Ford Enhances 2021 Expedition With Two-Row Configuration in STX Trim

Ford has added to the versatility of its full-sized Expedition with a new package, the STX. Rather than having three rows, the STX enhances the versatility of the full-sized SUV.

It was probably two years ago or more that something new started happening in the SUV market. Naturally, when any carmaker like Ford built their full-sized SUVs, they had a standard set of three-row bench seats. The seating featured bench seats whose configuration was 3,3,3 or 3,3,2 (three people three rows or three people in two rows and the third row of two people). Ford Can Offer Several Configuations As a manufacturer offered different versions of its SUVs, they began to tinker with the seating. The seating might be 2, 2, 3 with high-backed captain-styled seats for the first two rows and a fuller bench seat for the third row). Or the seating could have been 2, 3, 3 or 2, 3, 2 (with a short seat up front and two full rows or it might have been two seats up front, a full center row, and a short seat out back; another version might offer two seats up front, a full center seat, and a short seat out back). As you can see, there was plenty of tweaking SUV seating. Now, though, Ford has looked at its SUVs and has decided that they can offer two-row seating on the STX Package for the 2021 Expedition. They are offering this stylish option at an attractive price for full-sized SUV customers. The seating for five, Ford said earlier this week, better matches customer needs so that the two-row STX. Its pricing better matches the needs of its potential owners. Also, the STX offers a heavy-duty trailering package with Ford's Pro Trailer Backup Assist™. The trailering package brings a 3.73-rear axle, trailer brake, and a heavy-duty radiator. The STX features best-in-class trailering with a 9,300-pound towing capacity. "The Expedition STX is perfect for families who lead an active lifestyle that requires the capability and space of a full-size SUV," said Devin McFarlane, Expedition brand manager. "They get all of the content they desire at an attractive price, plus a great appearance." Ford Makes Drivers ComfortableFord Lets People Remain Connected Passengers can remain connected through FordPass™ Connect with 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability. Four 12-volt outlets, plus two front-row and two second-row smart-charging multimedia USB ports, enable passengers to keep their electronics charged. You can order the STX Package as part of Expedition XL gear. That gear includes a standard 3.5-liter EcoBoost® engine. The engine cranks out 375 horsepower and 470 pounds-feet of torque. A 10-speed SelectShift automatic takes power from the engine and sends it through a 3.15 non-limited slip rear axle. Four-wheel drive with ControlTrack eLSD (Electronic Limited-Slip Differential) is an available option. Completing the powertrain is a 23.2-gallon fuel tank, while a Class IV trailer hitch receiver is available for trailering. If you would like to use your Expedition for trailering, it is ready. The STX package features a Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package that adds Pro-Trailer Backup Assist™, a 3.73 rear axle, a trailer brake, and a heavy-duty radiator. This configuration gives the Expedition STX Package best-in-class towing capacity of 9,300 pounds on two-wheel-drive models and the best-in-class four-wheel-towing capacity of 9,200 pounds. An available Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package adds Pro Trailer Backup Assist™, a 3.73 rear axle, trailer brake, and heavy-duty radiator – for a best-in-class towing capacity of 9,300 pounds on two-wheel-drive models and best-in-class four-wheel towing capacity of 9,200 pounds. Ford Has A Package For You If you are interested in the 2021 Expedition STX Package, it is available to order at Ford dealerships starting at $49,995. Marc Stern has been an auto writer since 1971. It was a position that filled two boyhood dreams: One that I would write, and two that I write about cars. When I took over as my newspaper's auto editor, I began a 32-year career as an automotive columnist. There isn't much on four wheels that I haven't driven or reviewed. My work has appeared in Popular Mechanics, Mechanix Illustrated, AutoWeek, SuperStock, Trailer Life, Old Cars Weekly, Special Interest Autos, etc. Today, I am the Ford F150 reporter for Torque News. I write how-to and help columns for online sites such as Fixya.com and others. You can follow me on Twitter or Facebook. Most of Marc's stories are part of Torque News Ford coverage. Check back again and search for Torque News Ford F-150 news for more F-150 truck news coverage.