All-New 2018 Ford Expedition Packs Everything Into One Giant SUV (Kitchen Sink Included)

2018 ford expedition towing ecoboost suv dallas texas
2018 Ford Expedition

Ford crammed all of its newest know-how into the 2018 Ford Expedition. Its body: aluminum; its engine: the newest 3.5L EcoBoost V6; its transmission: a “class-exclusive” 10-speed automatic with a rotary dial selector. Ford went to Texas, to the Dallas Cowboys stadium parking lot to debut the all-new 2018 Ford Expedition.

“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.”

2018 ford expedition 10-speed automatic

While currently ranking third, behind the Chevrolet Suburban and Chevrolet Tahoe in sales, Ford has progressive modernized the Expedition with the same upgrades their F-150 has received. This is the next, logical step. Like the modernized Ford F-150, the 2018 Ford Expedition is lighter, faster, more efficient and it will be more utilitarian.

It has a slew of new tech:

  • Wireless charging; Expedition is Ford’s first vehicle to feature this system, which allows customers to place compatible mobile devices on an integrated charging pad conveniently located in the front center console
  • Wi-Fi hotspot supports as many as 10 devices at once, up to 50 feet away from the vehicle
  • Dual-headrest rear seat entertainment system provides a next-generation video experience that allows passengers to view their home cable programming on either of two video screens or hand-held devices
  • SYNC® 3, with both Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ capability, allows drivers to stay connected on the move
  • SYNC Connect lets owners connect with the vehicle remotely using FordPass® to start, lock, unlock and locate their vehicle from anywhere, while also allowing access to important vehicle diagnostic information
  • Power for passengers in every row, with four 12-volt power points, six USB chargers and a 110-volt power outlet that lets passengers stay charged and connected
  • 12-speaker B&O PLAY premium audio system perfected by acoustic engineers for a sound experience even audiophiles will appreciate
  • Advanced cargo manager with an adjustable shelf behind the third row lets owners create a storage space customized to whatever they’re hauling; even when parked on a hill, cargo won’t roll out the back of Expedition when the liftgate is opened
  • Panoramic Vista Roof spans two rows, a feature not offered by any competitor

and…

  • It will feature a sliding second-row seat with tip-and-slide functionality, providing access to the third row without the need to first remove a child safety seat. Once in the third row, adults will appreciate more legroom and reclining seats.
  • Expedition’s second- and third-row seats can be quickly folded flat with the push of a button to open up a cargo area wide enough to handle 4×8-foot sheets of plywood and other gear, depending on cargo weight and load distribution, even with the liftgate closed.
  • The all-new Expedition offers Pro Trailer Backup Assist, which makes backing up a trailer as easy as turning a knob.

While no numbers have been posted regarding the 2018 Ford Expedition’s towing and power numbers, it’s safe to assume that they will be similar to the newest Ford F-150 we recently tested. That means: it will have something near 375 horsepower, maybe 470 lb-feet of torque and it may be able to tow over 9,000-lbs. This is just speculation, but it’s based on the current F-150 and competitor (Chevy Tahoe / Suburban) specifications.

The 2018 Ford Expedition will have an optional 4X4 system which includes an available electronic-locking rear differential. According to Ford, “Even the drive is more adaptable, with Expedition’s all-new Terrain Management System™ that lets customers choose between drive 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.”

One more thing: we saw the 3.0-liter V6 diesel at the 2017 NAIAS (Detroit Auto Show), which is slated for the 2018 Ford F-150 soon. It’s entirely possible that the 2018 Ford Expedition may receive that engine in the near future. Once again, it’s speculation based on a bit of logic.

What this all boils down to is this: the 2018 Ford Expedition is packed with nearly every bit of truck know-how that Ford has… which is a lot.

 

Nathan Adlen
Easily amused by anything with four wheels, Nathan Adlen reviews vehicles from the cheapest to the most prestigious. Wrecking yards, dealer lots, garages, racetracks, professional automotive testing and automotive journalism - Nathan has experienced a wide range of the automotive spectrum. Brought up in the California car culture and educated in theater, childhood education, film, journalism and history, Nathan now lives with his family in Denver, CO. His words, good humor and video are enjoyed worldwide.