Ford Motor Co. says the switch to an aluminum body on the retooled 2018 Expedition SUV has resulted in class-leading fuel economy.
The 4x2 full-size family hauler, due in showrooms in the coming weeks, achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg combined, narrowly beating the Chevrolet Suburban, which gets 19 mpg combined.
The Expedition gets an EPA rating of 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The outgoing model gets about 15 mpg city/21 highway.
Ford engineers reduced the redesigned Expedition's weight by about 300 pounds by putting the SUV on the same aluminum diet as its F-150 and Super Duty pickups. The eight-seater features the same 3.5-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine as the current model, paired with Ford's new 10-speed transmission.
The Expedition's horsepower ratings are also higher.
The XL, XLT and Limited trims produce 375 hp at 5,000 rpm (10 more than the 2017 model) and 470 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm (50 more than the outgoing model). The Platinum trim makes 400 hp (35 more than the outgoing model) and 480 pound-feet of torque at 3,250 rpm (60 more than the outgoing model).
The Expedition is redesigned for the first time in 20 years with new exterior styling, more interior legroom and 40 new technology features. Ford officially started production of the latest Expedition late last week in Kentucky.
Pricing starts at $52,890, including shipping.
