Ford has long been a leader in SUVs and large vehicles. Its commitment to performance, comfort, and design has made its offerings popular among many customers. Two of Ford’s most well-known large SUV models, the Ford Excursion vs Ford Expedition, are often compared by consumers seeking a robust, powerful, and versatile vehicle. While both models belong to the same family, they are distinct in size, capabilities, design, and features.
This article will compare the Ford Excursion and the Ford Expedition, discussing their key attributes, similarities, and differences to help potential buyers understand which model best suits their needs.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Ford Excursion and Ford Expedition
Before diving into the comparison specifics, it’s essential to understand what each vehicle is about.
Ford Excursion
The Ford Excursion was introduced in 1999 and manufactured until 2005. The massive SUV offered unmatched size and towing capacity during its production run. Built on the Super Duty truck platform, the Excursion was marketed as a large, heavy-duty SUV designed to tow large trailers and carry multiple passengers easily. Its size, power, and durability made it a favourite for those needing a rugged vehicle for personal and work-related tasks.
One of the most notable features of the Ford Excursion was its immense size. With a length of over 18 feet and a width of about 7.5 feet, it was more significant than many other SUVs in its class. It was offered with a V8 or a V10 engine, providing ample power for performance and towing. However, due to introducing more fuel-efficient and versatile options in the SUV market, Ford discontinued the Excursion in 2005.
Ford Expedition
The Ford Expedition, on the other hand, has been in production since 1996 and continues to be one of Ford’s leading offerings in the full-size SUV segment. It is designed to balance size, comfort, and performance. While it is still a large vehicle, it is more practical and fuel-efficient than the massive Excursion. The Expedition is built on the Ford F-150 platform, which makes it a slightly smaller vehicle than the Excursion but still offers ample passenger space and cargo room. It has various engine options, including a turbocharged V6 and a powerful V8, providing solid performance without the excessive bulk of the Excursion.
The Expedition’s versatility and range of modern features make it a popular choice for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and business owners who need a vehicle that can handle various tasks without compromising comfort or safety. The Ford Expedition has evolved to include cutting-edge technology, safety features, and a more refined interior, making it a strong competitor in the full-size SUV market.
Key Differences Between the Ford Excursion and Ford Expedition
While the Ford Excursion and the Ford Expedition are large SUVs, they differ in several key areas. These differences include size, towing capabilities, engine options, interior features, and overall design. Below, we’ll explore these factors to help you understand which vehicle might best meet your needs.
Size and Dimensions
The most obvious difference between the Ford Excursion and the Ford Expedition is their size. The Ford Excursion is one of the largest SUVs ever produced, while the Ford Expedition, though large, is more manageable and practical for everyday use.
Ford Excursion Dimensions:
- Length: Approximately 18.1 feet (5.5 metres)
- Width: 7.6 feet (2.3 metres)
- Height: 6.7 feet (2.0 metres)
- Wheelbase: 137 inches (3.5 metres)
The Excursion’s size makes it an imposing presence on the road. It is much longer and wider than the Ford Expedition, offering significantly more cargo and passenger space. This makes it an excellent option for those who need a vehicle for heavy-duty towing, large families, or long-haul trips.
Ford Expedition Dimensions:
- Length: Approximately 17.5 feet (5.3 metres)
- Width: 7.0 feet (2.1 metres)
- Height: 6.2 feet (1.9 metres)
- Wheelbase: 122 inches (3.1 metres)
While still considered a large SUV, the Ford Expedition’s dimensions are more manageable than the Excursion ones. The Expedition provides plenty of interior space but is easier to navigate through tight spaces and urban environments, making it a better option for everyday driving.
Engine Options and Performance
Regarding engine performance, the Ford Excursion and the Ford Expedition provide impressive capabilities, but they offer different powertrains to suit various needs.
Ford Excursion Engines:
- 5.4-litre V8 engine (255 horsepower, 350 lb-ft of torque)
- 6.8-litre V10 engine (310 horsepower, 425 lb-ft of torque)
The Excursion’s engine options are designed for heavy-duty performance. The V8 engine provides solid power for standard driving, while the V10 engine can haul heavy loads and tow large trailers. Both engine options are paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission, and the vehicle’s size and weight make it less fuel-efficient than modern SUVs.
Ford Expedition Engines:
- 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine (375 horsepower, 470 lb-ft of torque)
- 5.0-litre V8 engine (400 horsepower, 415 lb-ft of torque)
The Ford Expedition offers more modern engine options, including a turbocharged V6 engine that provides impressive power and torque while maintaining better fuel efficiency than the Excursion. The V8 engine, available in the higher trims, offers more power for those who need additional towing capacity. The Expedition’s engine options are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, offering smoother and more responsive performance.
Overall, the Ford Expedition offers a better balance of power, fuel efficiency, and towing capacity. At the same time, the Excursion is better suited for those needing extreme towing power and load-bearing capabilities.
Towing Capacity
Towing is one of the most critical factors for those considering large SUVs. The Ford Excursion and the Ford Expedition offer strong towing capabilities, but the Excursion is built with towing as a primary focus.
Ford Excursion Towing Capacity:
- Maximum towing capacity: 11,000 lbs (4,990 kg)
The Ford Excursion’s heavy-duty build allows it to tow significantly larger loads than the Ford Expedition. With a maximum towing capacity of 11,000 lbs, it was designed for those who needed to haul large trailers, boats, or even fifth-wheel campers. However, it’s important to note that towing such heavy loads can also come at the cost of reduced fuel efficiency and driving comfort.
Ford Expedition Towing Capacity:
- Maximum towing capacity: 9,300 lbs (4,218 kg)
The Ford Expedition, while not as capable of sheer towing power as the Excursion, is still an impressive performer when it comes to hauling trailers. With a maximum towing capacity of 9,300 lbs, the Expedition can tow various recreational vehicles, boats, or trailers for personal or business use. Additionally, the Expedition is more fuel-efficient than the Excursion, making it a more practical choice for those who don’t require the absolute maximum towing capacity.
Interior and Comfort
Both the Ford Excursion and the Ford Expedition are built to offer ample interior space, but the Expedition has evolved to provide more modern comforts, features, and technology.
Ford Excursion Interior
The Ford Excursion’s interior was built with durability and utility in mind. While it offered plenty of space for up to eight passengers, the interior design was not as refined or luxurious as more modern SUVs. It featured basic materials and lacked many advanced features that are standard in today’s vehicles.
The seats were comfortable but less supportive than those in newer SUVs. Cargo space was extensive, especially when the rear seats were folded down. However, the overall interior feel was utilitarian, designed to prioritise function over luxury.
Ford Expedition Interior
In contrast, the Ford Expedition has been consistently updated with modern materials and technology. The current model offers seating for up to eight passengers, with options for second-row captain’s chairs for added comfort. The interior is spacious and more refined, with higher-quality materials, such as leather upholstery and wood trim available in higher trims.
Modern features, including advanced infotainment systems, climate control, and sound insulation, ensure a more comfortable driving experience in the Expedition. Additionally, the Expedition offers more tech-savvy features, such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a suite of safety technologies, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.
Fuel Economy
The size and power of the Ford Excursion and the Ford Expedition impact fuel efficiency. However, the Expedition is considerably more fuel-efficient than the Expedition due to its more modern engines and lighter build.
Ford Excursion Fuel Economy:
- Estimated fuel economy: 10-12 mpg (miles per gallon)
The Ford Excursion’s large size and heavy-duty engine options lead to poor fuel economy. With an average of just 10-12 mpg, the Excursion is not a vehicle that prioritises efficiency. Those who need the Excursion’s immense towing power must consider the trade-off in fuel costs.
Ford Expedition Fuel Economy:
- Estimated fuel economy: 17-22 mpg (miles per gallon)
The Ford Expedition’s EcoBoost V6 engine offers a better power and fuel efficiency balance. Depending on the specific model and driving conditions, the Expedition’s fuel economy can range from 17 mpg in the city to 22 mpg on the highway. This makes the Expedition a more practical choice for daily driving and long-distance travel.
Pricing and Availability
Ford Excursion Pricing: Since the Ford Excursion was discontinued in 2005, finding a new model is impossible. However, used models are still available, typically ranging in price from £10,000 to £30,000, depending on the age, condition, and mileage.
Ford Expedition Pricing: The Ford Expedition is still in production, with new models available starting at around £55,000 for base models and going up to £75,000 or more for higher trims.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between the Ford Excursion and the Ford Expedition depends on your needs. If you require extreme towing capacity and can handle larger sizes and fuel inefficiency, the Ford Excursion is a good option. However, the Ford Expedition is better if you want a more balanced vehicle with modern features, better fuel efficiency, and more versatility.
The Ford Expedition provides a more practical and enjoyable experience for most buyers. It offers impressive towing capabilities, advanced technology, and superior comfort, making it an ideal choice for families and those who need a capable yet manageable SUV. While still a powerful vehicle, the Excursion is a relic of a different era and may only be necessary for those with particular heavy-duty needs.