Ford Goes Big with Aluminum Expedition

Ford Motor Co.’s redesigned 2018 Expedition fullsize SUV will be bigger, lighter and carry much more content than the current model.

The carmaker unveiled the fourth-generation model this week in Dallas. Due in showrooms this autumn, the vehicle marks the first major redesign for the Expedition in 20 years.

The all-new Expedition benefits from an all-new aluminum body and redesigned frame featuring more high-strength steel. The combination saves as much as 300 lbs (depending on body style), even though the vehicle is four inches longer and an inch wider than its predecessor.

The base Expedition’s wheelbase is three inches longer than that of the current model. An extended-wheelbase Max model also will be available in place of the Expedition EL. 

Ford says the new design can accommodate a 4x8-ft piece of plywood with the seats down. The rear cargo area includes customizable storage spaces and a raised rear lip to help prevent loose items from rolling out when the liftgate is opened.

Exterior changes are highlighted by a redesigned grille with a five-bar design that flows into the headlights. The new Expedition also gets a flatter hood and larger headlights.

The interior adds sliding second-row seats—touted as a first for a fullsize SUV—that can be tipped forward with a child car seat attached. The design increases legroom and improves ingress/egress for second- and third-row passengers. Both rows of seats recline and have power-folding options.

The SUV contains 17 cupholders and bottle holders. It also provides six USB connectors, four 12-volt outlets and a 110-volt socket. The center console has a wireless charging pad and a wi-fi hot spot within a radius of 50 ft.

Ford says 40 new tech features will be offered on the new Expedition. The list includes active grille shutters, adaptive cruise control with stop and go capabilities, automatic emergency braking, a 360° camera system, blind-spot monitors, lane-keeping assist, collision mitigation and enhanced active park assist. The Expedition also will add Ford’s trailer backup assist technology, which enables drivers to use a dashboard knob to maneuver an attached trailer when backing up.

Power will come from an updated version of the 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine used in the current Expedition. In Ford's F-150 pickup truck, the revised engine delivers 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque.

The engine will feature automatic stop-start capability and be mated with the 10-speed automatic transmission Ford co-developed with General Motors Co. The updated drivetrain and 300-lb weight loss are expected to provide better fuel economy than the current model's U.S. Environmental Protection Agency rating of 15 mpg city/21 highway.

Ford also expects the new Expedition to improve its best-in-class tow rating, which currently maxes out at 9,200 lbs.