By SEMA Editors
 2018 Ford Expedition |
Ford has announced that the all-new ’18 Expedition has been added to its 2017 Project Vehicle Program. Last week, the automaker revealed 10 models it plans to highlight for the program in its booth at the 2017 SEMA Show.
In addition, Ford was joined by the Dallas Cowboys in revealing the all-new Expedition, Tuesday, February 7, on Facebook Live.
According to Ford, the all-new Expedition is the smartest, most capable and most adaptable Expedition ever, with technology to keep every passenger connected, more power for drivers and more expected towing capability than any other full-size SUV.
“When the Expedition was introduced 20 years ago, it set the standard for active families who simply needed a big and strong SUV to take them places,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president of The Americas. “Today’s families want even more smart technology to help them cover more ground safely, more efficiently and more comfortably—all while staying connected to friends and family.”
An all-new high-strength, aluminum-alloy body and redesigned high-strength steel frame form the foundation for the Expedition’s rugged off-road and strong towing capabilities. More than 40 features and driver-assist technologies new to the Expedition include class-exclusive enhanced active park assist to easily pull in and out of parking spots, and available 360-degree camera technology to help customers see more around their Expedition for easier parking.
On the road, Expedition’s lane-keeping aid is designed to reduce unintentional drifting of the vehicle outside its intended lane, while adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go allows drivers to set a cruising speed, using radar and camera technology to monitor traffic to maintain a set distance between vehicles.
Its collision-avoidance detection system helps drivers avoid other vehicles or pedestrians, while an available Blind Spot Information System helps monitor blind spots outside the driver’s immediate view.
Powered by a 3.5L EcoBoost engine with standard Auto Start-Stop plus a class-exclusive new 10-speed automatic transmission, the all-new Expedition is the most powerful Expedition ever. A newly available electronic limited-slip differential on models with intelligent 4WD enables improved off-road capability by sending power where it’s needed.
Available in XLT, Limited and Platinum series, the all-new Expedition has a roomy, flexible interior with seating for up to eight people and their gear. A sliding second-row seat with tip-and-slide functionality provides easy access to the third row without the need to first remove a child safety seat. The third row offers more legroom and reclining seats. The second- and third-row seats can be quickly folded flat with the push of a button to open up a cargo area wide enough to handle 4x8-ft. sheets of plywood and other gear, depending on cargo weight and load distribution, even with the liftgate closed.
For those who want to go even bigger, the ’18 Expedition MAX is nearly a foot longer than the Expedition, and can accommodate an additional 16.8 cu. ft. of cargo. There is also more head and leg room in the last row.
Expedition’s all-new Terrain Management System allows drivers to choose between drive modes for optimal vehicle handling in different conditions. This includes normal for around-town driving, sport for more spirited trips, tow/haul for improved towing and hauling performance, eco for enhanced fuel economy, grass/gravel/snow for loose terrain, sand for low traction situations, and mud/rut for uneven surfaces.
Visit Facebook Live or @FordOnline for a video-on-demand version of the event. Watch the Dallas Cowboys help Ford surprise a well-deserving first responder with a new Expedition. Visit @FordOnline for more information about the all-new Expedition.
For more information about Ford’s 2017 Project Vehicle Program, including criteria, the proposal submission deadline and a list of featured vehicles, view last week’s SEMA eNews article.