Ford puts the revamped full-sized Expedition SUV into showrooms this fall for the 2007 model year. The lineup will include an extended-length version, badged the Expedition EL, which is intended to better compete against the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL SUVs. Exterior changes include a more pronounced grille that picks up the design theme from the Super Chief concept shown at the Detroit auto show. Ford says the new Expedition's frame is stiffer and the independent rear suspension is recalibrated for a smoother ride. Under the hood is a 5.4-liter V-8 mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Stability control is standard.

2018 FORD EXPEDITION IS AN F-150 AND A SUPER DUTY IN SUV CLOTHING (FIRST DRIVE REVIEW VIDEO)

What if you wanted a Ford F-150 or a Super Duty pickup truck, but needed seating capacity for up to eight and a comfortable ride? The 2018 Ford Expedition is the vehicle that brings together these qualities in one luxurious and expensive package. The 2018 Expedition is all-new, it sports an aluminum body, and it pushes the full-size SUV to the next level in refinement, capability, and efficiency.

The 2018 Expedition shares the front part of the frame/chassis with the F-150, the rear part is unique to Expedition since it is using independent rear suspensions and not a straight axle. Ford says, the independent rear improves the interior space and provides for a lower rear hatch entry level. The new Expedition also shares the 3.5L twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 and the 10-speed automatic transmission with the F-150. What does it have in common with the Ford Super Duty? It’s the dash layout that includes the double glove box.

If you are used to an F-150 or a Super Duty, then the gauge cluster will be more than familiar to you. It’s the same. The Expedition also offers a trailer brake controller, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist.

The base Expedition has a power rating of 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. When combined with the base 2WD and a 3.15 rear axle ratio, the segment-leading EPA fuel economy rating of 17 MPG city, 24 MPG highway, and 20 MPG combined.

The Platinum version that you see in this first drive review gets a power bump up to a round 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. The fully-loaded Expedition MAX moves out with confidence. You can easily throw it into Sport driving mode, engage 4-wheel-automatic mode, and the Expedition will offer a firm acceleration that makes the large SUV feel smaller than it actually is.

If you are looking to tow, the Expedition can be configured with a maximum towing package for a total rating of 9,300 lbs in 2WD configuration. The 4×4 version will tow up to 9,000 lbs. The long version $84,000 Expedition MAX has a fair amount of payload capacity (it’s above 1,500 lbs in the fully loaded model you see in the video).

The 2018 Expedition will start around $52,000, and it goes on sale in November 2017. You might have the new Expedition at your local dealership already.

Is the new Expedition worth the expense? Full-size SUVs have become do-it-all vehicles for the family and beyond. It offers a comfortable and quiet ride, all the luxury features, and plentiful interior space. The headroom in the third-row is not great for me (at just over 6’2”) as my head touches the ceiling, but it very comfortable in the second and front rows.

Check out this first drive review here! We are working to produce many more 2018 Expedition review, including off-roading in the FX4 and towing trailers.