RIDE EASY WITH 2018 FORD EXPEDITION
Ford’s redesigned 2018 Expedition takes big steps forward with more tech, utility and refinement, writes Graeme Fletcher.
After 20 years of the same — a couple of facelifts and an independent rear suspension in 2003 — the Ford Expedition arrives as a new entity for 2018. Years of learning are in a single secondgeneration update. The result is a new platform, an enhanced powertrain and a boatload of technology aimed at making the driver’s life both easier and safer.
Arriving at dealers any day now, the latest Expedition comes in XLT, Limited and Platinum models. The last two are offered in Max models, which stretch the wheelbase by 230 millimetres, bumping the maximum cargo capacity by 477 litres.
Look beyond the brightwork and you’ll find a new highstrength aluminum body riding atop an equally high-strength steel frame. This combination means the 2018 Expedition cuts it base mass by up to 136 kilograms, although a lot of the savings go back into it in the form of more equipment.
On that note, the Expedition offers everything from Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot that functions up to 15 metres from the vehicle, a 110-volt outlet and a rear-seat entertainment system capable of streaming live cable or satellite television. The Platinum model tested also brought very nice heated and cooled leather seating, power everything, GPS navigation, an oversized panoramic moonroof and a 360-degree camera, along with a sharp-sounding Harman Kardon sound system.
Where Ford missed the boat was making the Driver Assistance Package optional on the XLT and Limited models. The package includes adaptive cruise with stop-and-go functions, lanekeep assist, pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, rain-sensing wipers and a head-up display. A lot of equipment, but it is an expensive add-on for the XLT (around $7,200 with the mandatory 202A package) and a $1,195 option on the Limited.
The utility does take a turn for the better, especially for a young family. The second-row seat has a tip/slide function that allows access to the third row without the need to remove an installed child seat. Likewise, the third row was reworked so it sits higher off the floor and offers a recline function. The rework provides enough space for two adults, at least for a shorter trip.
A new cargo management system offers two-tier storage and it includes a “speed lip” that prevents stuff sliding off the raised shelf. It also mounts vertically to form a partition so stuff can be stored without rolling forward every time the brake is applied. It is a neat add-on that will find favour with those who use the Expedition to tote cargo frequently.
The reworked powertrain is a sweet revamp of Ford’s 3.5-L EcoBoost V6 engine. In the XLT and Limited, it makes 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, and it does so on regular gas. In the case of the Platinum, it pushed a hefty 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque — using premium gas — through all four wheels and a 10-speed automatic transmission. As the drive proved, the transmission was adept at what it does.
Also new is an adaptive suspension, standard on the Platinum and available on the Limited. It is controlled through the Drive Mode selector. Along with a number of off-road settings and a Tow/Haul mode, it has Eco, Normal and Sport settings. Put duct tape on Eco light, as it makes it feel like you are putting your foot into a bucket of glue. Normal is good for an urban setting, with lots of compliance in the ride and an easygoing steering setup. The temptation is to say you ditch left and right and adopt port and starboard, but I will resist the nautical reference.
If the road has any twists or turns, pick Sport. It firms up the ride, which noticeably reduces the amount of body roll and puts more heft in the steering. It also does some good things for the powertrain. Cresting a hill sees the transmission drop a cog or three to introduce some needed engine braking. The combination, for such a large vehicle, is responsive and provides a surprisingly agile ride for something with a maximum towing capacity of 4,218 kg when equipped with the heavy-duty trailer tow package.
The tow package includes a two-speed transfer case, an integrated trailer brake and an electronically controlled clutch in the rear differential that sends the power to the wheel with the most traction. It is also used to control trailer sway when towing. The other addition is Ford’s clever Pro Trailer Backup Assist system. Rather than fighting the steering wheel and hoping the trailer obeys instructions, the system guides the trailer into a parking spot while being controlled through a knob.
As a package, the 2018 Expedition takes some big steps forward. There’s more equipment, better flexibility and utility, along with a more refined drivetrain. Pricing for the 2018 Expedition starts at $59,999 for the XLT, $72,999 for the Limited and $80,999 for the Platinum. The Max versions of the Limited and Platinum models add $3,000 to the sticker price.