Ford is on the right train of thought. It’s logical yet simple; lighter vehicles with more powerful engines result in better fuel economy and performance. They’ve done it with the F-150 by building them with strengthened steel frames and aluminum bodies, saving up to 350 pounds from previous models. By dropping the 3.5L Ecoboost into the pickup, torque numbers skyrocketed and MPGs improved slightly, meaning they had found the winning recipe. Like I said — simple, isn’t it? Ford has taken their own hint and applied the same theory to the 2018 Expedition, promising an exceptional SUV for everyday use.
The Expedition has to do a lot of things really well. Consumers demand that it haul tons of stuff (and people) with comfort and ease while towing heavy loads to their destination in addition to achieving good fuel economy and keeping emissions low. That’s a whole lot for one car. Ford looks to meet all of those requirements with this iteration of the SUV by intertwining some of the F-150’s DNA into its own.
The aluminum body means big weight savings. In turn, the 2018 Expedition will reportedly be 300 pounds lighter than the model it replaces. While the old model got 15 MPG City / 21 MPG Highway, it’s fair to assume that we’ll see both of those numbers bump up a bit. Improved power figures mean it’ll be easier to carry that weight around as well, resulting in the most fuel-conscious Expo so far.
Ford’s 3.5L Ecoboost is once again the only engine option, and that’s a good thing. Performance is up from the last model year as it now produces 375 HP and 470 lb-ft of torque in the F-150, though we don’t have specifics for the Expedition as of now. Improved flow makes this possible for the engine, promising optimized conditions for towing and around-town driving. The new 10-Speed automatic transmission ensures prompt shifts and, what else, better fuel economy, rounding out the Expedition’s powertrain combo.
It’s also loaded up with tech. Ford’s latest infotainment system, SYNC 3, is a sharp system that utilizes Apple Car Play and Android Auto to bring your favorite apps to your fingertips. Easy to use navigation and menus mean that the whole system is comfortably accessible. 360 degree cameras allow for surround-view when in tight spots, helping you to maneuver the still sizable auto. Active safety features like adaptive cruise, Blindspot Information Systems, lane departure, and emergency braking assist make it as safe as it is luxurious. Not too bad for a truck.