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Courtesy of Ford
2018 Ford Expedition
The all-new Ford Expedition is the smartest, most capable and most adaptable Expedition ever, the ultimate full-size SUV to carry families through life’s adventures.
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Courtesy of Ford
2018 Ford Expedition
Is it just us, or does the new Expedition look a bit Suburban-y from the rear?
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Courtesy of Ford
2018 Ford Expedition
As with many Ford’s these days, the interior is overflowing with high tech that your toddler will understand better than you.
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FREERS PHOTOGRAPHY LLC
2018 Ford Expedition
The two rear seat rows fold flat to accommodate a full 4x8 sheet of plywood.
By Budd Stanley, photos courtesy of Ford
In terms of full-size 4WD SUV’s, there’s not a whole lot to choose from in today’s modern world of fuel efficient and eco-friendly Utes. The old body on frame SUV’s have slowly faded into the sunset, replaced by hordes of unibodied CUV’s touting better on-road handling and more economical driving.
We’d almost forgotten about the Ford Expedition; GM launched its full line of full-size SUV’s (Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban, GMC Yukon and Cadillac Escalade) a couple years ago and stole much of the hype. But Ford have been busy behind the scenes and have now shown us what the future of the Expedition looks like.
As one would predict from the launch of the other two body on frame 4WD’s from the Blue Oval, the new Expedition will be sporting an all-new aluminum-alloy body and redesigned steel frame. Thanks to the new materials, the Expedition saves up to 136 kg (300 lb), and Ford reinvested that weight savings everywhere it counts to give customers more technology and convenience features than ever before.
“ When Expedition was introduced 20 years ago, it set the standard for active families who simply needed a big and strong SUV to take them places,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Today’s families want even more smart technology to help them cover more ground safely, more efficiently and more comfortably – all while staying connected to friends and family.”
With a statement like that, one would surmise that the new Expedition is likely overflowing with infotainment technology, electronic driving aids and all manner of interconnectivity – and one would be right.
Whatever your feelings on electronic driving aids, we know we have ours, the new Expedition will sport no less than 40 features and driver-assist technologies. Those features include an enhanced active park assist as well as available 360-degree camera technology. Lane departure control, adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance detection system and Blind Spot Information System will all help keep the metal straight and paint shiny. And then there’s also the Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which makes backing up a trailer as easy as turning a knob.
We won’t even get into the infotainment features, but the Expedition is packing Ford’s latest SYNC 3 system that utilizes both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and produces its own Wi-Fi hotspot.
Under the hood, the Expedition will be powered by the 3.5L EcoBoost engine mated to the new 10-speed automatic transmission. An available electronic limited-slip differential will also be offered to aid in changing conditions when driving either on- or off-road. Ford expects a best-in-class towing rating.
To help customers choose the right amount of interior room for their families, Expedition Limited and Platinum series are available on the extended-length Expedition MAX. Plus, an available hands-free liftgate makes loading cargo easy.
The all-new Expedition is the first full-size utility to feature a sliding second-row seat with tip-and-slide functionality, providing easy access to the third row without the need to first remove a child safety seat. Once in the third row, even adults will appreciate more legroom and reclining seats. The Expedition’s second- and third-row seats can be quickly folded flat with the push of a button to open a cargo area wide enough to handle 4x8-foot sheets of plywood.
The Expedition will receive Ford’s all-new Terrain Management System that lets the driver choose between modes for optimal vehicle handling in different conditions. This includes normal for around-town driving, sport for more spirited trips, tow/haul for improved towing and hauling performance, eco for enhanced fuel economy, grass/gravel/snow for loose terrain, sand for low traction situations, and mud/rut for uneven surfaces.
The all-new Expedition is available in XLT, Limited and Platinum series. In addition, an SSV version is available for fleet customers and is part of Ford’s plan to grow its SUV lineup with five new SUVs in the next four years.