The 2018 Ford Expedition

THE AUTO PAGE

By

John Heilig

• MODEL: 2018 Ford Expedition Platinum 4X4
• ENGINE: 3.6-liter Ecoboost V6 
• TRANSMISSION: 10-speed automatic with Select Shift 
• HORSEPOWER/TORQUE: 375 hp @ 5,000 rpm/470 lb.-ft. @ 3,500 rpm  (87 octane fuel
• WHEELBASE: 122.5 in.
• LENGTH X WIDTH X HEIGHT: 210.0 x 81.6 x 76.4 in.
• TIRES: P285/45R22
• CARGO CAPACITY: 20.9/57.5/104.6 cu. ft. (all rows up/3rd row down, 2nd and 3rd rows down)
• ECONOMY: 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway/16.7 mpg test 
• FUEL TANK: 29.3 gal. 
• CURB WEIGHT: 5,692 lbs. #/HP: 15.2 
• TOWING CAPACITY: 9,200 lbs. 
• COMPETITIVE CLASS: Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti QX80, Toyota Land Cruiser 
• STICKER: $52,000-$80,000 (est.) 
• BOTTOM LINE:  The Ford Expedition is big and comfortable, with a good ride and surprising ease of entry.

            The Expedition, Ford’s twin to the Lincoln Navigator, has just as much capability with slightly less luxury at a better price point.

            For example, the Expedition (compared with the Navigator) has a more traditional instrument panel, with a speedometer and tachometer and four accessory gauges running along the top of the instrument cluster. The transmission shifter is a rotary dial, as opposed to push buttons in the Nav. And while the Expedition is well appointed, it doesn’t match the luxury of the Navigator.

            But the utility is there. In 4X4 configuration, the Expedition can tow up to 9,300 pounds when properly equipped. Cargo capacity is there, as much as 104.6 cubic feet, slightly more than half that with the third row seats down. That means four golf bags with all the accoutrements (shoes, etc.) and room for the foursome in comfortable seats. In addition, with the second row seats lowered, there’s room for the traditional 4x8 sheet of plywood.

            I said the Expedition lacks the luxury of the Navigator, but it’s no slouch either. The Platinum trim level of our tester offers heated front and second row seats, power pedals, a running board that deploys when you unlock the doors, puddle lights, a hands-free lift gate, panoramic sun roof, back up camera with 360 degree view, blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and - need I say more?

            Now, the Expedition is large, but Ford decided it wasn’t large enough, so they created the Expedition Plus, which is close to the former Excursion. Max is a foot longer on a 9-inch longer wheelbase. Where this extra length makes itself known is in cargo capacity (a maximum of 121.5 cubic feet in Max).

            Even though the Expedition is built on the F-150 platform, ride quality is very good. That’s one of the advantages of a long wheelbase and nearly three tons overall weight. The Expedition doesn’t handle like a small sports car, but over the highway it’s ideal, almost lulling you to sleep with comfort. You need the excellent sound system to keep you awake. Besides Sync3 with an eight-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen with AppLink, 911 Assist and two smart charging USB ports, the Wi-Fi hotspots can handle as many as 10 devices at once, and the available rear-seat entertainment system offers a next-generation video experience.

            Entry and exit are aided by running boards and assist handles on the A and B pillars. There are also assist handles over all the doors, except the driver’s.  There is good internal storage with a large center console/arm rest.

            The drive mode selector is located on the center console, allowing the driver to shift between 2WD high and 4WD, There’s also a manual shift mode to the transmission with + and - buttons on the console below the shifter.

            The Ford Expedition is nice package, if pricey.

(c) 2018 The Auto Page Syndicate