Twenty years ago, Ford Motor Company wowed the world with the release of the then-new Expedition full-size SUV. Despite its large dimensions, sluggish reflexes, and thirst for fuel, it was an instant hit, especially among the wealthy set looking for a capable and smooth vehicle to ferry them around in style. Soon enough, anyone who was someone had to be seen in an Exped—especially in our .SUV-crazy market
Fast-forward to 2017 and Ford has a lineup of equally capable offerings that are more practical than its full-size nameplate. Yet the Expedition just upped its game, becoming a smarter, more potent, and supposedly friendlier companion on the road. The all-new 2018 Ford Expedition presents new smart technologies such as adaptive cruise control with stop and go functions, available blind spot information system, 360-degree view to aid drivers in tight spaces and provide less stressful driving, and active park assist are just some features that make life eaiser behind the tiler.
Apart from these, its aluminum alloy body hides a few goodies that help it perform better. The high strength steel frame keeps weight down, saving up to 300 pounds—making this behemoth lighter. Then there is the new 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 motor with standard Auto Start-Stop technology and a segment-first 10-speed automatic gearbox. These ensure powerful performance as well as enhanced fuel economy for a vehicle of its size and weight. Throw in an electronic limited slip differential and you’ve got better handling and traction on any surface.
As most owners know, however, the Exped was never about driving performance. Ford knows this as well, which is why it has put in a lot of niceties for practically every seat in the house. The driver, for instance, gets a commanding view of the road ahead, as well as stuff like Terrain Management System. This allows the Expedition to adapt to various road conditions—choosing between Normal, Sport, Tow/Haul, Eco. Grass/gravel/snow, Sand, and Mud/rut.
Eight passengers, meanwhile, can revel in luxurious comfort and spacious amenities, with flexible seating and cargo configurations. There are a multitude of power ports, USB points, and 110-volt socket. And Ford has even included Wireless Charging, wifi hotspot, rear infotainment system, SYNC3 and Sync Connect, and a 12-speaker B&O Play sound system. The Ford Connect feature even allows owners to “interact” with their Exped via remote to do stuff like start the vehicle, lock and unlock the doors, and more.
The all-new Ford Expedition will arrive in Ford’s US dealerships in the fourth quarter of this year.
