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# 2018 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4 - Bottom Line Review
- URL: https://www.roadblazing.com/2018-ford-expedition-limited-4x4-bottom-line-review/
- Published: 2018-12-04T15:18:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-03-14T19:37:51.000Z
- Author: George Straton
- Tags: Sport Utility Vehicles

#### Malamute sled Arctic outings and Bathysphere deep ocean dives denote more than a modicum of spartan endurance, strength and agility.

#### Excursions both on and slightly beyond the pavement demand ever more civilized conveyances. For 2018 Ford has trotted out a completely re-designed body-on-frame light truck based 3-Row sports utility vehicle. Just how much the **2018 Ford Expedition** has shed in flab and gained in agility and civility is the subject of this Roadblazing.com query.

#### 

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*WHAT:* **2018 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4** 3- Row off-road capable, full-sized sport utility vehicle.

Std. Power: intercooled twin-turbocharged 3.5L DOHC 24V DI gas V-6 w/ idle Start/ Stop = 375 hp / 470 lb-ft @3500 rpm **+** 10-spd. torque converter planetary automatic transaxle **\+** (AVAIL.) 2-speed e-transfer case four-wheel drive **+** (AVAIL.) E-clutch pack limited slip differential.

*WHAT (A) STYLING DIFFERENCE:* 5th generation, code name U553, built on the current [**F-150** half ton pickup truck](https://www.roadblazing.com/2016-ford-f-150-supercrew-4x4-lariat-review/) T3 hydroformed boron steel frame, adopting similar weight saving aluminum alloy body on steel frame architecture.

![2018 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4: Raked back face, finer detailing = adopts crossover demeanor](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2018-Ford-Expedition-Limited-4x4-ext-b-fr-up-P1240964-abd.jpg)

2018 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4: Raked back face, finer detailing = adopts crossover demeanor

**√** Belt line spanning crease melding into dual side valley hood emboldens the fenders; **√** Full spanning upper "Bi Horizontal Bar" chainlink integrates slight wrap-around headlamps; **√** Incline rising lower to mid fascia imparts jutting lower chin split by simulated metallic skid plate; **√** Belt line rises, outline by chrome band, while roof line tapers culminating into spoiler; **√** Darkened D-pillar emulates floating roof; **√** Chrome mid-liftgate bar spans into wrap around boomerang taillamps; **√** Lower bumper finished in matte metallic skid plate.

![2018 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4: For there is high-low engage on the fly 4WD & dedicated snow drive mode](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2018-Ford-Expedition-Limited-4x4-ext-a-rr-up-P1240902-bd.jpg)

2018 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4: For there is high-low engage on the fly 4WD & dedicated snow drive mode

Optically fit, trim and expressive for such a large box.

*WHY*: The Blue-Oval already had superb aluminum-bodied on frame pickup donor for a much improved full-size SUV.

*WHEN:* On-Sale (in the U.S.) since late Summer 2017

*WHERE:* Ford new vehicle dealers

*WHERE MADE*: Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.A.

*WHERE TO:* available electronically on-the-fly selectable two-speed transfer case four wheel drive; Open front & rear differential, available electronic clutch pack limited slip rear differential; ABS Hill descent control; 5-Mode Terrain Management; 9.7" clearance = Snow commanding, mud + sand raking & light off-roading.

![2018 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4: Drive Modes w/ Terrain Management](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2018-Ford-Expedition-Limited-4x4-gauges-Drive-Modes003d.jpg)

2018 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4: Drive Modes w/ Terrain Management

*HOW ROADWORTHY:* Ecoboost twin turbo spools quickly off each cylinder bank wastegate; Longer accelerator travel abets a quick upshifting joint Ford-GM effort 10-speed automatic (variant of Camaro ZL-1 gearbox) limiting off the line abruptness; By 35 miles per hour the transmission has tagged 8th gear, leaving two more for tall ratio overdrives, but abruptly lay off the throttle and a honey smooth three or four gear kickdown ensues. **\-1** Depressing the transmission position dial = clumsy manumatic shifting.

300 lb. aluminum alloy body diet lowers the center of gravity for a reduction of understeer plow entering bends; Available electronic dampers have capability of quick compression and slower rebound, ruffling occupants more rarely, working honestly with a fully independent suspension; Electric steering assist is overboosted for enthusiasts' tastes, requiring over-corrections in lane changes; Large disc brakes at four corners, fortified by twin piston front calipers develop linear feel but bite fades at end of pedal travel; Minimal cross wind buffeting; Road, wind and powertrain noise are rather obscured.

![2018 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4: Off road status = attitude, side pitch, power distribution](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2018-Ford-Expedition-Limited-4x4-body-pitch-003d.jpg)

2018 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4: Off road status = attitude, side pitch, power distribution

*HOW FAR:* **18** combined **m**iles **p**er **g**allon = 13% > Chevrolet Tahoe 5.3L V8

*HOW BIG/ LITTLE:* **√** 7 Occupant seating = full-size **2+3+3** SUV style: **Row 3** \= Sufficient knee & head room for 2 adults < 5'10" & 1 juvenile; **√** Optional 2nd Row captain chairs pare occupancy by one; **√** Rows 1 & 2 chairs and benches are generous of width; **√** Panoramic moonroof with power sunshade = hurts that 3rd Row headroom; **√** Cavernous cargo hold is envied by nearly all of the competition;

*Cargo Volume (max.) \= 10% > *Chevrolet Tahoe*; 24% > *Mercedes Benz GLS 450**

![2018 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4: Power 2nd & 3rd Row seat back fold for cargo expansion to 104.5 cu. ft.](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2018-Ford-Expedition-Limited-4x4-cargo-full-seat-control004d.jpg)

2018 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4: Power 2nd & 3rd Row seat back fold for cargo expansion to 104.5 cu. ft.

*HOW USEFUL:* **√** Comfort approach variable height power liftgate; **√** Power flat folding 40/20/40% split 2nd Row tilt, sliding outboard seatbacks w/ twin cargo bay release latches; **√** Power remote cargo area 2nd & 3rd Row seat fold; **+1** Flip-open liftgate window; **+1** Truck size 1st & 2nd Row door pocket & center armrest space; **+1** 3rd Row wall storage, USB x 2; **\-1** Distant reach to glove box; **\-1** Marginal sub cargo floor storage; Tow Rating: **+1** 9200 lbs.

*HOW SAFE*: **√** 6 airbags; **√** NHTSA 5 Star rated; **√** Rear camera w/ sonar front & rear audible park guidance; **√** Roll mitigation; AVAILABLE = **√** Automatic high beam headlamps; **√** Surround view camera; **√** Active parallel and perpendicular park assist;

![2018 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4: Perpendicular & parallel active park assist](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2018-Ford-Expedition-Limited-4x4-park-assist006d.jpg)

2018 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4: Perpendicular & parallel active park assist

Partial Autonomy (AVAIL.): **√** Blind spot & lane departure warning; **√** Rear cross traffic warning, avoidance braking; **√** Lane keep assist; **√** Full adaptive cruise control partial autonomy; **√** Forward collision, pedestrian avoidance braking;

*HOW PEOPLE FRIENDLY:* **√** Power retracting running boards; **√** Leather seating - heated Rows 1 + 2, cooled Row 1; **√** Wide berth front buckets; **√** 10-way power front seats, w/ 3-setting driver memory; **√** Heated leather steering wheel with spoke integrated tactile redundant controls; **√** Large center console ribbed rotary metallic transmission position and Terrain Management dials; **√** Overhead console retracting sunglasses bin; **\-1** Limited steering wheel reach adjustment; **\-1** Low lateral & knee front bolstering; **\-1** Short 2nd Row seat cushions; **\-1** Power liftgate switch on liftgate \[rather than cargo area panel\].

![2018 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4: Power retracting running boards offer step up](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2018-Ford-Expedition-Limited-4x4-seats-running-boards003d.jpg)

2018 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4: Power retracting running boards offer step up

*Cool Gizmo(s)*: **√** 2nd Row remote audio controls; **√** Panoramic glass roof; **√** Variable color foot well, center console & door panel ambient lighting.

*Details Done Right*: **√** Rich imitation burl blonde cockpit woodgrain panels; **√** Fine grained soft-material dash top; Leather center console padding and door panels **√** Matte aluminized trim.

*Nearly Non-Descript*: **\-1** Coarse grain below waist-height plastic cabin trim; **\-1** Steering wheel spoke controls lack tactile distinctiveness; **\-1** Switchgear lacks jeweled finish and premium feel.

*HOW "APP" -LICABLE:* **√** Ford MyTouch Sync3 8"-inch capacitive touch LCD infotainment screen; **√** Bluetooth & voice command hands-free communications; **√** GPS HDD Navigation w/ 3-D map, voice guidance; **√** SMS text messaging; **√** Android Auto / Apple Car Play smart phone overlays; **√** 12-speaker, 1100 watt B&W Play audio shrills the highs; **√** Sync3 Apps; **√** USB x 6, 12V x 4, 115V AC x 1; **+1** Concealed forward center console wireless device storage; **+1** Extensive Sync3 voice command lexicon understands plain language.

![2018 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4: Cockpit while driving](https://storage.ghost.io/c/42/d1/42d1f09d-2bf9-43a2-b325-08ba7efa19c5/content/images/wordpress/2018/12/RB-2018-Ford-Expedition-Limited-4x4-cockpit-driving-IMAG0692-bd.jpg)

2018 Ford Expedition Limited 4x4: Cockpit while driving

By Subscription: **√** Sirius XM Traffic & TravelLink apps (5 yrs. included); **√** Wi-Fi hot spot (by Verizon Wireless);

*HOW MUCH: *$69,930** \= **2018 Ford Expedition 4x4 Limited**, as tested. **\-1** Similar available autonomous drive features = standard in competitors $20k compact cars.

*WHAT'S MISSING:* Less accelerator pedal dead spot; Steering wheel shift paddles

*ANY COMPETITION:* **Chevrolet Tahoe**: **+1** Steering response; **Mercedes Benz GLS 450:** **+1** CVT fuel economy, cabin fit & finish.