Specifications:
- year:
- 2018
- make:
- Ford
- Model:
- Expedition
- price:
- $ 47000 (Est.)
- Engine:
- V6
- Transmission:
- 10-speed automatic
- Horsepower @ RPM:
- 375
- Torque @ RPM:
- 470
- Energy:
- Twin-turbocharged, Direct Injection
- Displacement:
- 3.5 L
- 0-60 time:
- 6.5 sec. (Est.)
- Top Speed:
- 120 mph (Est.)
- Layout:
- Front Engine; 2WD, 4WD
- Ford
- Ford Expedition
- fullsize cars
- suv
- Spy Shots and Renderings
- 2018
- Premium
- rumors
- speculative
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. It’s now likely those same advancements will make their way onto the heavily, if not all-new 2018 Expedition SUV. And as our spy photographer caught, the Expedition is currently in development.
The Expedition has traditionally been based on the F-150, though the relation has grown distant over the last few years. 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 borrowed 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 as the Expedition moves toward 2018, Ford is reportedly giving this three-row, body-on-frame SUV a full parts list form the F-150, including the updated 3.5-liter EcoBoost, the rumored introduction of the 2.7-liter EcoBoost, an all-aluminum body, a stronger yet lighter high-strength steel frame, and styling that mirrors that of the F-150. These improvements will be for both the Expedition and its long-wheelbase brother, the Expedition XL.
Let’s have a closer look at these spy shots of the long-awaited 2018 Ford Expedition.
Update: 11/30/2016 We have created a rendering showing what we suspect the 2018 Ford Expedition might look like. Check out the “Rendering” section for all the details. Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Continue reading for more information.
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.
Once Ford releases the official images of the Expedition, we’ll update you here.
Exterior
The Expedition is getting a completely new look that should mirror the design styling of the current F-150 pickup. Expect the front grille and headlights to carry the chiseled look with chrome accents and LED lighting fixtures. The doors and side profile will likely share the same styling as well, with the Expedition getting the same door handles, blacked out pillars, and driver side numbered keypad.
More specifically, horizontal chrome bars can already be seen at the front grille behind the camouflage. The headlights are also visible, but less detail is discernible. It appears most the of engine’s cooling takes place with the lower grille, as Ford has kept the camo cut clear to allow for airflow. A large air dam down below undoubtedly helps improve aerodynamics and therefore fuel economy of this big bruiser.
This test mule’s overall proportions indicate it’s a standard-length Expedition. It also seems to have a more aggressively raked windshield, likely helping aerodynamics. Roof rails are clearly seen covered up by camo, indicating Ford is keeping the utility aspect of the Expedition alive and well.
Around back, Ford is hiding a sloping rear window with a tent-like structure attacked to the Expedition. The rear glass appears to have its own lift handle, indicating it can be opened separate from the main liftgate hatch. Expect LED rear lighting as well. The bumper also seems to have a bulge, indicating a hitch cover for the standard two-inch receiver hitch.
This tester is rolling on matte-black wheels wrapped in all-season rubber with a street-biased tread. Fixed running boards on the sides will likely be an option for lower to mid-level trims, while power-retractable running boards will come with the upper trim levels.
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.
Interior
Unfortunately for us, the spy photographer was not able to snap a full photo of the 2018 Expedition’s interior, leaving us to speculate. There is, however, one shot of the exterior showing a hazy view of the passenger side A-pillar grab handle and the top section of the dashboard. The large grab handle looks just like those from the current F-150, but parts-bin sharing is expected. The passenger side outboard air vent is also seen, and appears to have a chrome bezel wrapping its parameter. Besides that, the rearview mirror is seen, but no discernable changes or new technology can be seen.
Nevertheless, we’d bet very strongly that Ford will give the Expedition’s interior the same treatment found in the F-150 and Super Duty. This will not only reduce production costs, but will help create continuity between the three products. It will also help dealerships and customers with familiarity between the dashboards’ controls.
We expect the Expedition to offer three rows of seating with space for eight. Selecting the second-row captains chairs results in a seven-passenger configuration. The seats will likely offer an optional power-fold-flat option, making it easy to lower and raise both the second and third rows. Manual folding will come standard on lesser trim levels. Either way, both rear rows will fold flat, allowing for a tremendous amount of cargo room.
Expect Ford to pack the Expedition full of its latest equipment and technology. Sync3 will undoubtedly make its way into the dashboard and a large driver information screen is expected between analog gauges in the cluster – just like the F-150. The latest safety equipment will also be present, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system.
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 will surely give the 2018 Expedition the same upgraded 3.5-liter EcoBoost that’s found in the 2017 F-150. This new engine is the EcoBoost’s second generation and it now makes 375 horsepower and a V-8-like 470 pound-feet of torque. That’s more than General Motor’s 6.2-liter V-8 that powers the Cadillac Escalade and some versions of the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL.
The engine will come mated for Ford’s new 10-speed automatic transmission. Co-developed with GM, this is the first volume-production 10-speed automatic in the world. Ford, in a statement regarding the transmission in the 2017 F-150, says it will help deliver improved acceleration and performance compared with the previous six-speed automatic. That’s thanks to a lower first gear for acceleration and towing, while several overdrive gears allow the EcoBoost to settle into low revs on the highway. Both RWD and 4WD will be available. Perhaps even an FX4 version will be offered, coming with Ford’s electronically locking rear differential.
In addition to the upgraded 3.5-liter EcoBoost, rumors suggest Ford is making the F-150’s 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 the Expedition’s standard engine. Packing 325 horsepower and 375 pound-feet of torque, the small EcoBoost is no slouch. It would surly be more than capable of pulling the all-aluminum Expedition along.
Lastly, rumors suggest Ford is developing a small turbodiesel option for the F-150. Though unconfirmed, this engine could see duty in the Expedition. That would also explain this test mule’s overly large exhaust pipe.
The Competition
The Chevy Tahoe comes 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 and 4WD is available. The rear solid rear axle also features the Eaton G80 Automatic locking differential, giving the Tahoe 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 this application, 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.
Prices
Ford will keep the Expedition competitive in the market against its long-time rivals at GM. Nevertheless, pricing will definitely rise to compensate for the added technology. Currently the 2017 Expedition carries a starting price of $46,225. Ford will probably keep the current trim levels, meaning the XLT, Limited, King Ranch, and Platinum versions will return. Decked out, a current Expedition can cost upwards of $70,000 – matching that of GMC’s range-topping Yukon XL Denali.
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 Ford Expedition has always been behind the Tahoe and Yukon XL Denali in terms of sales, but Ford could very well close the gap with this new iteration of the Expedition. If Ford includes all the swanky tech and safety features modern buyers are looking for – all at a fair price – there’s no reason this new 2018 Expedition shouldn’t be a runaway success.
And while the Expedition is Ford’s bread-n-butter American SUV, its Lincoln cousin, the Navigator, should be receiving these same updates for the 2018 model year as well. They both share the same platform, powertrain, and other components, so Ford will likely use this chance to revamp Navigator into a lighter, more powerful machine with all the class Matthew McConaughey can roll between his fingers.
The 2018 Expedition is expected to debut at the 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit before going into production in July of 2017. Sales will begin a few weeks after production commences.
- New appearance inside & out
- Aluminum body reduces weight
- New platform with updated/new powertrains
- Will it be enough to catch up with GM’s full-size SUV lineup?
- Official details still unknown
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