The Ford Expedition is 30 years old. Ford’s original full-size SUV started production in 1996 as a 1997 model. This was Ford’s way to compete directly against the dominant Chevy Tahoe and Suburban. Now, the Expedition is in it 5th generation that came out as a 2025 model. Here is what Ford is doing to celebrate Expedition’s 30th anniversary with a special model. Let’s dig in!
The 30th Anniversary edition is based on the 2027 Ford Expedition Platinum model with a Stealth appearance package. The 30th Anniversary makes itself known with a special Blue Ember metallic exterior paint, which was initially reserved only for the Ford Mustang Dark Horse. The rear split-hatch displays a “30 Years” badge. It rides on black 22-inch wheels with “Expedition 30 Years” center caps.
The anniversary interior is distinguished by a salt crystal grey trim. The leather center console is embossed with a “30 Years” logo. You will also find anniversary logos in the door sills.
Under the hood of this 2027 Ford Expedition is a choice of two 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engines. The standard one you will find with this anniversary edition is rated at 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Some versions of the new Expedition (such as the Stealth Performance package) come with a high-output version of the engine. This one is rated at 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. I refer to this version of the engine as the “Raptor engine”.
The 30th Anniversary edition pricing is not available yet, but the 2026 Expedition Platinum Stealth appearance package starts at $80,620 (including the $2,795 destination charge).
All new Expedition SUVs are built at Ford’s Louisville, Kentucky plant.
Please stay tuned for in-person videos and podcast that feature this Ford Expedition and many other vehicles coming to AllTFL.com very soon.
When you’re behind the wheel of a truck, whether it’s a mid-size Colorado or a full-size Silverado, the vehicle’s response to emergency situations can mean the difference between avoiding a collision and becoming part of one. While both categories of trucks serve important purposes for enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, their physical characteristics create distinctly different behaviors when quick reactions are required on the road.
Understanding these differences isn’t just academic—it’s practical knowledge that affects how safely you can operate these vehicles in real-world scenarios. From sudden lane changes to emergency braking, the physics of truck design plays a crucial role in determining how your vehicle will respond when seconds matter most.
The Role of Wheelbase in Emergency Response
The wheelbase—the distance between a vehicle’s front and rear axles—significantly affects handling characteristics during sudden maneuvers. Mid-size trucks typically feature wheelbases ranging from 126 to 140 inches, while full-size trucks commonly extend from 145 to 165 inches or more.
This difference impacts turning radius and rotational inertia. Mid-size trucks can pivot more quickly around their center point, making them more responsive to steering inputs during obstacle avoidance. However, this increased agility comes with a trade-off: shorter wheelbases can make vehicles more prone to abrupt weight transfer during emergency lane changes, potentially causing the rear end to step out more dramatically.
Full-size trucks, with their longer wheelbases, exhibit more stable and predictable behavior during evasive steering. The extended distance between axles reduces the severity of weight transfer and provides a more gradual response to steering inputs. While this means less agility in tight situations, it also reduces the risk of overcorrection—a common cause of single-vehicle accidents during emergency maneuvers.
Weight Distribution and Braking Dynamics
Emergency braking performance differs substantially between mid-size and full-size trucks, largely due to weight distribution and overall mass. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, large size and weight increase driving challenges, including acceleration, braking, and maneuverability.
Mid-size trucks generally weigh between 4,000 and 5,500 pounds, while full-size trucks can range from 5,500 to over 7,000 pounds depending on configuration. This weight difference directly affects braking distances. Heavier full-size trucks require more distance to come to a complete stop from the same speed, particularly when fully loaded.
However, weight distribution also matters. Many mid-size trucks have a more balanced front-to-rear weight distribution when unloaded, which can improve braking stability. Full-size trucks, especially when their beds are empty, tend to be more front-heavy, which can lead to reduced rear-wheel traction during hard braking and increase the risk of rear-end instability.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has implemented requirements for automatic emergency braking systems in both light and heavy vehicles, recognizing that vehicle size and weight significantly influence stopping capabilities. These systems are designed to compensate for the physical limitations inherent in larger, heavier vehicles.
Center of Gravity and Rollover Risk
One of the most critical differences in emergency handling relates to the center of gravity. Mid-size trucks typically sit slightly lower than their full-size counterparts, though modern truck designs in both categories have become increasingly tall to accommodate larger engines and more interior space.
During sudden evasive maneuvers—like swerving to avoid a road hazard—a higher center of gravity increases rollover risk. The taller the vehicle and the narrower the track width relative to height, the more susceptible it becomes to tipping during sharp turns at speed. Research on permitted speed decisions for trucks during combined braking and turning maneuvers shows that vehicle configuration significantly affects safe operating speeds in emergency situations.
Mid-size trucks benefit from generally lower ride heights and more proportional height-to-width ratios, providing better stability during emergency lane changes. However, lifted mid-size trucks—a popular modification among off-road enthusiasts—can actually become less stable than stock full-size trucks during highway emergency maneuvers.
Suspension Design and Electronic Stability Systems
Modern trucks increasingly rely on electronic stability control to compensate for their physical characteristics. These systems detect when a vehicle begins to lose directional control and can automatically apply individual brakes or reduce engine power to help maintain the intended path.
The effectiveness of these systems varies based on suspension design. Mid-size trucks often use different suspension configurations than full-size trucks—sometimes incorporating independent front suspension or different spring rates that affect weight transfer characteristics during emergency maneuvers.
Full-size trucks typically feature heavier-duty suspension components designed for payload and towing capacity. While this provides excellent stability under load, it can make empty trucks feel less composed during sudden maneuvers compared to mid-size alternatives that are more frequently driven without cargo.
Visibility and Reaction Time Considerations
Emergency maneuvers begin with recognizing a hazard, and visibility plays a crucial role in driver reaction time. Mid-size trucks generally offer better forward visibility due to lower hood heights and less dramatic body proportions. This can provide drivers with additional fractions of a second to recognize and respond to hazards.
Full-size trucks, particularly newer models with tall front ends, create larger blind zones directly ahead of the vehicle. This reduced visibility can delay hazard recognition and reduce the time available for emergency response. Studies on vehicle size trends and safety indicate that larger vehicles present increased visibility challenges that affect collision avoidance.
What This Means for Truck Owners
Understanding how your truck will behave in emergency situations isn’t about determining which category is “better”—both mid-size and full-size trucks have distinct advantages depending on your needs. Rather, it’s about recognizing your vehicle’s characteristics and adjusting your driving accordingly.
If you drive a mid-size truck, be aware of your vehicle’s increased agility but also its potential for quicker weight transfer during sudden maneuvers. Practice smooth, controlled inputs rather than abrupt corrections. If you’re in a full-size truck, respect the longer stopping distances and reduced maneuverability, while appreciating the stability advantages during highway driving.
Most importantly, consider how modifications affect these characteristics. Lifting either category of truck raises the center of gravity and changes handling dynamics. Loading cargo in the bed improves rear traction but increases overall stopping distance. Even tire choices affect emergency handling performance.
For drivers who’ve experienced truck accidents, understanding these mechanical differences can be important when determining what happened and why. When emergency maneuvers result in collisions or injuries, trusted attorneys can help analyze the circumstances and determine if vehicle characteristics, driver response, or other factors contributed to the incident.
Whether you’re considering options like the 2022 GMC Canyon AT4 Off-Road Performance Edition or comparing it to full-size alternatives, understanding these emergency handling characteristics helps you make informed decisions about which truck best matches your driving needs and environment.
You can buy a used luxurious Ford F-350 Power Stroke turbo-diesel for less money than a brand new Ford Maverick. Would you do it? I found this one-owner well-maintained 2014 Super Duty 800 lb-ft of torque truck for sale at a local dealer for about $27,500. Check it out! Let’s dig in.
Thanks to AutoTempest for sponsoring this video in our Why Buy series. This is a great one-stop shop to find that specific truck or car you’ve searching for. They aggregate most vehicle listings into one search, and link to Facebook Marketplace and CraigsList.
This particular truck spent all of its life in Colorado with one owner. It has about 181,000 miles on the odometer. The interior looks almost brand new, but it’s not perfect. The 6.7L Power Stroke V8 is rated at 400 hp and 800 lb-ft of torque. It’s mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. This big truck still accelerates very quickly and drives smooth.
It appears that this truck was used at a ranch and was pulling a medium sized gooseneck trailer (perhaps taking some horses to the next show or ride?) This is precisely what a truck like this was meant to do.
There is almost no rust under the truck with the exception of the aftermarket gooseneck hitch and the rusty factory hitch in the back.
Please take a look at the video and let me know if you would buy this truck for nearly $75,000 off a brand new Ford F-350 King Ranch?
Ford CEO, Jim Farley, kicks off the 4th season of his “Drive” podcast with Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias. They discuss a variety of topics that include performing live comedy shows, personal vulnerability, and Fluffy’s future VW Bus museum. One topic caught our ear more than others. Fluffy used to own an original Ford Excursion, and Jim Farley asks him “should we bring the Excursion back?” Fluffy answers, yes, and has a further request. Here’s what happened.
Fluffy suggests that if the Excursion comes back that it should be a hybrid in order to make its fuel efficiency “normal” with significantly higher mpg than that of the original.
This is an interesting development in the world of trucks and SUVs. The original Excursion was based on the original Ford Super Duty pickup truck. We used to own an original Excursion with a V10 gas engine. Many people say that the Excursion should come back. These could be the same people who want an HD Chevy Suburban to come back.
The want has to do with an ability to comfortably transport up to nine people and/or tow a heavy boat or camping trailer. The heavy-duty truck-based SUVs would be at home while carrying massive payloads or towing large trailers.
Ford renewed its “Excursion” trademark back in 2020 and still owns this name and brand for use with motor vehicles.
It’s interesting that Fluffy brings up a hybrid powertrain. Ford has seen big sales success with their F-150 PowerBoost hybrid as well as the Ford Maverick hybrid compact pickup. There are rumors that a Super Duty hybrid may be under development. It could combine a gasoline V8 engine with an electric motor and a smallish high-voltage battery. This would allow it more torque, power, efficiency, and power export capability.
If so, why not also make a new Ford Excursion with the same powertrain? Hmm… What do you think? Let us know in the comments below. Are you interested in the next-generation Ford Excursion or has the time simply moved on?
Pickup trucks have become larger and more capable than ever, dominating America’s highways with advanced towing capacities, powerful engines, and impressive off-road capabilities. Yet despite decades of safety innovations, one persistent problem continues to plague these vehicles: blind spots. Across America, where pickup trucks are among the most popular vehicles on the road, blind spot-related accidents remain a significant safety concern, causing serious injuries and fatalities on highways from Seattle to Miami.
The issue isn’t just about driver awareness—it’s about the fundamental design of modern pickup trucks and the unique challenges they present on busy roadways.
The Growing Blind Spot Problem in Modern Pickups
Today’s pickup trucks are significantly taller and wider than their predecessors from just two decades ago. While these dimensions provide better ground clearance and interior space, they also create substantially larger blind spots. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the average front blind zone for pickup trucks extends approximately 11 feet from the front bumper, nearly double that of sedans and compact SUVs.
A Florida Department of Transportation report notes that lane-change and merging accidents involving large vehicles, including pickup trucks, represent a significant portion of highway collisions. These blind spots exist in four critical areas: directly in front of the vehicle, immediately behind it, along both sides (particularly the passenger side), and during wide turns. The passenger-side blind spot is especially dangerous, extending several lanes on Florida’s multi-lane highways.
Why United States Highways Amplify the Risk
Florida’s highway infrastructure and traffic patterns create unique conditions that make blind spot accidents more likely. Take, for example, Interstate 4, which runs through Orlando, consistently ranks among the most dangerous highways in America. The combination of high-speed traffic, frequent lane changes, and the prevalence of both large trucks and smaller passenger vehicles creates countless opportunities for blind spot collisions.
Florida’s year-round tourist traffic adds another layer of complexity. Drivers unfamiliar with local roads may not recognize the dangers of lingering in a pickup truck’s blind spot, while distracted or fatigued truck drivers may fail to properly check these zones before changing lanes or merging.
Technology Hasn’t Solved the Problem
Modern pickup trucks increasingly come equipped with blind spot monitoring systems, rear-view cameras, and advanced sensor technology. Studies from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety show that blind spot warning systems can reduce lane-change crashes by approximately 14 percent. However, these systems aren’t foolproof.
Many blind spot monitoring systems have limitations in detecting motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. They may also fail to alert drivers during certain weather conditions or if sensors become dirty or misaligned. Furthermore, not all pickup trucks on the roads are equipped with these technologies, particularly older models that remain in widespread use.
Driver complacency represents another challenge. When operators become overly reliant on technology, they may neglect traditional safety practices like physically checking blind spots before changing lanes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that failure to properly observe surroundings accounts for a significant percentage of commercial vehicle accidents—a pattern that extends to personal pickup trucks as well.
Legal Implications When Blind Spot Accidents Occur
When a blind spot accident results in injuries, determining liability becomes crucial. In Florida, for example, drivers have a legal responsibility to check their blind spots before changing lanes, merging, or making turns. Failure to do so can constitute negligence, particularly if the driver had the means to detect other vehicles but failed to use proper precautions.
Accident victims injured by drivers who failed to check blind spots may face substantial medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term rehabilitation costs. These cases often involve complex investigations to reconstruct the accident and determine exactly what the driver could or should have seen. Skilled lawyers for semi‑trucks can help evaluate these cases, gathering evidence such as witness statements, traffic camera footage, and vehicle data to establish liability and pursue fair compensation.
Insurance companies sometimes attempt to shift blame to the vehicle that was in the blind spot, arguing that they should have avoided the danger zone. However, not all states’ laws are the same. Take Florida; its laws place the primary responsibility on the driver making the maneuver to ensure it can be completed safely.
Protecting Yourself on the Highway
For drivers of smaller vehicles, understanding and avoiding pickup truck blind spots is essential for safety. The “no-zone” concept—areas where truck drivers cannot see you—applies to pickup trucks just as it does to commercial semi-trucks, albeit on a smaller scale.
If you cannot see the pickup truck driver in their side mirror, assume they cannot see you. Avoid lingering alongside pickup trucks, especially on the passenger side. When passing, do so quickly and decisively, ensuring you’re well ahead before moving back into the lane. Behind a pickup truck, maintain enough distance that you can see both of the driver’s side mirrors.
For pickup truck owners, proper mirror adjustment is critical. Mirrors should be positioned to minimize blind spots as much as possible, though they cannot eliminate them entirely. Before every lane change or merge, physically turn your head to check blind spots—technology should supplement, not replace, this practice. An extra moment of caution can prevent a devastating collision.
Understanding Responsibility and Moving Forward
Blind spot accidents remain prevalent, not because solutions don’t exist, but because they require consistent, vigilant application by every driver. Pickup truck operators must recognize the unique visibility challenges their vehicles present and take extra precautions when navigating crowded roadways.
As pickup trucks continue to grow in size and popularity, addressing blind spot safety becomes increasingly urgent. While technology offers helpful tools, ultimately human judgment and careful driving practices remain the most effective prevention strategies. For those who have been injured in blind spot accidents, understanding your legal rights and options is an important step toward recovery and accountability.
In this first-drive review, Kase checks out the sort of truck we don't normally test (even on press trips): the brand-new, second-generation Volvo VNR!
