Ford Expedition Fuel Efficiency and Tank Capacity Across Generations
The Ford Expedition, a full-size SUV, has been a popular choice for families and adventure enthusiasts since its introduction in 1997. Over the years, it has evolved through four generations, each bringing improvements in performance, comfort, and fuel efficiency. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the fuel tank capacity and fuel efficiency across various variants and generations of the Ford Expedition.
Fuel Tank Capacity by Generation
The fuel tank capacity of the Ford Expedition has varied slightly across generations. Here’s a breakdown:
| Generation/Variant | Fuel Tank Capacity (L) | Fuel Efficiency (KM/L) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Generation (1997-2002) | 100 | 8.5 |
| 2nd Generation (2003-2006) | 107 | 10.0 |
| 3rd Generation (2007-2017) | 99 | 11.0 |
| 4th Generation (2018-present) | 98 | 8.2 |
First Generation (1997-2002)
The first-generation Ford Expedition was introduced with a focus on power and capability. It featured a fuel tank capacity of approximately 100 liters. This generation was equipped with V8 engines, which were not particularly fuel-efficient by today’s standards. The fuel efficiency for this generation averaged around 8.5 KM/L.
Second Generation (2003-2006)
The second-generation Expedition saw improvements in both fuel tank capacity and efficiency. The fuel tank capacity increased to 107 liters, providing a longer range between fill-ups. Fuel efficiency also improved, with an average of about 10 KM/L. This improvement was partly due to advancements in engine technology and the introduction of more efficient powertrains.
Third Generation (2007-2017)
The third-generation Expedition brought significant changes, including a slight reduction in fuel tank capacity to 99 liters. However, this generation saw the best fuel efficiency of all, averaging around 11 KM/L. This improvement was largely due to the introduction of more advanced engine technologies and the use of lighter materials in construction.
Fourth Generation (2018-present)
The current generation of the Ford Expedition continues the trend of balancing performance with efficiency. The fuel tank capacity is slightly reduced to 98 liters. However, the fuel efficiency varies depending on the specific variant and drivetrain configuration.
For the latest models, Ford claims a fuel efficiency range of 8.1 KM/L to 11 KM/L. The variation in fuel efficiency is due to factors such as engine options, drivetrain configurations (2WD vs. 4WD), and specific model trims.
Fuel Efficiency Across Variants
The fuel efficiency of the Ford Expedition can vary significantly depending on the specific variant and driving conditions. Here’s a more detailed look at the fuel efficiency across different variants of the current generation:
- Ford Expedition XLT (2WD): Approximately 8.5 KM/L city, 11.9 KM/L highway
- Ford Expedition Limited (4WD): Approximately 8.1 KM/L city, 11.5 KM/L highway
- Ford Expedition Platinum (4WD): Approximately 7.7 KM/L city, 11.1 KM/L highway
It’s worth noting that the 2018 model year saw a significant improvement in fuel efficiency. The all-new 2018 Ford Expedition achieved a fuel economy rating of 7.2 KM/L city, 10.2 KM/L highway, and an impressive combined 8.5 KM/L. This made it the most fuel-efficient full-size SUV at the time of its release.
Factors Affecting Fuel Efficiency
Several factors contribute to the fuel efficiency of the Ford Expedition:
- Engine Technology: The introduction of the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine in the latest generation has significantly improved fuel efficiency compared to the older V8 engines.
- Weight Reduction: The use of aluminum in the body construction has helped reduce the vehicle’s overall weight, contributing to better fuel economy.
- Transmission: The latest 10-speed automatic transmission helps optimize fuel efficiency across various driving conditions.
- Drivetrain: 2WD variants generally offer better fuel efficiency compared to their 4WD counterparts.
- Driving Conditions: City driving typically results in lower fuel efficiency compared to highway driving.
Real-World Fuel Efficiency
It’s important to note that real-world fuel efficiency can often differ from official ratings. In a review of the 2019 Ford Expedition V6 4WD Limited Max, the observed fuel economy was 3.75 KM/L at an average speed of 16 km/h in urban driving conditions. This highlights the significant impact that traffic conditions and driving style can have on fuel consumption.
The Ford Expedition has seen notable improvements in fuel efficiency over its four generations, despite maintaining its full-size SUV status and capabilities. The latest generation, with its EcoBoost V6 engine and lightweight aluminum construction, offers a balance of power and efficiency that was unattainable in earlier models.
While the Expedition remains a thirsty vehicle compared to smaller SUVs, it offers impressive fuel economy for its size and capabilities. Potential buyers should consider their specific needs, driving conditions, and the trade-offs between power, space, and fuel efficiency when choosing a variant.
As Ford continues to innovate, we can expect future generations of the Expedition to push the boundaries of fuel efficiency even further, possibly incorporating hybrid or even fully electric powertrains to meet evolving environmental standards and consumer preferences.