Chicago 2017: Ford Releases Redesigned 2018 Expedition

Tyler Wooley
by Tyler Wooley
chicago 2017 ford releases redesigned 2018 expedition

Ford has released images of the 2018 Expedition ahead of the Chicago Auto Show, and the redesigned full-size SUV looks nothing like what many were expecting.

While it may appear a tad boring, the new generation is sleek and more in tune with contemporary SUV styling conventions. It also sports upgraded underpinnings and an improved drivetrain.

The exterior has plenty of crisp, simple lines that are easy on the eyes, but won’t make it stand out like a sore thumb. It also seems to have borrowed some styling cues from its General Motors rivals — especially in its rear flanks.

Underneath, a redesigned frame supports an all-aluminum body that helps shave 300 pounds of weight from the vehicle, compared to the previous generation.

Inside, the whole neighborhood can charge its devices simultaneously, thanks to a 110-volt outlet, four 12-volt outlets, and six USB charger ports. That isn’t enough? Don’t worry, there is also a wireless charger in the front console.

Ford says that “even adults” will be comfortable in the reclining third-row seats, thanks to increased leg room. It might be easier getting back there, too, since a second-row seat can perform tilting acrobatics, even with a car seat installed.

The improved 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine makes this Expedition the most powerful to come from the Blue Oval. This, along with available Pro Trailer Backup Assist, should make towing much easier. Despite having a higher — but currently unspecified — power output, a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard start-stop system makes it almost guaranteed that the SUV will see fuel efficiency gains.

On models equipped with Ford’s intelligent four-wheel drive system, buyers can choose an available electronic limited-slip differential for improved off-road prowess. A new Terrain Management System lets drivers switch through seven drive modes for optimum handling.

The new Expedition will be offered in three trim levels: XLT, Limited, and Platinum. Law enforcement and other fleet buyers will be pleased to hear there will be an XL version just for them. The 2018 Expedition goes on sale this fall.

[Images: Ford Motor Company]

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  • Thunderjet Thunderjet on Feb 07, 2017

    You know a twin turbo V8 would be even better. Perhaps if only available on the Navigator. Would give someone a reason to step up to the Lincoln.

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    • Adam Tonge Adam Tonge on Feb 07, 2017

      @SC5door It has a different tune now. Until the Raptor debuted, the Navigator had the top dog 3.5TT. Like you, I think it will continue to have more horsepower than the Expedition . They also need to give it more HP than the 3.0TT. At that point, they might as well throw the Raptor engine in there.

  • Dwford Dwford on Feb 08, 2017

    Now that I've seen this new Expedition, I'm calling for a Ford Deathwatch. I've actually been thinking this for over a year now (sold most of my Ford stock last year and I was right, the stock did nothing in 2016). Here's the red flags I see at Ford: #1. This new Expedition is a bland, by the numbers redesign. A total zero effort design. #2. The "new" Ford Fiesta rides on the current 10 year old platform. #3. The "new" EcoSport rides on that same 10 year old platform and is merely a refresh of the same design sold since 2013. #4. The next US Focus is rumored to diverge from the Euro version by having a cheaper rear axle to save costs. Shades of old Detroit penny pinching at the expense of quality. All of Ford's money seems to be going into electrified and autonomous vehicle plays, none of which will be profit drivers anytime soon.

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    • Mike978 Mike978 on Feb 09, 2017

      @VoGo Trolling, he posted less on this article than you have. No need for the gratuitous sexual references or someone will ask you if the Baruth brothers did anything to your mom as you troll them.

  • Tassos I also want one of the idiots who support the ban to explain to me how it will work.Suppose sometime (2035 or later) you cannot buy a new ICE vehicle in the UK.Q1: Will this lead to a ICE fleet resembling that of CUBA, with 100 year old '56 Chevys eventually? (in that case, just calculate the horrible extra pollution due to keeping 100 year old cars on the road)Q2: Will people be able to buy PARTS for their old cars FOREVER?Q3: Will people be allowed to jump across the Channel and buy a nice ICE in France, Germany (who makes the best cars anyway), or any place else that still sells them, and then use it in the UK?
  • Tassos Bans are ridiculous and undemocratic and smell of Middle Ages and the Inquisition. Even 2035 is hardly any better than 2030.The ALMIGHTY CONSUMER should decide, not... CARB, preferably WITHOUT the Government messing with the playing field.And if the usual clueless idiots read this and offer the tired "But Government subsidizes the oil industry too", will they EVER learn that those MINISCULE (compared to the TRILLIONS of $ size of this industry) subsidies were designed to help the SMALL Oil producers defend themselves against the "Big Oil" multinationals. Ask ANY major Oil co CEO and he will gladly tell you that you can take those tiny subsidies and shove them.
  • Dusterdude The suppliers can ask for concessions, but I wouldn’t hold my breath . With the UAW they are ultimately bound to negotiate with them. However, with suppliers , they could always find another supplier ( which in some cases would be difficult, but not impossible)
  • AMcA Phoenix. Awful. The roads are huge and wide, with dedicated lanes for turning, always. Requires no attention to what you're doing. The roads are idiot proofed, so all the idiots drive - they have no choice, because everything is so spread out.
  • Leonard Ostrander Pet peeve: Drivers who swerve to the left to make a right turn and vice versa. They take up as much space as possible for as long as possible as though they're driving trailer trucks or school busses. It's a Kia people, not a Kenworth! Oh, and use your turn signals if you ever figure out where you're going.
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