"Big and bigger” pretty much sums up the 2010 Ford Expedition. This five-door, full-size SUV is delivered in four trim levels, the base XLT, Eddie Bauer, Limited, and top-end King Ranch. All the Expedition trims are available with on-demand, shift-on-the-fly four-wheel drive (4WD), all are available in an extended (EL) trim that adds about 15 inches to the standard 206-inch overall length, and all but one (the XLT standard-length trim) will carry up to eight passengers in three rows of seating. Loaded with standard features, the 2010 Expedition offers 82.5 cubic feet of cargo space in the standard-size trims, and just under 131 cubic feet in the EL trims, as well. Except for the MyKey driver-programmable information system and trailer sway control becoming standard on all trims, the 2010 Expedition remains a carryover from ’09.

A 5.4-liter Flex Fuel V8 is the sole powerplant offered for all 2010 Ford Expedition trim levels, while the only transmission available is a four-speed automatic with overdrive. This combination, however, puts out a respectable 310 hp and 365 lb-ft of torque, and is quite capable of hauling 9,200 pounds of trailer when properly equipped. The 2010 Expedition trims equipped with 4WD feature auto-locking hubs and electronic hi-lo gear selection.

Besides its newly standard MyKey system and trailer sway control, further standard appearance, comfort, and convenience features for the base 2010 Expedition XLT include 17-inch alloy wheels, platform running boards, a roof rack, front cloth captain's chairs with a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, split-folding reclining second-row seating, power windows, door locks, and heated mirrors, cruise control, remote keyless entry, a leather-wrapped tilt-steering wheel, front and rear air conditioning, and an MP3 compatible single-CD changer with six speakers and rear volume controls. The 2010 Eddie Bauer adds a load-leveling air suspension system, 18-inch wheels, leather front seating, dual-zone climate control, a PowerFold third-row seat, leather, simulated wood, and chrome cabin accents, memory for seat and mirror settings, SYNC/Bluetooth hands-free communications, a 6-CD changer with subwoofer, and satellite radio.

Additional standard features for the 2010 Expedition Limited include power rear-quarter windows, upgraded interior chrome, simulated wood and leather accents, rain-sensing wipers, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, a universal garage door opener, power liftgate, and rear-view camera system. The King Ranch trim level boasts mirror-integrated turn signals, power-folding exterior mirrors, heated and cooled front seats, upgraded leather upholstery and accents, and a rear cargo management system.

Options for the 2010 Ford Expedition include rear-seat DVD entertainment, a power moonroof, and a Trailer Towing Package, available for all trims, with most standard features of the higher-level trims available to the XLT and Eddie Bauer trims as options. Voice-activated DVD navigation is available with the three higher Expedition trims, while rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera system, though standard on the King Ranch, are optional with the Eddie Bauer and Limited trims.

The 2010 Ford Expedition is delivered with all the usual standard safety features, including four-wheel disc ABS, traction and stability control, dual front side-mounted airbags, side curtain head airbags, a remote anti-theft alarm system, and a post-collision safety system. Other safety features, such as front fog/driving lights, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, and a rear-view camera system are standard on higher-end Expedition trims, optional on the lesser trims.

Owners of the ’09 Ford Expedition found fault with gas mileage, lack of horsepower, low-grade interior materials, and the lack of a rear-mounted closing button for the power liftgate. On balance, however, owners were pleased with the size, styling, seat and ride comfort, roominess, handling, and performance of the ’09 Expedition. Of course, with Ford the sole domestic automaker still reasonably solvent, expect warranty coverage as well as parts and service availability to become pluses for the 2010 Ford Expedition.