On the road: Ford's full-size 2016 Expedition SUV has more tech, V-6 power

Ford's Expedition full-size sport utility vehicle got a complete makeover just last year, and for 2016, it returns with virtually unchanged, but with one new exterior color available - Shadow Black.

There's also an optional upgrade to the new SYNC 3 connectivity system, giving customers an updated interface that uses touch-screen technology similar to tablets and smartphones.

[...] for the available navigation system, there is a new One Box Search feature that lets users find points of interest or enter addresses in the same way they would use an Internet search engine.

The 2014 Expedition's 5.4-liter V-8 had 310 horsepower and 365 foot-pounds of torque, and was EPA rated at 14 mpg city/20 highway.

New technologies on my Platinum test vehicle included a Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, electric power-assisted steering, the SYNC 3 system, navigation, and a Continuous Control Suspension, which uses active suspension damping to improve ride comfort and handling.

With its independent rear suspension, the Expedition is designed to have much-better ride and handling characteristics.

Among its extra features are a dressed-up interior with a new premium Brunello leather - a red wine color with tuxedo-stripe accents and French-seamed stitching.

Other standard Platinum features include a power tailgate, heavy-duty trailer-tow package, a power moon roof, remote start, 3.15 non-limited slip rear axle, 10-way power driver and passenger seat, heated front and second-row seats, a premium Sony audio system with single-disc CD player, second-row leather 40/20/40 split reclining bench seat with center slide, and a third-row 60/40 split power-fold seat.

Large, rear- or all-wheel-drive, five-door, seven-passenger, V-6 powered sport utility vehicle.