Buyers with the need to transport up to eight passengers and pull heavy loads look to vehicles such as the Ford Expedition to get the job done. The new 2018 model is an improvement in virtually every category.
The big “Ex” and the equally large Lincoln Navigator (also new for 2018) have much in common since they use the same platform and have similar bodies. When it comes to no-expense-spared luxury amenities, however, the Navigator takes the crown.
The Expedition follows the F-150 pickup’s lead with body panels crafted out of aluminum, resulting in a weight reduction of up to 135 kilograms over the previous version, depending on the trim level. Interestingly, the extended-length Expedition Max tips the scales at only about 45 kilograms more than the regular-length wagon, despite being 30 centimetres longer and being stretched by 23 centimetres between the front and rear wheels. For size, the 2018 and 2017 Expeditions are about equal, but a nine-centimetre gain in wheelbase for the standard-length versions favours second-row legroom. There, passengers will find a three-person bench seat or two optional high-back buckets.
The styling is now much sharper, beginning with a fancier chrome grille and rounded nose that’s similar to that of the smaller Ford Explorer. The sides and rear appear more tightly drawn, as if an attempt was made to make the Expedition seem smaller than it really is.
The redesigned interior has a more purposeful-looking dashboard (i.e. less blingy) with large square-ish air vents and a console-mounted rotary shifter knob that replaces the traditional lever.
The available Wi-Fi system can host up to 10 devices and works within a 15-metre radius of the vehicle.
Each of the three rows of seats is available with two USB ports, plus a 12-volt and 110-volt plug. If that doesn’t keep everyone amused, you can order dual rear screens that can each play videos from separate sources.
There’s only a single source for keeping the Expedition on the go and that’s a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V-6 that makes 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. That’s up slightly from the previous 365 horses, although torque remains the same. Versions of this engine are found elsewhere in the Ford line, such as the F-150 and even the Ford GT supercar.
The Expedition’s tow rating is 4,230 kilograms, which is up slightly from the 2017 model. It soundly beats the competing Chevrolet Tahoe AWD by 320 kilograms and the longer Suburban by 455 kilograms.
The V-6 is linked to a 10-speed automatic transmission that replaces the previous six-speed.
In the all-important fuel-economy department, the regular-length model is rated at 13.8 l/100 km in the city and 10.7 on the highway (previously 15.9/12.0).
The standard four-wheel-drive system includes a locking centre differential and a two-speed transfer case (the low range is handy when the trail ahead gets gnarly). A Terrain Management System has seven drive modes, depending on the type of ground conditions you’re dealing with.
Expedition pricing starts at $61,900 for the regular-length XLT and $77,900 for the longer and better-equipped Limited Max (including destination charges). They come with power folding and reclining third-row seats, six-way power driver’s seats, rear climate controls and power adjustable pedals. The Limited trim also adds a gesture-activated rear liftgate, roof rails, power-retractable running boards, folding outside mirrors and 20-inch wheels (18s are standard). This model also gets perforated-leather-covered seats that are heated and ventilated in front.
The top-level Platinum gets all that plus a panoramic roof, navigation, 360-degree around-view camera, 22-inch wheels, parallel-park assist plus a range of dynamic crash-avoiding/mitigating technologies.
For 2018, an available 4x4 off-road package, available only with the XLT trim level, includes special shock absorbers, skid plates with fuel-tank protection, running boards and a unique wheel-and-tire combo.
Clearly, the big and hefty Ford Expedition is far from a one-size-fits-all wagon, but for all-out capacity and power there’s not much around that’s capable of matching it..
