Ford Revs Up 2018 Trucks

Ford Motor Co. will offer several new powertrain options in the 2018 Expedition full-size SUV and top-selling F-150 pickup truck, both of which will launch this autumn.

The base F-150 will be powered by a 3.3-liter V-6 that replaces the outgoing 3.5-liter V-6. The smaller powerplant teams port and direct fuel injection to boost output to 290 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, up 3% and 5%, respectively. The entry-level 6-speed automatic transmission is carried over.

The dual injection technology also will be applied to the F-150’s twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V-6 and 5.0-liter V-8 engines. Adding port injection boosts the 2.7-liter mill’s maximum torque from 375 lb-ft to 400 lb-ft, while maintaining an output of 325 hp.

Direct injection is added to the V-8’s port system, providing a 3% boost in both power measures to 395 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. The engine also gets spray-in bore liners, which were introduced on the Mustang Shelby GT350.

There are no changes to the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 or the high-output 3.5-liter unit used in the F-150 Raptor sport pickup. A new 3.0-liter V-6 PowerStroke diesel engine will be added next year.

All of the engines will include automatic stop-start capability. Availability of Ford’s new 10-speed automatic transmission, which was co-developed by General Motors Co., will be expanded from the 3.5-liter V-6 to all of the F-150’s engine options other than the entry-level 3.3-liter.

The redesigned Expedition, which is switching to a lightweight aluminum body similar to that used in the F-150, also will get the 10-speed transmission mated with the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6.  Torque is increased 16% to 470 lb-ft, while horsepower is up 3% to 375 hp. In the top platinum trim level, the engine is tuned to make 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque.

Ford also is reviving the FX4 an off-road package, which was last offered on Expedition in 2003, for the 2018 model. The package, which is expected to account for as much as 10% of the SUV’s sales, includes an electronic limited-slip rear differential, off-road tuned shocks, all-terrain tires, skid plates, unique wheels, rubber floor liners and special badging.

The 2018 Expedition also will get sliding second-row seats to increase legroom and make it easier to get in and out of the back two rows. The third row seats will recline for the first time.