About 20 years ago, Ford revolutionized the SUV market segment and has never looked back since. For the uninitiated, Ford is up there leading from the front when it comes to full-size family SUVs. The automaker is famed in producing advanced SUVs with the most update innovations.
Yet again the automaker is set to revolutionize this segment and take it to the next level. Just after releasing the F-150, its first ever military-grade aluminum vehicle in 2015 which shocked the automotive world, the automaker is set to release an aluminum-built Ford Expedition according to rumors.
According to the same rumors, the switch will be made sometimes in 2017 after the next generation of the model. Its combination of a lighter aluminum body with EcoBoost engines will delight many enthusiasts as it promises to be more fuel efficient.
The rumors doesn’t stop there, they go further to allege that there is already a 2018 Ford Expedition model undergoing testing though under heavy camouflage. Read along to find out what the rumors are saying about the expected model’s specs;
New Ford Expedition Spy Photo
2018 Ford Expedition Exterior
The model chassis will be made of high strength steel making it more durable as well as enable it to tow more loads. Its body, however will be made from aluminum just like its brother the F-150. This will enable the Expedition to shed 500 pounds from its curb weight.
The vehicle still retains its traditional exterior profile. However, Ford has added some minor tweaks to make it more attractive in a bid to attract more customers. Its front fascia will be more aggressive than the current model. It will feature a chromed grille, redesigned front bumper and headlights that offer a modern look.
The vehicle will also ride on a set of new wheels (22-inch alloy wheels) which will complement its aggressive profile. The vehicle will be offered in 8 trims which are XLT EL, Limited, Limited EL, King Ranch, XLT, Platinum, Platinum EL and King Ranch EL.
2018 Ford Expedition Interior
The cabin styling will borrow much from the F-150 as well as the Super Duty truck. However, the 2018 expedition will feature a squared-boy and 4 power operated doors. Since the vehicle is a family car, it will feature an array of modern technological features such as Sync3 infotainment system and myFord Touch infotainment system which features a Sony sound system with 10 speakers and a navigation system connected to an LCD. The LCD is mounted at the center of the instruments panel. Other tech features include Smartphone integration via USB ports and Bluetooth and a modern air-conditioning system.
The cabin will also feature three rows of seats and can accommodate up to 8 passengers comfortably. The seats will be upholstered in quality and comfortable materials. The cabin is dominated by aluminum and wood trims which help reduce its overall curb weight which translates to a better performance and more fuel efficiency.
In terms of its safety, the vehicle will be equipped with various features such as stability and traction control, 3-row head airbags, 4-wheel antilock brakes, post-collision mitigation system, front fog lights to aid in poorly lit terrains to name just but a few.
Engine Specs
According to rumors, the 2018 Ford Expedition will feature a number of drive-trains. However, two are the most rumored.
The first is a 3.5 L Ecoboost, V-6 engine which produces 325 hp on the 2015 model but will be tweaked to produce up to 411 hp on the 2018 model. The engines will be mated to a 6-speed automatic system which will send power to either the front or all wheels. The engine is estimated to return a fuel economy of 16 mpg on city, 22 mpg on highway and 18 mpg on combined drives.
There are rumors though arguing that the 6-speed automatic transmission will be replaced with a 10-speed automatic system which is being developed as we speak with the 2018 Expedition expected to be the first model to use it.
The second most probable engine according to rumors is a 2.7 L Ecoboost engine which will produce 325 hp and 375 lb-ft of torque. The engine will have estimated fuel economy of 18 mpg on city and 23 mpg on highway drives.
Price and release date
Stating a specific release date as of this time would be inaccurate of us since the automaker is yet to confirm the production of the model. However, here at www.FordCarsInfo.com, we believe the model might hit the markets in late 2017 in case there are no delays or early 2018.
As for the price, the base model could start at around$ 40,000 which could go up to $ 60,000 or more.
Competition
When it finally shows its face, the vehicle will lock horns with GMC Yukon, Chevy Tahoe, Toyota Sequoia, the Jeep Wagoneer and Nissan Armada.
What about a Diesel? with a 10 speed trans?
Our sources at Ford have not confirmed anything about it. As soon as we get new information, we will inform you here.
Best regards
What about the Lion Diesel and a 10 Speed tranny?
FORD please don’t make the lower edge of the third row side windows lower than the second and first row windows. this would totally wreck the look of this long overdue redesign. A diesel would make this vehicle the complete perfect choice.
I am sleeting to get this beauty on June 2018 in a diesel version
Needs:
1: an eco-8 to compete with Tahoe 6.2 eight cylinder. Ford already outpaces the standard Tahoe engine with the eco 6 so if they put two more cylinders in they will smack the Tahoe 6.2.
2: Re-instate the gear shifter. Knobs are for upscale sports sedans not trucks.
3: Insert a second row center console for the captains chair option. My 06 Explorer has it.
4: Stick with standard moon roof.
Overall nice vehicle, wish I had the ten billion dollars it will cost to buy one.
Why is the buying public always at the mercy of the car companies. WE WANT THE V-8! MAKE THE V-8 AN ECO-BOOST! Please put a 10-speed transmission in this vehicle. Ford listens when you speak TECHNOLOGY, BUT, they’ve lost their minds in listening to the public demanding the big V-8’s
Very excited to get one of these beauties. Would love for it to be diesel, but will take it as it comes. Prayers for no delays.