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2018 Ford Expedition review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Ford Expedition highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Seating for up to eight
  • Great towing capacity
  • Strong acceleration

Cons

  • Tough to maneuver in tight spaces
  • Highway noise is a problem
  • The brake pedal is soft

Mileage (EPA estimate)

16 city, 21 highway, 18 combined

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2018 Ford Expedition is a capable SUV

The Ford Expedition was fully redesigned for 2018 and the full-sized, three-row SUV is one of the most capable available. It can tow up to 9,300 pounds when properly equipped, its turbocharged V6 allows it to accelerate quickly and its roomy interior allows plenty of room for up to eight passengers and all of their stuff. The Expedition is a truck-based SUV for shoppers who want to do it all.

For those looking for an old-school SUV like the Expedition, it's hard to find a better competitor. The Chevrolet Tahoe doesn't offer the same towing capacity while the Toyota Sequoia isn't quite as modern a vehicle.

But if you don't need the towing potential of the Expedition, a three-row crossover like the Honda Pilot might be a better choice. The Pilot, and vehicles like it, maneuver better in tight spaces than the Expedition and get better fuel economy.

All Ford Expedition years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Ford Expedition generation from 2012 to 2026

What is new for the 2018 Ford Expedition?

  • Trim Added: New performance variant introduced for enhanced driving experience.
  • Standard Equipment on all models now includes advanced safety features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist.
  • New Equipment: Upgraded infotainment system with larger touchscreen and improved connectivity options.
  • Significant removal of previously optional premium sound system, now standard on higher trims only.

2018 Ford Expedition trims

Curious how Ford Expedition trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

XL:

XLT:

Limited:

Platinum:

  • Includes all features available on the Limited
  • 400-hp, 480-lb-ft of torque 3.5L
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Seat Massagers
  • Automated Parking
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Head Up Display
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Navigation System
  • View our Ford Expedition Platinum inventory

Max XL:

Max XLT:

Max Limited:

Max Platinum:

Ford Expedition photos

What We Like:

Utility: The Expedition offers 20.9 cubic feet of storage with all three rows up. That grows to more than 100 cubic feet when all three rows are folded down, and there's plenty of interior space for smaller items. Towing capacity is more than 9,000 pounds

when properly equipped, surpassing rivals.

Technology: A strong speaker system along with satellite radio is available in the base trim, and the Expedition's infotainment system is easy to use. Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ both come standard.

Interior: The Expedition's interior is roomy and seats seven or eight passengers. Large running boards and well-placed grab handles make it easy to get in and out of the SUV. The interior features high-quality materials and a pleasant design.

What Needs Improvement

Driving: The brake pedal is soft and can leave drivers lacking confidence in the vehicle's stopping power, and the SUV's size makes it a chore to maneuver through tight spaces. Steering is also a bit loose.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.6 out of 5

8 customer reviews
The 2018 Ford Expedition impresses with spacious interiors, strong power, and improved ride handling. While seating comfort is praised, cabin noise and reliability issues are noted. Technology features receive mixed feedback, with some enjoying user-friendly controls and others finding issues like alarm sensitivity.

RepairPal reliability rating

3
Average

RepairPal gave the Ford Expedition an overall reliability rating of 3 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Average. This rating ranks Ford Expedition 13th out of 16 among Fullsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Ford Expedition

Ford Expedition features and specs

Curious how Ford Expedition trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

XLT 4D Sport Utility 2WD

Standard Features

  • Power Locks
  • Power Windows
  • Air Conditioning
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • ABS Brakes
  • Third Row Seat
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Folding Third Row
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • Parking Sensors
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Running Boards
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Tow Hitch
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • CD Audio
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Sync System

Optional Features

  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Smart Key
  • Remote Start
  • Heated Mirrors
  • Full Roof Rack
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Android Auto
  • Navigation System
  • Apple CarPlay

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.5L

Horsepower

375

Torque (ft-lbs)

470

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

23.3

Wheelbase

122.5"

Overall length

210"

Width

79.9"

Height

76.6"

Leg room

F 43.9"/M 41.5"/R 40.9"

Head room

F 42"/M 40"/R 37.3"

Front tires

P275/65SR18

Rear tires

P275/65SR18

Seating capacity

8

Max towing capacity

600/6000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Ford Expedition FAQ

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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

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