The all-new Ford Expedition, due out this fall, carries forward Ford’s plan to grow its SUV leadership with five new vehicles for North America in the next four years.
The full-size expedition, to be built at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, boasts more than 40 driver-assist technologies and features to make it among the smartest vehicles Ford has ever built. Its high-strength, aluminum-alloy body and redesigned high-strength steel frame also deliver a total package 300 pounds lighter than the previous version. The design team reinvested the weight savings into technology and convenience features to make road trips more enjoyable and connected.
New features include class-exclusive enhanced active park assist to easily pull in and out of parking spots, as well as available 360-degree camera technology to help drivers see more clearly as they park. Expedition’s lane-keeping aid reduces unintentional drifting of the vehicle outside its intended path, 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.
There’s also a collision avoidance detection system to help drivers avoid other vehicles or pedestrians, while available Blind Spot Information System helps monitor blind spots outside the driver’s immediate view.
Passengers will enjoy wi-fi hotspot connectivity for as many as 10 devices at a time, up to 50 feet away from the vehicle and power charging capability in every row. A dual-headrest rear seat entertainment system gives next-generation-quality video, and passengers can view their home cable programming on either of two video screens or hand-held devices.
Besides being entertaining, the Expedition has considerable cargo-hauling capability with easily adaptable seating and a Pro Trailer Backup Assist package that makes handling trailers as easy as turning a knob.
The expedition is powered by a 3.5-liter EcoBoost Engine with class-exclusive 10-speed automatic transmission and electronic limited-slip differential on models with Intelligent 4WD, to improve off-road capability.
The all-new Expedition is available in XLT, Limited and Platinum series. In addition, an XL version is available for fleet customers, from law enforcement to emergency services.
Text by Dave Helms
