Well, this is a bit weird comparison, but not totally out of the ordinary. A lot of similar articles are going around lately, and that is why this one does not surprise us at all. Comparing the 2018 Ford Expedition to its predecessor 2016 Ford Expedition, is a bit like, I think I read somewhere, comparing the original iPad with the iPad Air. How come you might ask?! Well these two are relatively similar products, and they have a similar purpose, but different styling and God knows how much features that make them separate one from another.
Features
Now we need an equipment list so we can successfully compare these two. Here is what Ford thought the Expedition needed back in 2015 when they did its facelift: new front fascia, new trims, full-color 4.2″ LCD screens in the instrument panel, restyled center console and the latest version (was back then) of the MyFord Touch infotainment system to go with the 10 speaker 700 watt Sony audio system. As a cherry on top, it also hosted a push-button start, a rearview camera, interior ambient LED lighting and a radar-based blind spot alert for active safety’s sake. Not bad for the model that received its facelift sometime in the second part of 2015, but just how better is the new all-model?
Interior and exterior
Well, let’s start with the exterior. The design language has been updated to suit the needs and standards of the year 2017, or at least what goes as current Ford standards nowadays, while at the same time it managed to retain the same boxy shape and straight lines. The interior is a totally different thing, and you can see that the inside style is without a doubt much more in touch with today’s way of life, as soon as you sit in it. But what does that exactly mean? Well, now at your disposal you have things like wireless charging, Wi-Fi, SYNC 3 with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a 12 speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system that’s without a doubt better than the older setup from Sony.
Driving capabilities
As far as this segment is concerned, if the all-new Expedition finds itself in a hard-to-get-out spot, it will solve it easily thanks to its class-exclusive, enhanced active park assist technology and 360-degree camera. What further aids this segment is the all-new Terrain Management System which should give you more assurance when driving off-road than what you had in the predecessor.
Performance
This is the segment which also received improvements. Here, the winner is, and this wasn’t hard to guess, 2018 Ford Expedition. Why? Well, the simple fact is that it has gone on an all aluminum diet which made it lose 300 lbs (136 kg) while making it agile and capable on the road in both performance and fuel economy standpoint. Furthermore, it is propelled by the 3.5 L EcoBoost engine that has an Auto Start-Stop capability. This unit is paired to a 10-speed automatic gearbox which is just another bonus on top of all, while the older model has a V6 unit and uses a six-speed auto transmission.
The verdict
2018 Ford Expedition all the way and without a shred of doubt. But that was expected, right? It is kind of hard to see any real upsides to the previous version of the Expedition, especially now when automakers do not make mistakes and steps back when it comes to technology, convenience, and comfort.
