Ford worked tirelessly to improve the current F-150 by reducing mass and adding efficient turbocharged engines all mounted on a high-strength steel frame. For 2018, those same advancements make their way to the all-new Expedition. Nearly every nut and bolt is new, even down to the drivetrain. Ford’s updated 3.5-liter EcoBoost with 375 horsepower is paired with the new 10-speed automatic transmission, bringing more power with better fuel efficiency. The Expedition’s body panels are now aluminum and its interior shares many design cues from the F-Series pickups.

The 2018 Expedition rides on a modified version of the F-150’s fully boxed steel frame, but uses a four-wheel independent suspension system for a smooth ride. Both the standard-length Expedition and long-wheelbase Expedition MAX versions return, but Ford says the three-row SUV drops more than 300 pounds over the outgoing model. Technology improvements are vast, as well, including all the modern active safety equipment like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. The in-dash tech also sees a big improvement, with Ford’s Sync 3 system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot for 10 devices in a 50-foot perimeter around the SUV. The familiar trim levels return, too, including XLT, Limited, and Platinum. The base XL trim is available for fleet customers as well. New for 2018 is an FX4 Off-Road package for the XLT trim. It brings added hardware for tackling harsh terrain, while set apart with visual changes.

Update 06/19/2017: Ford announced horsepower and torque specs for the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6, along with a higher-output version in the Platinum trim. A new FX4 Off-Road package debuts for the XLT trim.

2018 Ford Expedition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2018 Ford Expedition
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 375
  • Torque: 470
  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

While many in the industry, including us, though the Expedition would receive a similar face as the F-150, Ford chose a more crossover-like nose that resembles the Explorer. We’re glad though, as the 2018 Expedition is decidedly handsome and well refined. It looks up scale and well conceived. That’s especially true for the range-topping Platinum trim, which has a cheese grater-style grille with a continuous chrome trim piece that centers the Blue Oval while dipping into the headlights at either end. The Platinum also boasts full LED headlights, fog lights, and daytime running lights.

A strong character line runs just below the side windows, giving the Expedition a chiseled belt line very similar to that seen on the Lincoln Navigator concept. In fact, everything from the A-pillar rearward seems to be directly inspired from Lincoln's’ upcoming model. Well defined and rounded wheel arches give the otherwise squarish SUV a varied style, while keeping that SUV vibe alive. Chrome trim around the windows matches nicely with the chrome mirror caps and roof rails. Power-folding running boards with body-colored paint and chrome trim further send the Expedition toward the luxury end of the everyday SUV.

Ford didn’t neglect the utility aspect of this Sport Utility Vehicle. Tow hooks protrude from the front bumper, while a two-inch receiver hitch is found out back behind a block-out panel. A kick-motion power liftgate makes loading groceries a snap, while Ford’s iconic driver door keypad alleviates the possibility of accidentally locking keys inside. For those wanting it, the Expedition comes with 4WD with all the appropriate hardware. A new FX4 Off-Road option package available on the XLT trim brings additional capability on unpaved surfaces. FX4 badges on the front fender and liftgate denote the option package, while chrome running boards and dark, 18-inch wheel with all-terrain Michelin tires complete the look. The FX4 also has a shorter front air dam for an improved approach angle.

The standard-length Expedition will have its rear door curve over the rear wheel arch, as it has in the past. This is similar to the Chevy Tahoe and its relation to the Chevy Suburban. The longer wheelbase Expedition MAX will have a full rear door with added legroom in the third row. Cargo room is greater, as well.

All told, the Expedition’s 2018 remake is solid jump forward in design. Now let’s check out that interior.


Note: New vs. Old Ford Expedition

The Competition

Two of the Expedition’s main competitors are the Chevrolet Tahoe and the GMC Yukon XL Denali. Sure, both are of the same corporate lineage, but the two SUVs represent the polar opposites in terms of wheelbase length, luxury, power, and price. The Tahoe is more the everyday SUV and the Yukon XL Denali is far more luxury minded.

As for the Tahoe’s exterior, the current generation Chevy wears a very classy yet modern look that still seems fresh despite its two-year age. Everything ahead of the A-pillars is unique to the Tahoe, while things rearward are largely shared with the Yukon. The Tahoe can be had in the “base” LS trim or the range-topping Premier trim.

The GMC Yukon XL Denali is a different beast from the Tahoe. Because it’s an XL, it has a longer wheelbase that affords more interior room. The extra length is evident by the full rear door rather than the Tahoe’s cut-out rear door. The Denali line brings the chrome, cheese grater-like grille and other chrome accents. LED headlights and daytime running lights give the GMC a very upscale presence at night.

Chevrolet Tahoe

GMC Yukon XL Denali

Ford Expedition

Wheelbase (inches)

116.0

130.0

TBA

Overall Length (inches)

203.9

224.3

TBA

Overall Width (inches)

80.5

80.5

TBA

Overall Height (inches)

74.4

74.4

TBA


Interior

Not surprisingly, Ford chose to use its F-150 dashboard inside the Expedition. Ford spent a lot of time and money perfecting this dash, so it only makes sense. Its materials were chosen for their anti-glare properties, while ergonomics were prioritized over aesthetics. Not that the interior looks sub-par, by any means, of course.

The front passengers will note some major differences between the F-150 and Expedition. The center console is a different design and houses a new rotary gearshift knob and other drivetrain controls. Real wood and metal finishings are available, as are a leather-wrapped dash with contrast stitching and perforated leather seats with heating and ventilation. Of course, dual-zone climate controls are present.

The driver is greeted with a familiar gauge cluster, which includes two main analog gauges for speed and tach, along with a large TFT display for vehicle information organized in a number of pages.

In-dash tech includes Ford’s current Sync 3 infotainment system that’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Wireless phone charging is located in the bin just below the HVAC controls. Two USB ports are also handily placed within the same compartment. A 110-volt household plug resides on the passenger side of the dash, just like in the F-150.

The Expedition also offers Ford’s Pro Trailer Backup Assist feature, which helps average drivers back a trailer like, well, a professional. A row of buttons above the infotainment screen holds important stuff like hill decent controls, traction control, hazard lights, lane departure, the automatic start/stop system for the EcoBoost engine, and the 360-degree camera system.

Rear passengers have use of two rows, both with the ability to hold three passengers across. This makes the Expedition a true eight-passenger SUV. Second row captain’s chairs are available. Access to the third row has been made easier thanks to leaning and sliding second row outboard chairs. Not only do they provide a wide path to the third row, they also do so while a forward-facing car seat is installed to its LATCH system.

Rear occupants are treated to their own HVAC system, with both temperature and fan controls. Second row passengers get two cup holders at the rear of the front row’s center console. Heated outboard seats are optional, as are the headrest-mounted TV screens that’s part of the entertainment package.

When it comes time to haul cargo, both the third and second rows electronically fold flat, creating a flat load space. A handy cargo shelf can be put into place when the third row seat is upright, allowing for two-tier storage, which makes the most of the somewhat compromised space.

All told, the interior looks very well conceived and matches the exterior’s keen design.

The Competition

The Tahoe and Yukon share the same basic interior, thought the Yukon XL Denali has more refinements and luxury items. Let’s look at them separately. The Chevy Tahoe in the LS trim comes standard with cloth seats, but features items that would be considered high-end even five years ago, including a standard eight-inch infotainment system with optional navigation, dual-zone climate with rear controls, a color diver information screen, multiple USB ports, and power-operated everything. Utility wise, the Tahoe offers standard seating for eight with the option to have second-row captains chairs.

The Yukon XL Denali takes things to the next level. It comes with leather seating with heated and vented front seats; a larger, full-color driver information display that incorporates the four auxiliary gauges; and of course, more legroom for third-row passengers with more cargo room behind that. Like the Tahoe, the second row can be had as either a bench or captains chairs.

Both the Tahoe and Yukon XL’s seats fold flat to create a large cargo hold. The Yukon XL Denali does the folding via power-actuated seats, making it much simpler than levers or pull straps.

Drivetrain

Ford is powering the 2018 Expedition with its new, second-generation 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6. This is the same EcoBoost V-6 that’s found in the F-150. In both applications, the twin-turbocharged, all-aluminum engine makes a very respectable 375 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 470 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. That puts it well above Chevy’s 5.3-liter V-8’s 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque.

The range-topping Platinum trim gets an even bigger punch. Ford tuned the same 3.5-liter EcoBoost to 400 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 480 pound-feet of torque at 3,250 rpm. The impressive power does require premium, 93-octane gasoline, but better positions the Expedition Platinum against General Motors’ 6.2-liter V-8. That Corvette-derived engine still leads the class with 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet.

XL, XLT, Limited
* Tested with 87 octane

375 HP @ 5,000 RPM

470 LB-FT torque @ 3,500 RPM

Improvement over 2017

+10

+50

Platinum
* Tested with 93 octane

400 HP @ 5,000 RPM

480 LB-FT torque @ 3,250 RPM

Improvement over 2017

+35

+60


Regardless of engine tune, the Expedition uses Ford’s new 10-speed automatic transmission. Developed jointly with between Ford and General Motors, the gearbox first debuted in the 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor and the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 – both very high-strung performance machines. Now this same hardware is making its way into other vehicles, including the F-150 and Expedition. Obviously, the Expedition will have software tailored toward people hauling and moderate towing rather than running the Baja 1000 or lapping Laguna Seca. As such, the Expedition will haul up to eight people and can tow a maximum of 9,300 pounds.

The Expedition will come standard with rear-wheel drive. A part-time 4WD system is optional and includes push-button operation. Those buttons are located on the center console, just south of the main gearshifter. The gear selections include 2WD, rear differential locked, 4WD Auto, and 4WD Low.

For those wanting that set-it-and-forget-it system, 4WD Auto does just that. It seamlessly and automatically applies power to the front axle when the rear tires have issues with traction. A drive mode selector, or what Ford calls its Terrain Management System, lets the driver choose between seven modes. These include Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, Eco, Grass/Gravel/Snow/, Sand, and Mud/Ruts. Each has specific set-ups for the engine and transmission mapping, traction control, ABS, and other vehicle systems.

The optional FX4 Off-Road package further increases the Expedition’s capability. Mechanical upgrades include a 3.73:1 axle ratio, an electronic limited-slip rear differential, off-road tuned shock absorbers, and a total of seven skid plates. Steel skid plates protect vital components like the engine, transmission, transfer case, and steering gear. A “sand shield” keeps the turbo and intercoolers from ingesting sand from dune and berms. More aggressive tires and a shorter front air dam are also included. The FX4 package can only be had with the XLT trim, but is offered on both the standard-wheelbase and Expedition MAX models. Fleets and government entities can, however, order the FX4 package on the XL trim in either wheelbase length.

The Competition

The Chevy Tahoe and Suburban come powered by GM’s 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8. It features three technologies (hints the name) to help with power and efficiency. They include variable valve timing on both the intake and exhaust sides, direct fuel injection, and Active Fuel Management, otherwise called cylinder deactivation. The 5.3-liter produces 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. It comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It comes standard in RWD, while 4WD is available. The solid rear axle also features the Eaton G80 Automatic locking differential, giving the Tahoe and Suburban extra traction in slippery terrain.

The Yukon XL Denali utilizes GM’s 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V-8. Like the 5.3-liter, it has variable valve timing, direct injection, and Active Fuel Management. What the 6.2-liter has over the 5.3-liter is power. In fact, the 6.2-liter is a handful of parts away from being the same V-8 used in the Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. In the GMC, it generates an impressive 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. It comes mated to GM’s eight-speed automatic transmission and can be optioned with 4WD. The G80 is also standard equipment here.

Chevrolet Tahoe

GMC Yukon XL Denali

Ford Expedition

Expedition Platinum

Engine

5.3L V-8 VVT DI with Active Fuel Management

6.2L V-8 VVT DI with Active Fuel Management

3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6

3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6

Horsepower

355 HP @ 5,600 RPM

420 HP @ 5,600 RPM

375 HP @ 5,000 RPM

400 HP @ 5,000 RPM

Torque

383 LB-FT @ 4,100 RPM

460 LB-FT @ 4,100 RPM

470 LB-FT @ 3,500 RPM

480 LB-FT @ 3,250 RPM

Transmission

Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic

Hydra-Matic 8L90 eight-speed automatic

10-speed automatic

10-speed automatic

Curb Weight

5,356 Lbs

5,482 Lbs

TBA

TBA

Max Trailering Capacity

8,600 Lbs

8,400 Lbs

9,300 Lbs

9,300 Lbs

EPA city/highway

16/23

15/22

TBA

TBA


Prices

Ford has not released pricing for the 2018 Expedition, but we expect that to come closer to its four-quarter 2017 on-sale date. Ford will definitely keep the Expedition competitive in the market against its long-time rivals at GM. Nevertheless, pricing will surely rise to compensate for the added technology. Currently the 2017 Expedition carries a starting price of $46,225. Decked out, a current Expedition can cost upwards of $70,000 – matching that of GMC’s range-topping Yukon XL Denali.

The 2018 Expedition will come in four familiar trim levels, including XLT, Limited, and Platinum. An XL trim will be available to fleet customers like law enforcement and emergency services. When opting for the longer-wheelbase Expedition MAX, all four trim levels will be open to retail customers.

Competition

Chevrolet Tahoe

The Tahoe has long been Chevy’s hot-selling, two- and three-row SUV with truck-like capabilities and handsome good looks. It’s also turned into the brand’s most premium truck product, with prices shooting northward over the years. Still, it represents the least expensive version of GM’s full-size SUVS.

The Tahoe can be had with seating for five in two rows, seven with three rows, or six with three rows and second-row captain’s chairs. It comes powered by Chevy’s venerable 5.3-liter EcoTec3 V-8 with variable valve timing, direct injection, and active fuel management. It’s all-aluminum construction saves weight while its cam-in-block design saves on space. It’s plenty powerful, too, making 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque.

Prices start at $47,000 for a LS trim in RWD. Opt for a 4WD version decked out in the Premier trim, and prices jump to $73,000.

Read our full review on the Chevrolet Tahoe here.

GMC Yukon XL Denali

Okay, so the GMC Yukon is basically the same vehicle as the Chevrolet Tahoe, but the XL version is longer, matching up with the Chevy Suburban. The Denali trim is GMC’s super popular high-end trim line that brings a more posh interior, the more powerful V-8, and a unique exterior appearance. This matches up with the Expedition’s Platinum trim, if not more in line with the Lincoln Navigator.

As mentioned, the Yukon XL Denali comes powered by GM’s 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V-8. It uses the same technology as the 5.3-liter V-8 to achieve efficiency, power, and compactness in one package. It generates 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque.

Pricing for the GMC Yukon XL Denali starts at $68,000. Check every box and the price grows into the low $80,000 area.

Read our full review on the GMC Yukon XL Denali here.

Conclusion

The 2018 Ford Expedition most definitely takes a giant leap forward in terms of design, interior amenities, powertrain, safety systems, and overall appeal. The outgoing model was inarguably getting long in the tooth, and surely lost market share to the newer Chevy and GMC models. Now GM has a fight on its hands, so it will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, and Yukon XL models. And with these updates on the Expedition, we have a much clearer picture as to Lincolns’ upcoming release of the Expedition-based Navigator.

Expedition Through The Years

The Expedition has traditionally been based on the F-150, though the relation has grown distant over the last few decades. Since the second generation, the Expedition has used an independent rear suspension system rather than the F-150’s solid axle and leaf spring setup. Exterior and interior styling also drifted apart from the F-150 for the second generation, which debuted for the 2003 model year. Nevertheless, the two vehicles have shared a close relationship since the Expedition’s introduction for the 1997 model year.

Vast improvements were made for the 2007 model year when Ford introduced the third generation Expedition. It browed the then-current F-150’s fully-boxed frame, updated suspension components and geometry, and Ford’s six-speed automatic transmission. A mid-cycle update for 2014 brought Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 into the picture, making it sole engine choice. The twin-turbo V-6 replaced the 5.4-liter Triton V-8, which had replaced the 4.6-liter Triton V-8 before it.

Now for 2018, Ford brings the Expedition up to speed with big improvements in technology, active safety gear, powertrain, and styling. Though it might look like an overgrown Explorer, the Expedition serves as Ford’s premier three-row people mover that’s capable of more than just in-town driving. The new Expedition boasts a locking rear differential, push-button 4WD, and driver-selectable terrain modes. There’s no doubt Ford has pushed the bar, but how will it fair against segment stalwarts like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban?

Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Rendering

Ford had previously moved the Expedition further way from sharing styling cues with the F-150 pickup truck. That might change for the 2018 model year. The reason – many buyers are looking for a truck-like vehicle with the people-hauling capacity of a three-row SUV. This return to shared components with the F-150 would solidify the next-generation Expedition as a tough, do-anything vehicle that’s still leather-lined and comfortable for eight people. Granted, we understand Ford is giving the F-150 a mid-cycle refresh in the near future, so this rendering probably won’t be completely accurate in the grille and headlight area since the Expedition will follow the F-150’s design styling.

We strongly believe Ford will use the same cab section that’s found in the F-150 and Super Duty pickups. Of course, the cab would be modified to fit the rear roof and window sections, but the doors and roof pillars will likely be shared. This not only cuts manufacturing costs, but also instills a level of congruity between the models. We’d also bet good money the Expedition will wear aluminum skin for this very same reason, not to mention the weight savings.

Ford will likely continue using the single rear liftgate design found on the current Expedition. This allows for the hands-free kick-to-open feature, while still accommodating the separate lift glass.

Ford will also keep both wheelbase options – the Expedition and Expedition EL. Like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, the wheelbase stretches for extra room in the second and third rows. The EL will have a full rear door while the standard length Expedition will have a wheel well cut-out just below the door handle.

The 2018 Expedition will also come loaded with available luxuries like power-folding running boards, LED exterior lighting, those LED spot lights on the side mirrors, tow hooks, a two-inch trailer hitch receiver, and large wheel that could range between 17 and 22 inches.

Update History

Update 02/07/2017: Ford has debuted the all-new 2018 Expedition ahead of the 2017 Chicago Auto Show. The three-row SUV features a host of F-150-based updates, along with a slew of safety upgrades. And as expected, the body is aluminum.