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Ford Considering More Off-Road Capable Ford Expedition: Exclusive

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The Ford Expedition just received a refresh for the 2022 model year, ushering in some styling updates inside and out, as well as the addition of new tech features and various other tweaks. But arguably the biggest changes to the refreshed 2022 Expedition lineup are the addition of the Expedition Stealth Performance Package – which is geared toward more on-road performance and stylish looks, as well as the introduction of the Expedition Timberline – which is the most off-road capable version of the large SUV to date. Now, sources familiar with the matter have told Ford Authority that an even more off-road capable version of the Ford Expedition is under consideration. Perhaps even more interestingly, this product could end up coming to market as the Ford Expedition Raptor.

2022 Ford Expedition Timberline

Before we go any further, we must emphasize that it’s currently unclear whether this upcoming variant will end up bearing the Expedition Raptor name. However, given the success that Ford has enjoyed with its range of Raptor high-performance off-road models, applying the same formula to the Expedition makes a ton of sense. Even so, the final product – if approved – could end up wearing a different name altogether.

2022 Ford Expedition Timberline.

The idea of a Ford Expedition Raptor certainly isn’t absurd by any measure, given the creation of the Ford Bronco Raptor to go along with the Ford F-150 Raptor and Ford Ranger Raptor in The Blue Oval’s high-performance, off-road-focused family. An Expedition Raptor is also a natural next step for the Expedition, which already has the Timberline and Stealth Performance Package in the lineup, both of which are equipped with the high-output, twin-turbocharged Ford 3.5L V6 EcoBoost already present in the F-150 Raptor.

Sales Numbers - Mainstream Full-Size SUVs - 2022 - USA

MODEL YTD 22 / YTD 21 YTD 22 YTD 21 YTD 22 SHARE YTD 21 SHARE
CHEVROLET TAHOE -0.26% 105,756 106,030 30% 30%
GMC YUKON -6.12% 48,220 51,365 14% 14%
FORD EXPEDITION -24.37% 62,007 81,988 17% 23%
CHEVROLET SUBURBAN +5.68% 50,951 48,214 14% 14%
JEEP WAGONEER +577.12% 36,219 5,349 10% 1%
GMC YUKON XL +3.67% 34,084 32,877 10% 9%
TOYOTA SEQUOIA -34.15% 5,314 8,070 1% 2%
NISSAN ARMADA -47.74% 11,923 22,814 3% 6%
TOTAL -0.63% 354,474 356,707

An Expedition Raptor could end up doing wonders for Expedition sales, which have been trailing GM’s Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban as well as the GMC Yukon/Yukon XL by a long margin. Though sales volume of a potential Expedition Raptor might not be all that significant, the existence of such a model could have significant upside for the Expedition nameplate as a whole, driving interest and demand beyond current levels.

2022 Ford Expedition Timberline Off-Grid Concept could preview the more off-road capable Expedition

In the meantime, the Expedition Timberline is the off-road enthusiast’s model of choice, pairing unique styling details with a wider track, 10.6 inches of ground clearance, unique wheels, underbody shielding borrowed from the F-150 Raptor, Trail Turn Assist, and 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler A/T tires. Its version of the 3.5L EcoBoost generates 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, which is slightly less than the F-150 Raptor’s 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet.

We’ll have more on this potential model soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for more Ford Expedition news and non-stop Ford news coverage.

Brett's lost track of all the Fords he's owned over the years and how much he's spent modifying them, but his current money pits include an S550 Mustang and 13th gen F-150.

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Brett Foote

Brett's lost track of all the Fords he's owned over the years and how much he's spent modifying them, but his current money pits include an S550 Mustang and 13th gen F-150.

View Comments

  • This makes a lot of sense. As a Ford shareholder and proud owner of 2 Expeditions, I'm honestly surprised Ford has not done an Expedition Raptor sooner. Give it a wide stance, mean and functional face, advanced suspension, some big tires, a lot of clearance, a good engine note... and you literally have the repeat of the success story that is the F-150 Raptor, only this time for the Expedition.

  • I’m not sure if the rear axles of the IRS still go through the frame rails. If they do, that would limit the amount of lift available and make a true Raptor version an engineering challenge. Perhaps Ford could switch to a live axle for this application.

  • Great idea but with the timberline reaching $100,000 here it would be a vehicle for the few. But I’m sure RW will have some feed back on my comment and call me a butt head.

  • Honestly, the Expedition might be better for Raptorization than the other ladder frame vehicles they have done it with. It has better weight distribution, and the unsprung mass would be very much decreased by the independent rear suspension. There’s a reason modern side by sides don’t have solid axles.

  • Stupid idea. They need an ST version, they already offer a good enough off-road version for the no people who will take them off-road.

  • Both of you are living in la-la land if you really think so.

    Raptor has done and continues to do wonders for Ford. Without it on F-150, Bronco and Ranger, Ford would be a ho-hum also-ran like Chevy, Toyota and Nissan. Just the brand benefits alone make Raptorizing vehicle lines worthwhile, and that's to say nothing of the positive financial impact or the incredible products.

    Think again.

  • Now you're talking!! Of course no one could afford to buy it but it would be awesome.

    My big issue with all this is the really weak front hub/electric lockup system on the Expedition. Its fine for all wheel drive in light snow and standing water, but deep snow or mud is not something you should do on the regular if you don't want part breakage. It's not a Wrangler.

  • Agree.

    Ford is really testing the elasticity of the Raptor name.

    If it becomes genetic it may lose its its cachet.

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