2018 Ford Expedition


absolutely! AUTO REVIEW | By Steve Kursar –

The 2018 Ford Expedition is all-new and everything that a full-size SUV needs to be. It’s super roomy, it’s awfully peppy and it’s flying out of dealer showrooms.  Ford took its time coming out with a major overhaul of its biggest SUV,  but it was definitely worth the wait.  When you need something just short of a school bus to haul around your family and friends, and you can’t bring yourself to drive a minivan, take a close look at this latest version of the Expedition.

No one loves large SUVs more than we Texans.  The Lone Star State is the largest market for pickup trucks in the world.  So it’s no surprise that full-size SUVs dominate the market here as well. After all, big SUVs share platforms with light-duty trucks and much of the credit of the Expedition’s success should be given to Ford’s best-selling F-150.  That pickup truck’s lightweight aluminum frame and advanced powertrain are the genesis for the SUV.

Unlike the F-150, the 2018 Expedition, with a starting MSRP of $51,790, is only available with one engine, the spectacular EcoBoost V6. This 400 hp, 3.5 liter engine is mated to a standard ten-speed transmission and delivers 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.  It also can propel this large SUV from 0-60 in way less than seven seconds, and that’s awfully fast for such a large vehicle. Along with 480 foot pounds of torque, all those numbers add up to best-in-class fuel economy and towing capability. The new Expedition will tow a big boat without breaking a sweat.

Best-in-class also refers to the Expedition’s second and third row legroom, usually a key reason why buyers choose full-size SUVs. If you choose the MAX trim, there’s enough room behind the third row to carry everyone’s luggage for a cross-country trip.  And with the Expedition’s optional Wi-Fi hotspot, up to ten devices can be supported.  That would allow all the teenagers you’re transporting to stay connected, possibly making you a hero.

To help you drive in treacherous conditions, 4×4 Expeditions feature the Terrain Management System allowing you to select drive modes that automatically adapt to different road conditions, including snow, loose gravel, sand and mud. There’s also a Sport mode when you feel the need for speed.

This newest Expedition is the latest big SUV to be introduced in a crowded and competitive segment. It also may be the best of the bunch.