Ford has just pulled the wraps off of its all-new, 2018 Ford Expedition full-size SUV in Dallas, Texas, touting an extensive list of new driver-assist technologies, and an aluminum-alloy body like that on the F-150 pickup, which contributes to a weight-loss of up to 300 pounds.
The new Ford Expedition was unveiled at a special event at the Dallas Cowboys’ shiny new training facility and corporate headquarters – Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas – with some help from Dallas Cowboys Executive VP and Chief Operating Officer Stephen Jones.
“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,” says Ford President of the Americas Joe Hinrichs. “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.”
Capability
The 2018 Ford Expedition retains the same body-on-frame construction as previous iterations, albeit with a redesigned, high-strength steel frame and an aluminum-alloy body like that of the 2015+ F-150. The shift to aluminum alloy contributed to a weight loss of up to 300 pounds, and Ford’s twin-turbocharged, 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 ought to lend the full-size brute some additional fuel efficiency. Ford’s brand-new, 10-speed automatic transmission has also found its way onto the utility vehicle.
If that isn’t enough, the Ford Expedition with available Intelligent 4WD now offers an electronic limited-slip differential for improved off-road traction. A new Terrain Management System offers Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, and Eco driving modes for everyday use, plus three additional modes for tricky, low-traction conditions: Sand, Mud/Rut, and Grass/Gravel/Snow.
Convenience
The all-new Ford Expedition has seating for up to eight people, making it too small for the Duggar family, but more than large enough for most everyone else. Second-row seating has tip-and-slide functionality, a first for the full-size SUV segment, which eases ingress to the back row. Second- and third-row seats can also be folded flat at the push of a button, opening up a massive cargo area.
And then, there’s an extensive list of available high-tech active driver assists and other features to make the 2018 Ford Expedition a thoroughly livable day-to-day machine. The list includes enhanced active park assist, lane-keeping aid, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and collision-avoidance, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), 360-degree camera, and even the same, futuristic Pro Trailer Backup Assist as is found on the F-150.
Plus, there’s an available hands-free liftgate, SYNC 3 infotainment, SYNC Connect with mobile WiFi hotspot, a rear-seat entertainment system, 12-speaker B&O Play audio, and plenty more.
The all-new, 2018 Ford Expedition SUV goes on sale this fall. It will continue to be built at Kentucky Truck Plant alongside the F-Series Super Duty and Lincoln Navigator.
Comments
Boy, load up 6 adults and that turbo v6 will have the performance of a Fiesta. Add a trailer or boat and watch it explode. It has Explorer characteristics but doesn’t look much different than the current model.