2018 Expedition Max

[cmiles97]

I hate those spill proof gas cans. I do spill more with them. I switched to a battery powered pump to put gas in my lawn mower. Is having to buy and use a battery powered device to save on spilling gas more environmentally friendly?

Everytime I think about the auto start/stop feature, It makes me wonder if we really own our vehicles? Why can't we ask for it to removed before purchase or get a model without it? I guess it's going the way of home ownership. Do you really own it when you can't make the changes you want without government permission?

 

[JExpedition07]

I hate those spill proof gas cans. I do spill more with them. I switched to a battery powered pump to put gas in my lawn mower. Is having to buy and use a battery powered device to save on spilling gas more environmentally friendly?

Everytime I think about the auto start/stop feature, It makes me wonder if we really own our vehicles? Why can't we ask for it to removed before purchase or get a model without it? I guess it's going the way of home ownership. Do you really own it when you can't make the changes you want without government permission?

It’s the way of the world, they don’t want us to own anything anymore. Private ownership is being eroded at hard across the board. The government wants its hands in everything.

 

[JExpedition07]

You wonder what it will come to. I guess they don’t have their hands too much on my boat, laws are old fashioned on that and you can alter if you want since no emissions. In NY you can’t do anything to an auto legally lol.

 

[aggiegrad05]

Ummm...y'all know the government didn't install your auto-start right?

This seems like the same argument I hear when a private company fires someone for saying something or posting something and everyone hollers about the 1st amendment. That's a private company limiting speech...which they have the right to do.

Ford chose to add this feature, not the government. And of course you can remove that feature after you buy it through the eliminator or the button Ford has put on the dash for you. But Ford has made the decision that it won't allow the vehicle to be sold without it. And really, you can remove any feature or alter a vehicle in absolutely any way you want. You can take all the body panels off and ride on a bare chassis if that's what blows your skirt up. You'll have to do it on your own property, of course, because the ability to have a drivers license and register a vehicle to drive on public roads around other people is a privilege not a right, but it's your car so you can modify it in any way you want.


Sure, I would prefer a few less nannies, but if one of those nannies saves my life (or the life of my family) just once, it was worth it. And yeah, the auto start-stop is annoying, but you get used to it and its introduction across the globe, together with other efficiency gains, has decreased fuel consumption. Does it increase wear and tear on the starter and the battery? Maybe, but manufacturers know this and have built more robust starters and batteries to account for it.

So let's put our tinfoil hats away here. Ford wants to make vehicles that have a certain power and weight. So they have to make some decisions to comply with CAFE standards. That's not the government's doing, that's Ford's. If Ford wanted to put 3cyl engines in all their vehicles they wouldn't have to have the auto-start to bring their fleet into compliance.

 

[Deadman]

I hate those spill proof gas cans. I do spill more with them. I switched to a battery powered pump to put gas in my lawn mower. Is having to buy and use a battery powered device to save on spilling gas more environmentally friendly?

Everytime I think about the auto start/stop feature, It makes me wonder if we really own our vehicles? Why can't we ask for it to removed before purchase or get a model without it? I guess it's going the way of home ownership. Do you really own it when you can't make the changes you want without government permission?

You can buy the replacement nozzles for those gas cans that are NON government, so they drain like an old can, and you drill a hole for a vent and they work great. I converted all of mine...

 

[nate6966]

Ford may have decided to install the auto start/ stop and not make it original, but the demands and requirements of governmental fuel efficiencies drive the bus on getting to this point. Just like all the factory standard smog crap. A few decades ago, people got pissed about the worse performance but the parts were standard equipment because of government demands against manufacturers. Now, we accept it without hesitation.
All of the BS with the government is related to the core issue of people being selfish, greedy, lazy, all rolled into one. The worst offenders have worked their way into government positions.

 

[aggiegrad05]

the demands and requirements of governmental fuel efficiencies drive the bus on getting to this point

I agree with this, my point was that Ford has made certain decisions to comply with the government demands and requirements. So the design of the vehicle (and what is included or not included) is ultimately the choice of the manufacturer.

 

[Bill Schell]

How many of you Expedition owners considered a Suburban or Yukon? What were the primary reasons for choosing the Ford? We just looked at a 2015 LTZ in Metallic Brown w/Cocoa interior - very nice. It had the captain 2nd row seats however and we don't want that configuration in whichever SUV we get. Man I'll tell you, there are so many little pros/cons to each that it makes the decision challenging. I guess that is a good thing unless you're a details, get into the weeds guy like myself.

Regarding the "auto stop/start" feature, I did first experience that test driving a 2018 F150. It wasn't that noticeable, but it is nice that the dash mounted defeat button is available (at least for now). That dosen't bother me as much as the RTP feature. The OEM manual (shown above) describes its operation as something I could live with and that makes sense from a designed not to cause damage perspective. But some are saying it actually does not work that way. I guess the only way to know for certain is to test one at a dealer before I write a check.

Another question I have for the 2018 owners is how the 10 speed transmission is working? I've heard reports of users saying it often seems to be searching for gears. Is this only in certain drive modes (i.e. tow/haul)? And for those who have 4WD, how has that been performing?

 

[Jace]

How many of you Expedition owners considered a Suburban or Yukon? What were the primary reasons for choosing the Ford? We just looked at a 2015 LTZ in Metallic Brown w/Cocoa interior - very nice. It had the captain 2nd row seats however and we don't want that configuration in whichever SUV we get. Man I'll tell you, there are so many little pros/cons to each that it makes the decision challenging. I guess that is a good thing unless you're a details, get into the weeds guy like myself.

Regarding the "auto stop/start" feature, I did first experience that test driving a 2018 F150. It wasn't that noticeable, but it is nice that the dash mounted defeat button is available (at least for now). That dosen't bother me as much as the RTP feature. The OEM manual (shown above) describes its operation as something I could live with and that makes sense from a designed not to cause damage perspective. But some are saying it actually does not work that way. I guess the only way to know for certain is to test one at a dealer before I write a check.

Another question I have for the 2018 owners is how the 10 speed transmission is working? I've heard reports of users saying it often seems to be searching for gears. Is this only in certain drive modes (i.e. tow/haul)? And for those who have 4WD, how has that been performing?

We just actually went thru this and are awaiting our Expedition to be transported from a few states over.

That being said (besides any brand bias), we went with the Expedition for the greater towing capacity, tilt and slide seats (I've got 5 kiddos), and more updated interior and features. I will say tho, not having much of a used market makes the Chevy an easier pick to those looking for used. I test drove a Yukon a few months back and just wan't too impressed... plus the back row was much more snug. They are both good looking vehicles tho.

I think if the 2020 Chevy models brought a redesign, it may have threw a curveball, but since they didn't, it seemed like an easy choice for our needs... plus I'm a blue oval guy =)

 

[Bill Schell]

We just actually went thru this and are awaiting our Expedition to be transported from a few states over.

Congratulations! Did you go see the car and opt to have it shipped? I'm not sure I could buy w/o test driving. From a reputable dealer, and having vetted all I could via email and phone, I would be willing to make a long trip (drive w/wife or fly myself) to buy. We don't have lots of inventory around us and what is here is usually higher mileage.

 

[Deadman]

I drove a Yukon Denali and I really liked it, but I wasn't willing to pay more money for a vehicle that was so outdated.
Their V8's are ancient technology and to get the 10 speed on the earlier years, you needed to get the Denali as the regular versions had the wimpy 5.3L and 8 speeds. The ride of the expedition is hands down better. The Torque of the 3.5L is equal or better than the 6.2L and then if you tune the 3.5L, the power goes thru the roof. The Yukon was steel, so living in the rust belt, I couldn't see buying a steel SUV to watch the body rot out.

For me, it was a no brainer. I really wanted the Lincoln, but my wallet said no no no! .

 

[nate6966]

How many of you Expedition owners considered a Suburban or Yukon? What were the primary reasons for choosing the Ford? We just looked at a 2015 LTZ in Metallic Brown w/Cocoa interior - very nice. It had the captain 2nd row seats however and we don't want that configuration in whichever SUV we get. Man I'll tell you, there are so many little pros/cons to each that it makes the decision challenging. I guess that is a good thing unless you're a details, get into the weeds guy like myself.

Regarding the "auto stop/start" feature, I did first experience that test driving a 2018 F150. It wasn't that noticeable, but it is nice that the dash mounted defeat button is available (at least for now). That dosen't bother me as much as the RTP feature. The OEM manual (shown above) describes its operation as something I could live with and that makes sense from a designed not to cause damage perspective. But some are saying it actually does not work that way. I guess the only way to know for certain is to test one at a dealer before I write a check.

Another question I have for the 2018 owners is how the 10 speed transmission is working? I've heard reports of users saying it often seems to be searching for gears. Is this only in certain drive modes (i.e. tow/haul)? And for those who have 4WD, how has that been performing?

Bill - I've always been a GM guy and personally really wanted to replace our aged Escalade with another newer Escalade or Denali. I've always loved the 6.2L and the appearance/ presence of the Escalade. It was nice to own.
However - during our shopping efforts, my wife continually would climb into the third row of potential vehicles (where she occasionally ends up on long road trips when her parents come along). To be blunt, the GM full size SUVs were pathetic with their 3rd row. They were worse than our 3rd Gen Escalade's 3rd row. Simply a leather covered bleacher seat according to the wife.
Then there was the ride quality. Also pathetic in comparison to the Expedition. The age of the 4th Gen Escalade (2015- newer) plus the clunkier electronics and tech added to the detriments.
Then we checked out the Expedition and Navigators. I really liked the Navigator straight out, but the wife likes the Expedition appearance better. We settled on the Platinum package and we both still feel very pleased with our decision after 3 months.
The only things we liked better about the 2019 Escalade are:
**growl of a big V8 is tough to beat, much better than the quiet EcoBoost sound (power was extremely similar, slightly better in the Ford)
**rear seat entertainment in the Escalade operated MUCH better, so we compromised and went without in our Expedition, opting to get the kids iPads for cheaper that the RSE
**the pure presence and status of the Escalade is missing. I still miss it at times, but there's other times that I enjoy not having the flash of a status symbol.
All in, I'd make the same choice if I were looking again today.

 

[Jace]

Congratulations! Did you go see the car and opt to have it shipped? I'm not sure I could buy w/o test driving. From a reputable dealer, and having vetted all I could via email and phone, I would be willing to make a long trip (drive w/wife or fly myself) to buy. We don't have lots of inventory around us and what is here is usually higher mileage.

Thank you! We're extremely excited. So mine is a bit of an odd story. The wife and I both ended up agreeing on a Oxford White Special Edition Limited Max. White Platinum colors were everywhere, but there seemed to only be only 1 Oxford anyone could find, and it was in Indiana. I'm in Utah, and ironically got the best deal from a dealer in Colorado that I had been working with since the 18s came out, but could never pull the trigger. So it's being shipped to CO and I will either be driving or flying to there from UT once it arrives.

I'm definitely one who likes to test drive first and look in, under, and around the machine, but being the only one of its kind around I didn't have a whole lot of options. Worst case it sucks and I'll back out and be out of a cheap plane ticket or a drive home haha.

 

[Bill Schell]

**growl of a big V8 is tough to beat, much better than the quiet EcoBoost sound (power was extremely similar, slightly better in the Ford)

I was watching a YouTube video yesterday of a head to head towing challenge between a 2018 Expedition and Suburban. The Ford actually had a pretty healthy rumble on full up acceleration and they were saying that this is an "augmented" sound - not really all from the EcoBoost. The results were very close; Ford slightly better on the pull and the Chevy slightly better on the downhill self braking. They also thought the Ford was a wee bit quicker; no doubt the result of the turbos.

 

[grumpyoleman]

Another question I have for the 2018 owners is how the 10 speed transmission is working? I've heard reports of users saying it often seems to be searching for gears. Is this only in certain drive modes (i.e. tow/haul)? And for those who have 4WD, how has that been performing?

10 Speed - We have had zero issues with the 10 speed so far. Always seems to be in the right gear and no "hunting". We don't use ours for towing though … Got a truck for that.

4WD - It was snowing pretty good when we test drove and purchased ours in North Dakota and we immediately drove south (Dakota). It handled snow covered roads with ease. To be honest, I didn't buy an expedition to be a back country Off-Road safari vehicle. What I did want was something that was surefooted when the roads were dicey. and this it has done with style.

 

[shane_th_ee]

How many of you Expedition owners considered a Suburban or Yukon? What were the primary reasons for choosing the Ford?

I did. If you want to tow with the GMs, you're going to want the 6.2L. But if you also want to be able to use it for "light off roading" aka crappy forest service roads, you're going to have do some spendy mods right out of the box on the GMs. All the 6.2Ls come with street tires on 22" rims. You could get the Z71 package, but the skid plates suck and you're stuck with the 5.3L V8 and a towing capacity of 6000lbs. Oh, but if you want the adaptive cruise control AND the 6.2L V8, then you have to get the Yukon XL Denali... Good luck with trying to mod that front fascia so you're not dragging it over every rock and divot...

Or you can just get the FX4 package on the Expedition and, right out of the box, get a full complement of skid plates, more ground clearance, 18" wheels** the 3.73 rear axle* and the 9000lb towing capacity.

And then you get a better sunroof, the aforementioned tip and slide seats, adaptive cruise control (with the 3.73 rear axle and the towing package!), etc, etc.

*Yes, the 6.2L sticks you with the 3.23 rear axle.
**All Terrain tires require some arguing with Ford...

 

[WJD_xlt]

How many of you Expedition owners considered a Suburban or Yukon? What were the primary reasons for choosing the Ford?

I was really strongly considering a suburban, but after test driving the expedition, I would’ve felt like I was “settling” for a suburban or Yukon. It just didn’t feel as comfortable inside and-this is my vanity speaking-the interior was not as nice. The technical parts of it, I’m not good at explaining. All my reasons are mostly superficial, I admit.

 

[Zig10]

How many of you Expedition owners considered a Suburban or Yukon? What were the primary reasons for choosing the Ford? We just looked at a 2015 LTZ in Metallic Brown w/Cocoa interior - very nice. It had the captain 2nd row seats however and we don't want that configuration in whichever SUV we get. Man I'll tell you, there are so many little pros/cons to each that it makes the decision challenging. I guess that is a good thing unless you're a details, get into the weeds guy like myself.

Regarding the "auto stop/start" feature, I did first experience that test driving a 2018 F150. It wasn't that noticeable, but it is nice that the dash mounted defeat button is available (at least for now). That dosen't bother me as much as the RTP feature. The OEM manual (shown above) describes its operation as something I could live with and that makes sense from a designed not to cause damage perspective. But some are saying it actually does not work that way. I guess the only way to know for certain is to test one at a dealer before I write a check.

Another question I have for the 2018 owners is how the 10 speed transmission is working? I've heard reports of users saying it often seems to be searching for gears. Is this only in certain drive modes (i.e. tow/haul)? And for those who have 4WD, how has that been performing?

I traded a '16 Yukon XL in for our Expedition Max Limited mainly for the higher towing capacity. My boat is around 7500 lbs, so the 8000 limit on the Yukon was a bit of an issue.

The larger 3rd row was a big benefit as my kids get older, too.

There are some things the Yukon did better for towing (braking felt stronger, and self leveling suspension was a HUGE plus), but the Expy powetrain feels much stronger, especially down low, and the interior is a higher quality and more roomy overall.

One thing I really miss, though, is the larger fuel tank capacity. Man, it's amazing what another 4 gallons will do for you when towing.

 

[Bill Schell]

Well, you are all partly responsible... I am flying to Denver this Tuesday to pick-up a 2018 MAX Limited.

Following another test drive of a 2018 and then sitting in a 2017 Suburban at the same dealership, it was a striking difference in feel. The Suburban has a much smaller, compressed feel. And the 3.5L/10 speed...wow, just wow. Hadn't really planned on a Limited, but this one was priced very close to most XLT, group 202A packages I'd been interested in and is the color combination we want.



Looking forward to the 13 hour drive home! Also continued discussions with the forum about Motor Trends #1 rated full size SUV.

 

[Shutterbug57]

How many of you Expedition owners considered a Suburban or Yukon? What were the primary reasons for choosing the Ford? We just looked at a 2015 LTZ in Metallic Brown w/Cocoa interior - very nice. It had the captain 2nd row seats however and we don't want that configuration in whichever SUV we get. Man I'll tell you, there are so many little pros/cons to each that it makes the decision challenging. I guess that is a good thing unless you're a details, get into the weeds guy like myself.

Regarding the "auto stop/start" feature, I did first experience that test driving a 2018 F150. It wasn't that noticeable, but it is nice that the dash mounted defeat button is available (at least for now). That dosen't bother me as much as the RTP feature. The OEM manual (shown above) describes its operation as something I could live with and that makes sense from a designed not to cause damage perspective. But some are saying it actually does not work that way. I guess the only way to know for certain is to test one at a dealer before I write a check.

Another question I have for the 2018 owners is how the 10 speed transmission is working? I've heard reports of users saying it often seems to be searching for gears. Is this only in certain drive modes (i.e. tow/haul)? And for those who have 4WD, how has that been performing?

I considered all the full sized SUV options. Having previously had an Armada, I knew we wanted the full size version, so Nissan/Infinity were out of the hunt. Toyota also is too short.

I tried the Suburban first. As soon as I tried to get into that, I knew it was a no go. No headroom and I am not driving around with my head tilted into a sunroof recess. I talked with the dealer and it seems Chevy/GM will only let you have a sunroof-less model as long as you want it completely stripped. See ya Chevy/GMC. The caddy had the same problem. Fortunately theirs was on the showroom floor.

Tried the Ford last. Had to go to a couple of dealers to find a model without the sunroof, but one had an XLT with an aluminum roof. I took it for a test drive and liked it, but was non-commital, so the dealer told me to take it overnight. I did. I wanted leather and the fake leather in the XLT was ok on the seats, but I didn’t like the feel of the steering wheel. I ended up ordering a Limited Max with no sunroof, but most of the options. We are happy with the truck having put just 4,000 miles on it.