Not every Platinum needs chrome to look expensive. This 2027 Ford Expedition Platinum 4x4 goes the other direction with Marsh Gray paint, the Stealth Appearance Package and 22-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels. It looks cleaner, darker and more modern, while the Black Onyx leather-trimmed cabin keeps the premium side of the Platinum intact.

The layout is built for seven people without making cargo an afterthought. Heated second-row seats keep passengers comfortable, and the 40/20/40 PowerFold third row lets you open cargo space in sections instead of dropping the entire row. Ford's Split Gate with open-on-approach functionality gives you another way to load groceries, luggage or sports gear, while the power-deployable running boards make getting in easier for kids, adults and anyone climbing aboard with their hands full. Around Wesley Chapel and New Tampa, those are features a family uses constantly.

It still has to earn the Expedition name.

The 3.5L EcoBoost V6 and 10-speed SelectShift automatic are backed by intelligent 4WD, Terrain Management with selectable drive modes, Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Control. Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow is already included with Trailer Sway Control, so weekends involving a boat or larger trailer are part of the plan. For owners heading toward Dade City, Zephyrhills or Brooksville with people and gear aboard, this Platinum has a much bigger job description than luxury commuting.

Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, driver memory, tri-zone automatic climate control and the panoramic Vista Roof make long stretches more comfortable. The flex powered console adds versatility up front, while a wireless charging pad and 400-watt Pro Power Onboard help keep devices and smaller equipment powered away from home.

The 24-inch panoramic display immediately changes the feel of the cabin, paired with a 13.2-inch center display. Ford app capability includes remote start, and this Expedition comes with a one-year Connectivity Package plus a one-year Security Package. Ford Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 is supported by a driver-facing camera, and BlueCruise is equipped with a 90-day trial for hands-free highway driving on compatible roads. That can make repeated I-75 miles between Land O Lakes, Wesley Chapel and Tampa less tiring.

The illuminated keyless-entry keypad is another small feature that becomes useful quickly, especially at the beach, the boat ramp or anywhere you would rather not carry the key in your hand. Rain-sensing wipers, 360-degree zone lighting and the universal garage door opener quietly handle more of the everyday details.

Parks Plus protection is a natural fit for the Marsh Gray finish and a vehicle likely to see plenty of Florida highway time, with paint protection, rain-repellent treatment and headlight protection adding useful defense against sun, storms and road exposure. This new Expedition also includes the Parks Ford Lifetime Powertrain Warranty from Parks Ford of Wesley Chapel.

The point of this Platinum is not to look formal. It is to give you full-size space, serious towing capability, intelligent 4WD and a luxury cabin without losing the darker personality of the Stealth Appearance Package. Price includes $1,395 dealer added accessories.