2018 Ford Expedition Pricing Revealed; Base Model Pushes Well Above 50 Big Ones

You’ll have to shell out a fair bit of extra cash to get into a 2018 Ford Expedition, as the completely redesigned full-size SUV now carries an entry price above the $50,000 marker. Ford has to pay for that aluminum body, you know.

Of course, buyers aren’t just receiving a lighter body and long-overdue styling update. More standard features and considerably more power comes as part of the package, as well as the return of an off-road package that disappeared as an option years ago. As buyers move up the trim scale, they’ll soon discover the price gap between 2017 and 2018 Expedition models only grows larger.

Ford’s 2018 Expedition pricing structure, revealed by CarsDirect and confirmed by a company spokesman, starts at $52,890 after destination. That’s $4,570 higher than last year’s XLT model. Should you want more room between the liftgate and rear seat, an Expedition MAX, which replaces the long-wheelbase EL model, carries a sticker of $55,580. The longer XLT Expedition sees a $4,550 price bump over the 2017 version.

Should all-wheel drive be a necessity, tack on roughly $3,000 to either price. While 2018 pricing for the Expedition’s chief rival, the Chevrolet Suburban, remains unknown, the base 2017 LS version of that long-wheelbase, full-size SUV retails for $51,210 after destination. The two Detroit rivals share the same ballpark, though the Suburban now appears the value leader — especially in higher trims.

New for 2018 is an off-road-focused FX4 model that uses an XLT 4×4 model as its launching point. In order to get those skid plates, upgraded shocks, an electronic limited-slip rear differential and off-road tires, you’ll first have to add the 202A equipment package to the XLT 4×4, then add the FX4 package. All told, the most rugged of Expeditions costs $63,155.

What will an Expedition Limited set you back? In standard wheelbase guise, buyers of the 2018 model will pay $6,540 more for the Limited, which retails for $63,780, compared to last year. For MAX models, the price gap grows an extra $135. Keep in mind that lower trims all gain a 10-speed automatic and a newly upgraded 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 good for 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque.

Platinum buyers — the crowd that wants it all — stand to see the largest increase. They’ll also see more power from the EcoBoost V6, to the tune of 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. For top-spec Expeditions, 2018 prices push the trim to $73,905 after destination, an increase of $8,505. Long-wheelbase lovers can expect to pay $76,595 for an Expedition Platinum MAX, or $8,540 more than last year. Sitting at the top of the price heap is the Expedition Platinum MAX 4×4 which, after destination, demands the handing over of $79,740. That’s $8,650 more than 2017.

It’s at this upper range where the Ford and GM rivals diverge. While the top-flight Expedition nearly touches $80,000, Chevrolet’s most luxury-laden Suburban doesn’t quite reach the $70,000 barrier. In fact, a loaded Expedition will cost you more than a de-optioned 2017 Cadillac Escalade in either wheelbase length.

Decision time awaits.

[Image: Ford Motor Company]