When did Expedition get 3.5 EcoBoost?
The Ford Expedition gained the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 starting with the 2015 model year, as part of Ford's second‑generation redesign, delivering turbocharged power to the full-size SUV.
In context, Ford introduced the 3.5L EcoBoost in Expedition for 2015 to replace much of the older V8 lineup in typical trims, aligning the big SUV with the automaker’s broader EcoBoost push aimed at boosting both power and efficiency. The engine is a twin‑turbocharged V6 designed to deliver strong low‑end torque for towing while offering better highway fuel economy than the previous V8.
A turbocharged turn for a full-size SUV
The move to EcoBoost in the Expedition mirrored Ford's wider strategy in the 2010s: downsize and turbocharge to extract more performance from smaller displacement engines, while leveraging advanced transmissions and chassis updates to maintain capability. For buyers, the 3.5L EcoBoost was meant to improve both towing capability and on‑road insistence, with smoother power delivery and improved efficiency for a vehicle of its size.
Key reasons the engine mattered: enhanced torque from low rpm for pulling trailers, refined acceleration for highway merging, and the ability to equip a modern powertrain without sacrificing utility or payload.
2015 introduction and what it meant
Before the list, here is a quick enumeration of the milestones around the 2015 introduction.
- The Expedition moved to a new-generation platform for the 2015 model year overall.
- The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 joined the lineup as a new option, replacing much of the older V8 powertrain slate in typical trims.
- In some configurations and markets, the older 5.4-liter V8 remained available, depending on trim and dealership packaging.
- The turbocharged engine was paired with advancements in towing capability and overall refinement to suit a full-size SUV.
The introduction of the 3.5 EcoBoost in 2015 marked a turning point for the Expedition, aligning it with Ford’s modern engine family and signaling a shift toward turbocharged power in large SUVs. The move also reflected a broader industry trend toward maximizing output from smaller, more efficient powerplants.
Timeline of notable updates and current status
Below is a concise timeline of how the Expedition's 3.5 EcoBoost presence evolved, focusing on what buyers could expect across model years.
- 2015: Expedition enters its second generation and offers the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 as a primary engine option in many trims.
- 2016–2017: The EcoBoost remains a core option; Ford emphasizes strong low‑end torque for towing and confident highway performance.
- 2018: A mid‑cycle refresh introduces styling, technology, and minor refinements while keeping the EcoBoost option intact.
- 2019–2024: The 3.5 EcoBoost remains the engine of choice for most Expeditions, with ongoing refinements and transmission updates to improve efficiency, smoothness, and towing capability.
In practical terms, Ford kept the 3.5 EcoBoost in the Expedition lineup through the 2024 model year, signaling a long-standing commitment to turbocharged power for the range while iterating on efficiency and refinement rather than replacing the drivetrain altogether.
Summary
The Ford Expedition first added the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 for the 2015 model year, as part of its second‑generation redesign. Since then, the turbocharged engine has been a central option for most Expeditions, paired with periodic updates to technology and transmission, and remained the standard‑bearing choice through the 2024 model year for many trims. This shift gave the large SUV improved towing capability and highway performance while pursuing better efficiency for daily driving.
