2018 Ford Expedition SUV Review & Ratings

Performance

One of the updates introduced in the 2018 Ford Expedition is its more powerful V6 engine. The SUV carries a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. A 10-speed automatic transmission manages all that power. It is available in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. The Platinum trim raises the bar with its 400 hp and 480 lb-ft torque. Upon testing, the basic trim of the SUV managed to accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 6.5 seconds, which is really quick for a large SUV. The Platinum trim achieved the same feat in just 5.9 seconds. The independent suspension of the Expedition certainly makes it very agile for its size and it provides it a smooth ride. The steering of the auto was also responsive which makes it easy to operate.

Technology

The 2018 Expedition offers plenty of upgrades in its tech. The basic XLT trim has rear parking sensors, rearview cam, heated side mirrors, auto-dimming rearview mirror, push-button ignition, Sync voice-control system, USB charging ports, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, USB interface, AUX jack, nine-speaker sound system with rear audio controls, and 4.2-inch central display. The 202A package of the XLT adds power-folding mirrors, hands-free power liftgate, ventilated front seats, driver position memory settings, ambient lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, Sync 3 interface with 8-inch touchscreen, 110v outlet, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Sync Connect with Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless charging for smartphones. Owners can further customize their vehicles with the standalone options such as the advanced navigation system, driver assistance suite with adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning and intervention, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, auto high-beam lighting, and automatic wipers. Taking the Limited trim puts the XLT and 202A package together. Then, it adds front parking sensors and Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker sound system with HD radio. The optional 301A package of the Limited gives it advanced navigation system and driver assistance. The 302A package includes LED headlamps and fog lights, adaptive suspension dampers, 360-degree view parking camera, and self-parking feature. Going for the Platinum trim combines all the elements of the Limited trim and its 302A package. Next, it provides active noise cancellation and massage function in the front seats. The optional extras for the top-trim Expedition are the same with the Limited trim.

Safety

The Ford Expedition surely stands out when it comes to safety. Aside from the standard ABS and airbags all over the driver's side and passengers' side of the SUV, its safety is enhanced by its high-stability while being driven. Moreover, it features a lot of tech that enhances its safety through its driver assistance system as well as sensors and cameras that help the driver see through a vehicle's usual blind spots. The self-parking feature of the auto definitely aids a lot in maneuvering its large size even in tight parking spots.

Appearance

The Ford Expedition is a large four-door SUV. The vehicle is a truck-based SUV rather than a crossover. Looking at its form alone screams of strong hauling power and a lot of passenger capacity. The Expedition measures 210 inches in length, 79 inches in width, 76 inches in height, and 122 inches in wheelbase. The exterior of the 2018 Expedition is not that different than its 2017 model. Putting the Expedition side-by-side with the Chevrolet Tahoe will make you notice that they look too similar when it comes to their bodies, windshield, windows and greenhouse. The two can only be separated from each other by their radiator grille design, lights, bumpers, wheels and body lines. The standard equipment found in the XLT trim of the Expedition includes its 18-inch alloy wheels, roof railings and running boards on the sides. The optional package for the SUV called the 202A uses chrome for its running boards while the FX4 4x4 Off-Road package puts all-terrain tires, off-road shocks, skid plates and 3.73 limited rear-axle. Buyers can also add the standalone add-ons of the auto like the panoramic sunroof, roof rail crossbars, 20-inch wheels and tow-trailer. The Limited trim bundles the basic features of the XLT with the 202A package plus roof rack rails and retractable running boards. The 301A package of the Limited gives it a panoramic sunroof, and its 302A benefits from 22-inch wheels. Going for the top-of-the-line Platinum trim gets buyers all the Limited trim elements with the addition of the 302A package.

Comfort

The large figure of the 2018 Ford Expedition successfully translates to a lot of space in its interior. It houses three rows of seats that can accommodate up to eight adult passengers. Installing the optional captain's chairs in the second row will reduce the total seating capacity of passengers to seven, but that significantly improves the comfort of its second-row occupants. Even without the captain's chairs, there is plenty of legroom inside the vehicle. The seats of the Expedition are adjustable, making every trip very convenient. The high-class leather in all trims and wood accents in Platinum trim give the interior of the auto a classy ambiance. The dials and vents of the vehicle have been updated to provide a more modern feel compared to the 2017 model of the unit. Furthermore, the heated front seats, climate control, ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof and entertainment system of the SUV help improve the mood of the people in its cabin.

Cargo

The Ford Expedition beats many of the competitors in its class when taking cargo space into consideration. Even with all its seats up, it yields 20.9 cu-ft of cargo space. Folding the third row gives it 63.6 cu-ft of space, and putting down all seats up to the second row takes the cargo space to 104.6 cu-ft.