The Excursion has been a heavy duty SUV built on a ¾ ton platform. This means it was using the Super Duty chassis and engines but it had a different SUV body. Unfortunately, though, the model has been around for only six years and it was discontinued after Ford released the Expedition EL. However, even though the two were similar in size, the Excursion had a much larger payload and it could carry a lot more too. While many said that a successor is unlikely, there are now rumors for a new 2018 Ford Excursion which would follow its predecessor closely.
2018 Ford Excursion Price and Release date
Back in 2015, the first rumors about the Excursion suggested an F-150 based SUV. However, this is highly unlikely because the Excursion EL perfectly fits that role. Instead, expect the 2018 model to be based on the chassis of the new F-250 or 350. This means a high strength steel ladder frame, solid front and rear axles and much beefier brakes and components than the original. The body will likely be made out of aluminum which is also the case with the Expedition. In fact, some rumors suggested that the body of the Excursion would be identical to the Expedition EL. This would make a lot of sense considering that the F-250 shares its cabin with the smaller F-150 as well.
The release date is currently unknown but most rumors suggest a late 2018 showcase with its release being closer to 2019. The price is likely going to start at over $45,000 which would make for some interesting competitors.
Exterior
We said that the 2018 Ford Excursion will get the same body as the Expedition EL. This means that the doors, tailgate, the glass and likely some of the other panels will be carried over from the Expedition. However, the Excursion will more than likely get the same front end as either the F-150 or the 250. This has been the case with the original and the older Expedition. Now that the new Expedition will get an all new design, the Ford Excursion 2018 will remain the truck-based SUV. This back-to-basics design means a cheap development process and cheaper replacement parts for its customers.
Interior of Ford Excursion 2018
While the Expedition will go to a more premium design, the Excursion will more than likely carry over the same interior as that found in the F-250. This will be a more utilitarian design which will offer a more rugged experience. The SUV will still come with most usual extras such as satellite navigation, climate control, leather upholstery, an adaptive cruise control system and even a 360-degree camera system. However, it will also get truck specific options such as an automatic trailer braking system and even an automatic trailer-steering unit.
Engine
There have been many rumors about what the 2018 Ford Excursion is going to boost under its hood. So far it seems that an EcoBoost powertrain is still out of the question. Instead, the base truck will likely come with a 6.2 liter naturally aspirated V8 gas engine with up to 385 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. Like the original, a diesel will more than likely be an option.
This will be Ford’s 6.7 liters turbocharged V8 diesel with its 440 horsepower and 925 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive will be standard across the range while all-wheel drive will be an option. The diesel-equipped model is expected to receive a towing rating of over 15,000 pounds which would easily put it at the top of its class. Both engines will more than likely get a six-speed automatic with the diesel receiving the heavy duty unit of the same transmission.
2018 Ford Excursion
Summary
This will be Ford’s 6.7 liters turbocharged V8 diesel with its 440 horsepower and 925 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive will be standard across the range while all-wheel drive will be an option. The diesel-equipped model is expected to receive a towing rating of over 15,000 pounds which would easily put it at the top of its class. Both engines will more than likely get a six-speed automatic with the diesel receiving the heavy duty unit of the same transmission.
Price: $45,000