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2018 Ford Expedition review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
7 photos

Ford Expedition highlights

Customer 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

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

7 photos
Price
Year

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

What is new for the 2018 Ford Expedition?

  • The Expedition is available in a variety of new trims, including the Max Limited, Max Platinum, Max XL, and Max XLT.
  • The King Ranch trim has been discontinued for 2018.
  • Expedition trims have been upgraded with Heated Steering Wheel, Vinyl Seats, Panoramic Sunroof, Automated Cruise Control, Seat Massagers, Automated Parking, Lane Departure Warning, Head Up Display, Full Roof Rack, Bang & Olufsen Audio, and Bluetooth Technology as standard equipment this year.
  • Harman Kardon Sound features are now available as options on select trims.
  • The XL trim now comes with Smart Key, Rear Air Conditioning, and Sync System as standard equipment.
  • The Limited trim now comes with Blind Spot Monitor as standard equipment.
  • The XLT trim now comes with Power Folding Third Row as standard equipment.

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:

  • Includes all features available on the Platinum
  • 131.6 inch wheelbase

Max XLT:

  • Includes all features available on the Max XL
  • No significant upgrades found on the Max XLT

Max Limited:

  • Includes all features available on the Max XLT
  • Bang & Olufsen Audio

Max Platinum:

  • Includes all features available on the Max Limited
  • No significant upgrades found on the Max Platinum

Ford Expedition photos

5 reasons to buy the 2018 Ford Expedition

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

4.5 out of 5

6 customer reviews
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

Max XLT 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Folding Third Row
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Running Boards
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Sync System
  • Third Row Seat
  • Tow Hitch
  • Traction Control
  • Turbo Charged Engine
  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Panoramic Sunroof
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Remote Start
  • Smart Key

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.5L

Horsepower

375

Torque (ft-lbs)

470

Engine type

Turbo Gas

Fuel capacity

28.3

Wheelbase

131.6"

Overall length

221.9"

Width

79.9"

Height

76.4"

Leg room

F 43.9"/M 42.6"/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

630/6300 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Ford Expedition FAQ

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