What year did Ford stop putting V8 in Expedition?
Ford stopped offering a V8 in the Expedition after the 2017 model year; starting with the 2018 model year, Expedition switched to a twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 as the standard (and only) engine in the United States.
In the years since, Ford has positioned the EcoBoost V6 as the core powertrain for the full-size SUV, balancing towing capability with improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The change mirrors a broader industry shift away from large-displacement V8s toward turbocharged six-cylinder powertrains and other efficient technologies.
Timeline: From V8 to EcoBoost
Here is a brief timeline showing the changeover from V8 to EcoBoost power in the Expedition, highlighting the last year a V8 could be had and when EcoBoost-only became the standard.
- Last year with a V8 option: 2017 model year.
- EcoBoost-only era begins: 2018 model year, when Ford made the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 the standard—and only—engine for Expedition in the U.S.
The transition reflects Ford's broader approach to powertrains in large SUVs, aligning with federal fuel-economy goals while preserving strong towing and performance characteristics.
Why Ford moved away from V8
Ford cited several reasons for moving away from V8s in the Expedition, including efficiency gains, emissions targets, and production efficiency through shared EcoBoost engines across multiple models. The company emphasized that the EcoBoost V6 delivers comparable torque and robust towing performance while improving fuel economy in city and highway driving.
- Efficiency and emissions: EcoBoost V6 offers competitive torque with better miles-per-gallon than older V8s.
- Towing capability: Turbocharged V6 provides ample torque for heavy-duty use, matching customer needs for a family SUV with gear and trailers.
- Platform and manufacturing: Shared powertrains with other Ford trucks streamline production and parts availability.
For shoppers, the practical takeaway is that there is no V8 option in the Expedition lineup in recent years; buyers seeking a V8 would be looking at earlier used models or other Ford vehicles in markets with different offerings.
Current status and what to expect now
As of the latest model years, the Ford Expedition is powered exclusively by the 3.5L EcoBoost V6, with variants tuned for different trims and options. There is no factory V8 option in the United States for new models. Prospective buyers should check current Ford specs and local dealer inventories, as options can vary by region and model year.
- Engine: 3.5L EcoBoost V6 (twin-turbo) is the standard powertrain for all Expedition trims in the U.S. today.
- No official V8 option in the current lineup; prior V8 availability ended with the 2017 model year.
Dealers sometimes have marketing or special-order arrangements, but the mainstream Expedition lineup has been EcoBoost-only since 2018.
Summary
Ford ended production of a dedicated V8 engine in the Expedition after the 2017 model year, moving to a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 for 2018 and beyond. The shift was driven by efficiency, emissions considerations, and manufacturing simplification, while still delivering strong towing and performance for family-hauler needs. For buyers, that means the Expedition today is EcoBoost-powered, not V8.
Which year Expedition to avoid?
Key Takeaways. Avoid used Expeditions model years from 2003 to 2006, due to frequent problems and high repair costs. Used Expeditions from 2018 to 2024 come with the highest reliability scores! Regardless of model year, about 31 percent of Expeditions suffer from engine issues.
When did Ford stop using the 5.4 in the Expedition?
The Ford Expedition, a full-size SUV known for its spaciousness and towing capacity, also benefited from the 5.4L Triton engine. Between 1997 and 2014, the Expedition used this engine to deliver reliable performance for families and adventurers alike.
What was the last year Ford put a V8 in the Expedition?
Eventually, even this option was discontinued, with the car only sold with an EcoBoost V6 for the last couple years of its life. This makes the 2014 Expedition, the last of the third-gen nameplate to boast the engine, the last Ford SUV to ever leave the factory with a V8.
Do Ford Expeditions come with a V8 engine?
"Ford keeps it simple with the powertrain options: Every Expedition comes with a twin-turbo, 3.5-liter V6 and a 10-speed automatic transmission.
