Ford Expedition - Third Generation (2007–Present)

Third Generation (2007–Present)

The 2007 model year saw the introduction of a new third generation Expedition, developed under the U324 program code name, which was a heavily updated version of the second generation Expedition. Most of the improvements made to the new Expedition were mechanical in nature, though the SUV also received a sheet metal refresh, redesigned interior with upgraded materials and further fit & finish refinements. A new long wheelbase Expedition EL/Max was developed under the U354 program and was introduced as a replacement for the discontinued Ford Excursion.

Expedition’s front end now featured Ford’s signature three-bar grille to complement the SUV's truck DNA relation to the F-150 and Super Duty pickups. New complex stepped style multifaceted headlamps, side view mirrors with updated LED lane departure indicators, sleeker body work and redesigned tail lamps were also added. The interior received a new dash with F-150-like center stack, center console, redesigned first row captains chair luxury seating, door panels and interior trim. The column shifter was replaced by a floor shifter on the center console.

To further reduce outside noise intrusion for quieter, more isolated ride comfort, new SoundScreen laminated acoustic and solar tinted windshield was added with thicker laminated side window glass.

Expedition gained a modified version of the half-ton P2 platform from the F-150, designated the T1 platform. This new platform provides 10 percent more torsional rigidity than the previous generation, and incorporates the four-wheel independent long-travel suspension system (introduced on the second generation) with a redesigned five-link rear suspension and new lower control arms. As with previous model years, the suspension system could be had with adaptive pneumatic air-ride springs.

Additionally, the Expedition is powered by the same 5.4 liter Triton V8 engine, rated at 300 hp (220 kW) and 365 lbf·ft (495 N·m) of torque from the previous generation. When properly equipped with the heavy-duty trailer tow package the SUV can tow up to 9,200 lbs (4,130 kg). Expedition is classed under the Tier 2, Bin 5 / ULEV 2 Ultra Low Emission Vehicle environmental classification.

Ford’s new 6-speed 6R75 automatic transmission with dual overdrive gears was introduced. The transmission featured push-button overdrive lock-out, electronic shift scheduling, adaptive shift algorithms and a mechatronic transmission control module (TCM) that would save adaptive shift data in keep alive memory (KAM). This safeguarded against complete data loss in case of a power failure (such as disconnecting the battery). In the event of a power failure, the mechatronic unit would simply read the last saved data entry from the system’s memory, thus, the transmission did not have to completely relearn the owner’s driving style.

Off road geometry figures for approach, departure and ramp breakover angles are 22°, 21° and 18° respectively. Minimum running (lowest point) ground clearance is 8.7 inches (220 mm). Underbody (overall) ground clearance is 9.1 inches (230 mm).

Selectable automatic ControlTrac four-wheel drive remains available with a two-speed dual range BorgWarner 4417 transfer gearbox and intelligent locking center multi-disc differential. Four-wheel electronic traction control is standard and off road underbody skid plate armor is optional. A new default off road program with throttle response recalibration was added, and is automatically activated when Four Low (lock) mode is selected. Expedition can achieve an off road crawl ratio of 41.06:1 with a low range ratio of 2.64:1 and rear axle ratio of 3.73:1.

The new SUV was unveiled at the Houston Auto Show rather than at Detroit, Los Angeles, or New York where most new models are, as 20 percent of all Expedition sales are in Texas. The third generation Expedition went on sale in August 2006. The first 2007 Expedition to roll off a Ford assembly line was donated by Ford to the Peter family of Jamaica, Queens, New York as part of an episode of the ABC series Extreme Makeover: Home Edition that aired May 7, 2006.