After the presentation of the 2015 Lincoln Navigator last month, we knew it was only a matter of time before Ford would introduce the full-size SUVs non-premium sibling, the Expedition. This happened today, ahead of 2014 DFW Auto Show in Dallas, Texas, where the 2015 Ford Expedition will enjoy its world premiere.
Most of the things that stand out on the revised Navigator apply to the facelifted Expedition, from the cosmetic touches on both ends, to the new dashboard elements and the swap from an older tech V8 to a new V6 EcoBoost turbo.
The exterior of the traditional body-on-frame SUV has been freshened up in much the same way as the Navigator, with a more modern fascia, new trims, and a modestly reworked butt.
Inside, there’s a noticeably newer instrument panel with a pair of full-color 4.2-inch LCD screens, and a refreshed center console adopting new switches, the latest version of the MyFord Touch infotainment system and a 10-speaker 700-watt Sony audio system.
Other updates include the radar-based blind spot alert, Intelligent Access with push-button start, a rearview camera and interior ambient LED lighting.
Pop up the hood and you’ll discover that the 310hp and 365 lb-ft 5.4-liter V8 has given its place to Ford’s 3.5-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6 gasoline unit, delivering an as-of-yet unspecified output – however, expect somewhere around 370-horses. The V6 is paired to a six-speed automatic.
The 2015 Expedition comes with a new electrically assisted power steering, and as an option, it can be fitted for the first time with a new continuously controlled suspension damping system with three selectable drive modes – comfort, normal and sport. Further details on the SUV are to be announced at a later stage.
If you’re kind of discouraged with the Blue Oval’s decision to simply update the existing versions of the Expedition and the Navigator, it has been reported that their replacements are under development and will likely be based on the new aluminum-bodied 2015 F-150.
By John Halas
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