2012 Ford Expedition: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2012 Ford Expedition is that blind-spot mirrors become standard on every trim. Otherwise, this is a light update with no redesign, engine change, or major cabin overhaul.
About the 2012 Ford Expedition
3rd generation (2007-2017), pre-refresh sixth model year.
Ford positions the Expedition as a do-it-all full-size SUV for big families, road trips, towing, and heavy cargo duty. Its core appeal is simple: more passenger room and towing muscle than large car-based SUVs, plus an available extended-length EL body for even more cargo space. The Expedition is the choice for shoppers who need one vehicle to carry a lot of people, haul a trailer, and still deliver everyday comfort.
The 2012 Expedition ranges from the straightforward, cloth-seated XL to the more convenience-focused XLT, which has a voice-controlled connectivity system and rear parking sensors. Limited emphasizes comfort with leather seating, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats, and a power liftgate. King Ranch tops the range with Chaparral leather, woodgrain trim, and distinctive King Ranch details.
What changed, by category
2012 Ford Expedition specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.4 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.4 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.4 Liter | V8, Flex Fuel, 5.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD | 2WD / 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel | Flexible Fuel |
| MPG City | 14 mpg | 14 mpg | 14 mpg | 14 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Horsepower | 310 hp | 310 hp | 310 hp | 310 hp |
| Torque | 365 lb-ft | 365 lb-ft | 365 lb-ft | 365 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 8700–9000 lb | 8700–9200 lb | 8700–9000 lb | 8700–9200 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 108.3–130.8 cu-ft | 108.3–130.8 cu-ft | 108.3–130.8 cu-ft | 108.3–130.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 37.7 in | 37.7 in | 37.7 in | 37.7 in |
| Seats | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Power Side Steps | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Cooled Seats | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Memory Pedals | ||||
| Power Adjustable Pedals | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2012 Ford Expedition compared with the 2011 model?
The key change is standard blind-spot mirrors on every 2012 Expedition. Limited and King Ranch trims also gain standard front parking sensors, while the basic design, engine, transmission, and cabin carry over.
Was the 2012 Ford Expedition redesigned?
No, the 2012 Expedition was not redesigned. It remains part of the third generation introduced for 2007, with the same body-on-frame construction and no major structural or styling changes for 2012.
Did the 2012 Ford Expedition get a new engine?
No, the 2012 Expedition keeps the 5.4-liter flex-fuel V8 and six-speed automatic transmission used the year before. There was no lineup-wide powertrain change.
Which 2012 Ford Expedition trims have front parking sensors?
Limited and King Ranch have front parking sensors as standard equipment for 2012. XLT has a rear parking-sensor system, while the XL focuses on simpler utility equipment.
Is the 2012 Ford Expedition meaningfully different from the 2011 model?
No, the difference is modest. The 2012 model's main advantage is standard blind-spot mirrors across the range, plus standard front parking sensors on Limited and King Ranch; most other major hardware carries over.