The Ford Expedition has always been a favorite of those that enjoyed a rough looking hard driving SUV with loads of interior space and a brutish tow engine. With the focus on a more refined experience for even the biggest of the SUVs, Ford has responded with a significant upgrade to the exterior, interior and capabilities of the 20 year old Expedition.
The 2018 Ford Expedition body is now aluminum intensive, similar to the F-150, with the result of reducing the weight by roughly 136kg/300lb. The base engine has been upgraded as well to Ford’s 3.5l V6 Eco-Boost (twin turbo) generating 375hp/470 lb-ft torque - more power than last year’s. With a bit more “tuning”, Ford offers this same engine with an output of 400hp/480 lb-ft torque on the Platinum trim version. The transmission has changed from the prior 6-speed to now a 10-speed. The exterior body shape and interior design has seen a modernization to complement the addition of new multi-media and safety technologies.
2018 Ford Expedition Trim Levels
- XLT – the base level expedition with a roughly $60k base price
- Limited and Limited MAX – Base price $73k-$76k
- Platinum and Platinum MAX - Base price $81k-$84k
2018 Ford Expedition performance packages
- A heavy-duty trailer tow package that is rated to tow 4,173kg/9,200lb and includes Ford’s trailer back-up assist feature.
- The FX4 off road package that in addition to some cosmetic add-ons, adds 4WD, a two speed transfer case, some suspension hardware and bottom end skid pads.
Both packages include a different limited slip differential.
The base XLT standard features include four USB ports, rear-view camera and rear parking sensors, Ford’s SYNC infotainment system with Bluetooth, satellite radio and voice recognition matched with a nine speaker audio system.
The Limited adds a number of useful features as standard equipment including blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and a hands free power lift gate. For comfort, the Limited version includes leather seats, power-adjustable heated and vented front seats, heated steering wheel and second row seats, wireless device charging, Wi-Fi hot spot, the SYNC 3 infotainment system matched with a 12 speaker premium audio system, power running boards, power side mirrors, and remote start. Whether this is all worth the roughly additional $13,000 is left up to the buyer.
Moving up to the Platinum at a premium of about $8,000 over the Limited gives you the more powerful engine with 400hp as well as:
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go
- Lane-keeping system (includes lane-keeping aid, lane-keeping alert, and driver alert)
- Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection and forward collision warning
- Auto high-beam headlamps
- Rain-sensing wipers (front only)
- Enhanced park assist and auto park
- LED fog and head lamps
- 360 degree camera
- Upgraded front seats
- A number of cosmetic enhancements
Interior
This is a perfect vehicle for those that enjoy the capability of seating up to 7 additional passengers with pretty good comfort and room. For those also needing to haul a lot of cottage and/or camping gear, the regular wheelbase Expedition will provide more than enough cargo space with the third row seats folded down. Of course, there is also the option of the extended wheelbase version (MAX) – adding roughly another foot – for those that need three rows of seats and the larger cargo space.
My “review” vehicle was the Platinum version with the addition of 2nd row power folding captain seats ($800) and the headrest DVD entertainment system ($2,100), cargo management system ($400), various floor mats ($205), as well as the heavy-duty trailer/tow package ($1,400).
For the driver, the 10-way leather power seat was easily adjusted to fit my driving preference. This is a really nice seat with soft contours that won’t aggravate your back. Best of all, it comes with an adjustable lumbar and seat bottom massage feature to help you with those “pains” on a long drive. I strongly suggest you watch this YouTube video to learn how to use the controls.
The driver is also blessed with a large padded center console storage lid. Rather than the traditional column shifter, the new Expedition comes with a rotary dial (electronic of course) for getting out of park into a drive gear. Another nearby dial provides the driver with the option of seven different drive modes for just about every type of weather and driving surface.
The touch screen includes Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system, one of the best out there today - matched with the 12-speaker B&O system. You can plug in your phone to access Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Wi-Fi hot spot for up to 10 devices is also included as well as four 12V plugs, a 110V plug, ample (6) USB ports covering all seating rows and wireless charging at the front.
The second row captain’s seats are heated, slide forward and back as well as recline. My vehicle included the optional rear entertainment system with two 8” screens in the front headrests and wireless headphones. The third row is one of the best in that it is easy to access, accommodates taller adults with ample head and legroom and reclines. The third row seats power recline at the push of a button making the rear storage area huge.
Handling characteristics
I had the opportunity to drive the Expedition not only for highway trips but also for regular daily routines to experience parallel parking on busy downtown streets, squeezing into a tight underground shopping plaza parking space and, narrow streets that challenged the vehicle’s turning radius. I found the Expedition easy to drive and with the help of the park assist features, still easy to park. The suspension provides a firm but still comfortable ride. Acceleration is more than adequate and very smooth. Despite the high ride height, there is little lean during cornering and very little movement in strong side winds. Brakes are excellent!
Forward visibility is very good due to the ride height and large windscreen. Side visibility, especially on the driver’s side, is poor due to the large pillar that eliminates any chance of a clear side view. The third row headrests get in the way of the driver’s rear view – but cameras help when backing up. The tow package with trailer back-up assist will be a good choice for those intending to tow a large trailer up to 4,082kg/9,200lb.
Things to consider
This restyled 2018 Ford Expedition is going to be a popular choice despite the hefty price tag for the higher end trims. The base XLT standard features are extensive making the add-on options unnecessary for many. However, the features on the Limited and Platinum trims levels are seriously worth considering, despite the higher cost. The move to a V6 from the more traditional V8 has not resulted in any real reduction in power or usability while at the same time improving fuel consumption. The vehicle is rated at 13.8/10.7L/100km (city/highway).
My own driving experience resulted in 16.5L/100km which is I think more realistic with a lot of short drives. Pulling a 3,000-4,000kg trailer will easily push that fuel consumption close to the 25+L/100km range.
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