965) and King Ranch 4WD ($42,865) have upgraded Chaparral leather upholstery, King Ranch badging, and gold exterior accents. The leather also trims the center console lid, steering wheel and door panels, while wood trim can be found on the center console, shifter handle and instrument panel. King Ranch EL ($42,615) and King Ranch 4WD EL ($45,515) have the same features, plus tow hooks.

Safety equipment includes front airbags, torso-protecting front side airbags, three-row head-protecting curtain side air bags with rollover deployment, tire-pressure monitor, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with brake assist, and electronic stability control with anti-rollover technology. A rear obstacle detection system is standard on Limited and King Ranch, optional on Eddie Bauer. A rear backup camera is optional.