Ford Expedition: but who is going to buy it?

Germain Goyer

Tuesday, 5 December 2017 18:15

UPDATE
Tuesday, 5 December 2017 18:15

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The Ford Expedition is a juggernaut that can accommodate up to eight people, and that consumes nearly 15 L/100 km in the city. But who can buy that?

In Canada, in truth, not many people.

But in the United States, these vehicles have almost the same size as a small bus are still very popular.

Ford Expedition 2018

Germain Goyer

The war is declared

In terms of sales, the Expedition is lagging behind compared to its competitors. Its competitor, I should say. The target is more clear and at Ford, we did not play the hypocrites during the launch. The man to beat, it is the Chevrolet Tahoe and its derivatives. To illustrate the situation, there is nothing better than numbers.

In the United States, in 2016, he has sold approximately 60,000 Ford Expedition. Since 2008, it was the first time we exceeded the 45 000 units. A considerable progress, notably. In regards to the Tahoe, Chevrolet has been more than 103 000 copies in 2016. As an indication, 2012 was the year the more hollow, with a little over 68,000 sales. And that is without talking about the Suburban and the GMC Yukon, which are respectively sold at 60 000 and 53 000 units, still in the last year. With regard to canadian sales, they represent just a few per cent of the u.s. figures.

I’m not talking about other actors in the environment, or rather of the extras, I should say. If we take the example of the Nissan Armada, it is sold 14 000 in 2016 in the United States.

Ford Expedition 2018

Germain Goyer

Off-road

During our test drive of the Ford Expedition, we had the opportunity to test the off-road capabilities of this huge SUV. At Ford, we wanted to prove to us that he was able to fend off the parking lots of shopping centers. However, this is only a tiny minority of buyers who will move on a different surface than asphalt. All that to say that without being a Jeep Wrangler, the Expedition is able to take. His system of control of the descent works wonderfully well. So although purists may be disappointed.

Ford Expedition 2018

Germain Goyer

Flat

In the catalogue of the Expedition, there is no V8 in contrast to the offerings from GM. In effect, it tries to innovate by offering only one engine, a V6 Ecoboost 3.5 L. it develops 400 horsepower and 480 pounds-foot of torque, which is impressive considering the V8 5.3 L General Motors does not generates 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet.

However, after a few years, and after having travelled some hundreds of thousands of miles, I’d be more confident in a V8. Yes, it is more archaic, but this is a simple technology and proven over the moons. When the two turbochargers will crash, I don’t want to be the one who will pay the note…

Ford Expedition 2018

Germain Goyer

Best towing capacity

Not only it is more powerful, but the Expedition can boast of more than its rival, the Tahoe. In fact, the Ford can tow up to 4173 kg, which represents 272 kilograms more than the Chevrolet.

To help you back with a trailer or a trailer without having the air of a moron, Ford has thought of you in outfitting the Expedition of the “Pro Trailer Backup Assist”. This system lets you rewind and control the orientation of the trailer or of the trailer very easily with a wheel without having to touch the steering wheel.

Ford Expedition 2018

Germain Goyer

Too much money for a Ford

The starting price of the Ford Expedition 2018 is 59 999 $. For an SUV from Ford, it is a lot of under. But this is not all. For the Platinum version, it is 80 999 $ it will cost. The amount is equivalent to that of the competition in the Chevrolet. You can’t really blame Ford.

However, this point is very personal, but to pay a sum so enormous for a family vehicle with the badge Ford would make me a little pinch in the heart. A big pinch, even.
Made in this price category, it would be more beneficial to opt for the cousin plush of the Expedition: the Navigator. At least, even if you need to spit more than $ 87,000, you’ll enjoy the prestige and luxury of the Lincoln brand.

Brief

He pulls more, it is better finished, it is powerful to desire, it is more modern and it consumes nearly as much if you compare it to his equivalent at General Motors. You can’t say that Ford has not done his homework. It is still the case that despite these efforts non-negligible, Ford has failed in terms of personality. The Tahoe needed and gives off a tough attitude and very masculine while the Expedition does not have this upright.

So, is this new attempt of Ford to dislodge General Motors will be successful? I remain convinced that he will remain in the shadows.

Ford Expedition 2018

Germain Goyer

Technical data sheet

Name: Ford Expedition 2018
Base price: 59 999 $
Price of model tested: 59 999 $ 83 $999 usd
Configuration: the Vehicle front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with engine at the front
Mechanical: Engine biturbo V6 3.5 L
Power/torque: 400 hp/480 lb-ft
Transmission: Automatic ten reports
Fuel consumption announced: 13,8 L/100 km (city), 10.7 L/100 km (highway)
Warranty basic: 3 years/60 000 km
Competition: Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon and Nissan Armada

Rating (out of 10)
Fuel consumption: 7
Equipment: 8
Price: 7
Style: 5
Comfort (front): 8
Comfort (rear): 7
Road holding: 7
Performance: 7
Storage space: 7
Overall rating: 7

Forces
Power from the V6 EcoBoost
System Trailer Backup Assist
Smooth ride

Weaknesses
Questioning of the reliability of the engine long-term
Not as personable as a Tahoe
Invoice salt