The 2018 Ford Expedition lasts around 225,000 miles with some shock and mirror motor issues reported. At $29,990 to $52,850, it’s a decent value for a large SUV with some advanced technology and a comfortable cabin.
Is the 2018 Ford Expedition a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2018 is a good year for the Ford Expedition since it offers a lot of new technology paired with a spacious cabin. Owner reviews praise the leather seats, room for children, along with the safety features.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are reasonably nice, the seats offer decent support on longer trips, and cargo space is great, especially in the Max model.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are some engine issues reported on the 2018 Expedition, although they are not widespread. In general models from 2017–2022 are all similar.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is decent from the turbo V6 engine, which also offers decent towing capacity.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2018 Expedition is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, along with parking assist.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 20 MPG, giving 466 miles of range from the 23.3 gallon tank. Gas costs are $21 cheaper than average at $248 per month.
- Value 8/10 – The 2018 Ford Expedition is cheaper than some other full size SUVs, making it a decent value for an SUV with tons of passenger room.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Ford Expedition?
- Consumer Reports says the 2018 Ford Expedition offers more comfort and convenience than earlier years, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Expedition at 3.8/5, enjoying the passenger room in all three rows, but doesn’t like the weak brake pedal feel.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Expedition a 4.2/5, praising the updated technology, but owners don’t like the high fuel costs.
What Common Problems Does the 2018 Ford Expedition Have?
Common problems found on the 2018 Ford Expedition include the struts and shocks leaking, worn-out mirror motors, along with burning oil in the engine. Overall, these problems are average compared to other large SUVs, leading to reasonable repair costs as the Expedition ages.
The struts and shocks leaking is the most widespread complaint on the 2018 Ford Expedition, showing up at around 20,000 miles. Usually shocks and struts are good for over 50,000 miles, so these original sets just tend to wear out quickly. Replacing the shocks and struts costs around $800, depending on local labor rates.
Worn-out mirror motors are another problem mentioned by 2018 Expedition owners at roughly 40,000 miles. The only way to fix mirror motors when they wear out is to replace them. Changing out the motors costs around $400.
Burning oil in the engine also shows up on some Expedition models at around 35,000 miles. The problem is known to start with leaks around the spark plugs and VCT rings. Often the problem can be fixed under warranty for free. In others you may need to rebuild the top of the engine, which costs over $1,500.
There are seven recalls on the 2018 Ford Expedition, which is more than many other large SUVs on the market. The most serious recall is for the gear shift cable clip, which may say the vehicle is in park when it is not. Ford will replace the cable clip on affected models for free. Many of the other recalls cover seat and airbag issues, which Ford will also fix for free.
How Long Will the 2018 Ford Expedition Last?
A well-maintained 2018 Ford Expedition can last around 225,000 miles, which is shorter than some other large SUVs like the Toyota Sequoia. Regular annual maintenance costs are average for a large SUV, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $609 per year.
As a used 2018 Expedition reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the tie rods for $190, a power steering pump costing $400, along with the A/C compressor which costs $900.
Yes this vehicle is a very reliable because it has a comfortable feel to it and the traction is good.
How Is the Technology?
Standard entertainment technology is pretty basic, only offering a small 4.2-inch display. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen with Sync 3 connectivity which has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Standard safety technology is okay, offering a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, along with Ford Mykey which sets speed and volume limits.
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Blind spot monitoring
- 360-degree camera system
- Automatic high beams
- Pedestrian detection
- Front parking sensors
- Parallel and perpendicular park assist
- Lane keeping assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure warning
Is the 2018 Ford Expedition a Good Value?
Yes, the 2018 Ford Expedition is a decent value for a large SUV with plenty of passenger room and some nice cabin features. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $29,990 to $52,850, making it less than a Chevy Suburban or GMC Yukon. When new, the price range was $51,790 to $78,865. Depreciation is a bit worse than other SUVs, losing about 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Ford Expedition?
There are three main models of the Ford Expedition offered from the entry-level XLT, all the way through to the more luxurious Platinum. The Expedition comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is available as an optional upgrade. There’s also a longer-wheelbase Expedition Max available.
XLT is the entry-level model with:
- Eight-passenger seating
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Running boards and roof rack rails
- Rear parking sensors and rearview camera
- Heated side mirrors
- Air-conditioning and push-button ignition
- Six-way power driver seat, power-adjustable pedals
- Sliding and reclining second-row seat, one-touch fold-flat third-row seat
- Leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel
- Auto-dimming rearview mirror, Ford’s Sync voice-control system
- 2-inch central display, second-row USB charging ports
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Nine-speaker sound system with various inputs
- Optional 201A package (first and second-row leather upholstery, more power-adjustable seats)
- Optional 202A package (hands-free liftgate, keyless entry, remote engine start, heated and ventilated front seats, and more)
Limited is a step up, adding:
- Includes features from the XLT’s 202A package
- 20-inch wheels
- Front parking sensors
- Retractable running boards
- Heated second-row seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker audio system with HD radio
- Optional 301A package (panoramic sunroof, navigation, and driver assistance features)
- Available 302A package (22-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, LED lights, 360-degree view parking camera, automated parking system)
- Electronic limited slip differential
- Optional second-row leather captain’s chairs, rear-seat entertainment system
- New-for-2018 Special Edition package
Platinum is the flagship model which has:
- Includes features from the Limited and 302A package
- Interior wood accents
- Enhanced front seats with massage function
- Upgraded leather for the steering wheel, leather door trim
- Active noise cancellation
- Options mirror those of the Limited
What Engines Come In the Ford Expedition?
The 2018 Ford Expedition has a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine with 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, boosted to 400 horsepower and 480 lb.-ft in the Platinum trim. It features a ten-speed automatic transmission and fuel economy is around 20 MPG. The SUV goes from 0-60 mph in around 6.2 seconds, and it can tow up to 9,300 pounds when properly equipped.
What Colors Does the Ford Expedition Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Ford Expedition?
The 2018 Ford Expedition excels regarding comfort, delivering a spacious and upscale interior that’s designed to provide a pleasant ride for all passengers. This large SUV has a seating capacity for up to eight people, offering ample room in all three rows, which is a rarity in many vehicles of this size. Even the third row is spacious enough to accommodate adults comfortably, not just children.
The seats themselves are designed with comfort in mind, providing excellent support and cushioning, making long drives more enjoyable. In the higher trims, features such as leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, and power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support further enhance the comfort level.
The 2018 Expedition also offers a smooth, composed ride, even when the road gets rough. Thanks to its independent rear suspension and optional adaptive suspension system, it effectively absorbs road imperfections, reducing the amount of vibration and noise that reaches the cabin.
Adding to the comfort is the Expedition’s quiet interior. Ford has done a great job of insulating the cabin to keep road and wind noise to a minimum, making it easier for passengers to have conversations or simply enjoy the ride in peace.
How Much Storage Space Does the Ford Expedition Have?
The 2018 Ford Expedition offers abundant storage space to cater to various user needs. For maximum cargo capacity, this large SUV boasts an impressive 104.6 cubic feet of space when the second and third-row seats are folded flat. This vast storage space can accommodate a wide range of items. For instance, it could easily fit multiple large suitcases for an extended family vacation, or even larger items like a bicycle or a small kayak.
When only the third-row seats are folded down, you still have a substantial 63.6 cubic feet of space, enough room for the weekend camping gear of a family or the band instruments of a small musical group. If all seats are in use, which is often the case for large families or group travels, the cargo space behind the third row provides 20.9 cubic feet of room. This space might seem smaller in comparison, but it is enough to store several grocery bags, a stroller, or even a cooler for a picnic or a day at the beach.
In addition to the extensive cargo space, the 2018 Ford Expedition also includes a multitude of storage compartments and cup holders throughout the cabin for added convenience. These spots are perfect for stashing smaller items such as phones, wallets, snacks, and beverages. Overall, the 2018 Ford Expedition’s substantial storage capacity makes it an excellent choice for those who usually require a large amount of luggage or equipment space.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fourth generation of the Ford Expedition was introduced for the 2018 model year.
2015: Updated engine, new suspension, along with minor exterior styling changes.
2016: New Sync 3 stereo system added which replaces MyFord Touch system.
2017: No changes from earlier years.
2018: Fully redesigned for the fourth generation with a more powerful V6 engine, updated interior and exterior styling.
2019: No major changes following the full redesign last year.
2020: King Ranch model available, Black Accent package available with dark exterior trim.
2021: New Expedition XL base model introduced, optional Co-Pilot 360 Assist safety features optional on XLT model.
How Does the Ford Expedition Compare to the Competition?
The 2018 Ford Expedition is a decent full size SUV, offering plenty of passenger room, a high towing capacity, and average ownership costs as it ages.
The Chevy Tahoe is another large SUV which is available for about $3,000 more. Long-term reliability ratings are slightly better on the Chevy Tahoe, while the Ford Expedition offers more passenger room, especially in the third row. We recommend the Chevy Tahoe since it will last a bit longer.
The Lincoln Navigator is available for about $5,500 more. Both the Lincoln Navigator and Ford Expedition are built on the same platform, while the Lincoln Navigator has more luxury features and advanced technology. We recommend the Lincoln Navigator since you get a lot more technology, and a better ownership experience, making it worth the extra cost.
Do Owners Recommend the Ford Expedition?
Yes it is because it gives me a good sense of freedom and it was something I always wanted for space
