WE LIKE Roomy, capable, and powerful
WE DON’T LIKE Rough 10-speed automatic
Full-size SUVs like the 2018 Ford Expedition typically don’t get any respect. Automakers treat them like a Jurassic Park stegosaurus—big, inefficient beasts that hearken a bygone era.
Then Ford introduced this third-generation Expedition. Gone are the hallmarks of yesteryear—V-8s, five- and six-speed automatics, and steel construction. With what’s left—a platform donated by the F-150—Ford built a tough three-row SUV designed for 21st century sensibilities.
Under its sleek aluminum skin sits a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 making 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque or, as is the case in our foot-longer and loaded Expedition Max Platinum, 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. It’s paired with a 10-speed automatic and offers rear-, all-, or four-wheel drive. Despite lacking a pair of cylinders compared to its Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban rival, those cylinders aren’t missed. “The turbo V-6 delivers a broad swath of power and torque, with better response than the entry-level eight-cylinder engines in GM’s Tahoe and Yukon,” Angus MacKenzie said.
The inside is better still. Although some thought the dash looked as if it had been ripped clean from Ford’s Super Duty trucks, the interior packaging is phenomenal. It’s the only vehicle this side of a Transit van that can comfortably hold seven fully grown adults plus their luggage. The easily accessible third row isn’t the cheap seats, either. Not only is there plenty of space, but occupants can also recline, and they get their own USB and HVAC controls—just like their comrades in the second row.
There are a couple drawbacks, however. Small issues with rough downshifts and heavy-handed steering mar an otherwise excellent package.
READ ABOUT 2019 SUV OF THE YEAR CONTENDERS:
- BMW X2
- BMW X3
- BMW X4
- Cadillac XT4
- Ford EcoSport
- Ford Edge
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Infiniti QX50
- Jaguar E-Pace
- Jeep Cherokee
- Lexus RX L
- Mercedes-Benz G-Class
- Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
- Nissan Kicks
- Subaru Ascent
- Toyota RAV4
READ ABOUT 2019 CAR OF THE YEAR CONTENDERS:
- Buick Regal
- Ford Mustang
- Ford Transit Connect
- Hyundai Accent
- Hyundai Elantra
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- Kia Forte
- Lexus ES
- Lexus LS
- Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
- Nissan Altima
- Toyota Avalon
- Toyota Corolla Hatchback
- Volkswagen Jetta
| 2018 Ford Expedition Max Platinum 4×4 | |
| Base Price/As tested | $80,495/$84,840 |
| Power (SAE net) | 400 hp @ 5,000 rpm |
| Torque (SAE net) | 480 lb-ft @ 3,250 rpm |
| Accel, 0-60 mph | 6.9 sec |
| Quarter-mile | 15.3 sec @ 88.2 mph |
| Braking, 60-0 mph | 130 ft |
| Lateral Acceleration | 0.77 g (avg) |
| MT Figure Eight | 28.0 sec @ 0.61 g (avg) |
| EPA City/Hwy/Comb | 16/21/18 mpg |
| VEHICLE LAYOUT | Front-engine, 4WD, 7-pass, 4-door SUV |
| ENGINE/TRANSMISSION | 3.5L turbo DOHC 24-valve V-6 /10-speed automatic |
| CURB WEIGHT (F/R DIST) | 6,029 lb (50/50%) |
| WHEELBASE | 131.6 in |
| LENGTH x WIDTH x HEIGHT | 221.9 x 81.6 x 76.2 in |
| ENERGY CONS, CITY/HWY | 211/160 kW-hrs/100 miles |
| CO2 EMISSIONS, COMB | 1.08 lb/mile |
The post Ford Expedition: 2019 Motor Trend SUV of the Year Finalist appeared first on Motor Trend.
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