Is the 2017 Expedition aluminum?
The concise answer: No—the 2017 Ford Expedition uses a steel body and steel frame, not an aluminum-based construction.
In detail, Ford’s mid-2010s shift toward aluminum was most prominent in the F-150. The Expedition, a full-size SUV, continued to rely on traditional steel for its primary structure during the 2017 model year. This article explains the material makeup of the 2017 Expedition and places it in the broader context of Ford’s material strategy.
Material makeup of the 2017 Expedition
The Expedition is built on a traditional body-on-frame design with a steel structure. Ford specifies a steel body with a fully boxed steel frame, aligning with the needs of a three-row SUV designed for towing, payload, and durability.
Key material characteristics for the 2017 Expedition include the following:
- Body and panels: high-strength steel
- Frame: fully boxed steel frame designed for durability and towing capability
- Primary construction emphasis: steel-based architecture to balance strength, cost, and manufacturability
- Other components: conventional metal alloys used where appropriate for engine, suspension, and safety systems
In summary, the main structure of the 2017 Expedition relies on steel rather than aluminum, reflecting Ford’s approach for this large SUV at the time.
Context: Ford's aluminum strategy in the mid-2010s
During the mid-2010s, Ford rolled out aluminum-intensive construction with the redesigned F-150 to reduce weight and improve efficiency. The Expedition, while part of Ford’s truck family, did not adopt the same aluminum-focused architecture in 2017.
F-150's aluminum transition
The 2015 redesign of the F-150 moved to a mostly aluminum body while retaining a steel frame, enabling notable weight reductions and efficiency gains. This shift required new manufacturing approaches and had implications for durability and corrosion management.
Expedition's decision in 2017
For the 2017 Expedition, Ford chose to maintain a steel body and frame, prioritizing durability, proven reliability, and cost considerations for a heavy-duty full-size SUV designed for towing and rugged use.
Has Ford continued the aluminum trend with the Expedition?
As of the latest model years, there has been no official move to an aluminum-bodied Expedition. The model line continues to emphasize steel-based construction for its primary structure, with any aluminum usage not being a defining feature of the 2017-era Expedition.
Summary
The 2017 Expedition is not aluminum. It uses a steel body and steel frame, consistent with Ford’s material strategy for large, heavy-duty SUVs at that time. The broader industry shift to aluminum was most pronounced in the F-150, while the Expedition remained steel-based in 2017. This article highlighted the material makeup and the surrounding context to clarify where the Expedition stood within Ford’s design choices.
