2026 Ford Expedition
The 2026 Ford Expedition is the fully redesigned full-size SUV built for families who need three rows of real space, serious towing capability, and the confidence to handle everything South Dakota roads demand — from Mobridge highways to gravel approaches and hard winters. This is the complete overview of the 2026 model year: trims, engine, towing, technology, and what changes from the previous generation.
What's New for 2026
The 2026 Expedition is a complete redesign — not a refresh. Ford rebuilt the platform with a new exterior design, redesigned interior, and an all-new off-road-focused Tremor® trim that brings the Expedition into line with the F-150 Tremor family. Key changes include:
- All-new exterior styling and body structure
- New Tremor® trim — 4x4 only, standard wheelbase only, High Output engine standard
- New Marsh Gray exterior color (replaces Wild Green)
- New Split Gate rear liftgate — upper portion lifts, lower portion drops as a tailgate/seat rated to 500 lbs
- Digital Device Holder added on Tremor®, Platinum, and King Ranch®
- Ford Security Package (1-year) now included across lineup
- Wireless Charging Pad removed; updated technology interface throughout
- Rear Seat Entertainment available on Tremor®, Platinum, and King Ranch®
2026 Expedition Trim Levels
The 2026 Expedition is offered in four retail trims. Each builds on the last, and drivetrain availability varies — most trims are 4x4 only or have limited 4x2 availability.
Active
Entry retail trim — available in 4x2 and 4x4
The Active is the capability-first trim. It includes a body-on-frame construction, standard trailer sway control, and the full Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package on 4x4 configurations. Available in both standard wheelbase and MAX. The Select package (200A) includes an 8-passenger bench second row; the Touring package (202A) adds captain's chairs, SYNC® 4 technology, and additional driver assistance features.
Tremor®
Off-road trim — 4x4 only, standard wheelbase only, all-new for this generation
The Tremor® is the dedicated off-road Expedition, new for 2026. It comes standard with the 3.5L EcoBoost® High Output engine (440 HP / 510 lb-ft torque), a 3.73 electronic locking rear differential, 24-inch wheels, a 28MM heavy-duty radiator (upgraded vs. the 26MM on other trims), and terrain management modes tuned for loose and uneven surfaces. Not available as MAX. Standard 7-passenger seating with captain's chairs; 8-passenger optional.
King Ranch®
Heritage luxury trim — 4x4 only, available in standard and MAX
King Ranch® brings Ford's Western heritage styling to the full-size SUV — premium leather seating surfaces, distinctive two-tone exterior, and King Ranch® badging throughout. Available in both standard wheelbase and MAX. Standard 7-passenger seating with captain's chairs.
Platinum
Top luxury trim — 4x4 only, available in standard and MAX
Platinum is the highest luxury configuration in the Expedition lineup. It includes premium interior materials, advanced driver assistance technology, and access to the High Output engine through specific packages. Available Rear Seat Entertainment, Digital Device Holder, and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving capability. Available in both standard wheelbase and MAX. Standard 7-passenger captain's chairs; 8-passenger optional.
For a detailed side-by-side breakdown of what each trim includes and where the value points are, this is explored further in the 2026 Expedition Trims & Packages guide.
Engine & Powertrain
All 2026 Expedition trims use the 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission with SelectShift® capability. Two output levels are available depending on trim:
| Engine | Output | Available On |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 | 400 HP | Active, King Ranch®, Platinum (standard) |
| 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 High Output | 440 HP / 510 lb-ft torque | Tremor® (standard), Platinum (select packages) |
The 10-speed automatic includes a Tow/Haul mode that adjusts shift points and engine braking for trailer loads — a practical feature on the long grades and high plains elevations around Mobridge. Auto Start-Stop technology is included on 4x2 configurations. The 4x4 system uses an electronically controlled 2-speed transfer case with 4x4 Auto, 4x4 High, and 4x4 Low modes — useful for the full range of South Dakota driving conditions.
Note: Ford recommends 91 octane or higher when towing heavy loads or driving in high temperatures. Regular 87 octane is acceptable for everyday driving.
2026 Expedition Towing Capacity
Towing capacity on the 2026 Expedition varies by configuration — specifically drivetrain (4x2 vs. 4x4), axle ratio, and whether the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package is installed. Here are the published ratings from Ford's official 2026 Expedition Towing Guide:
| Configuration | Axle | Max Tow (lbs.) |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition SWB 4x4 (with HDTT) | 3.73 | 9,600 lbs |
| Expedition SWB 4x2 — Tremor® High Output | 3.73 | 9,300 lbs |
| Expedition SWB 4x2 (with HDTT) | 3.73 | 9,200 lbs |
| Expedition MAX 4x2 or 4x4 (with HDTT) | 3.73 | 9,000 lbs |
| Any configuration — base axle, no tow package | 3.31 | 6,000–6,300 lbs |
When properly equipped. Figures from Ford's 2026 Expedition Towing Guide calculated using the SAE J2807® method. Max towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, and number of passengers. Trailers over 7,000 lbs. require a weight-distributing hitch. Buyers towing at elevation — common across western South Dakota — should reduce gross vehicle and combination weight by 2% per 1,000 ft. of elevation per Ford's guidance.
What's Included in the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package
To reach the 9,000–9,600 lb ratings, the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package is required. On 4x4 trims, this package is standard. It includes:
- 4-pin and 7-pin trailer connector
- Class IV hitch receiver
- Upgraded rear axle (3.73 ratio)
- Upgraded radiator (26MM; 28MM on Tremor®)
- Tow/Haul mode
- Integrated trailer brake controller
- Trailer sway control
- Pro Trailer Hitch Assist™
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ 2.0
- 360-degree camera
For a detailed breakdown of real-world towing scenarios — horse trailers, bumper-pull campers, boat trailers, and weight distribution — this is explored further in the 2026 Expedition Towing Guide.
Expedition vs. Expedition MAX
The Expedition MAX is the extended-wheelbase (LWB) version of the same vehicle. The core difference is cargo depth and third-row space — not powertrain, not towing fundamentals, not trim availability (with one exception).
| Expedition (SWB) | Expedition MAX (LWB) | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 | 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 |
| Max Tow (4x4, HDTT) | 9,600 lbs | 9,000 lbs |
| Third-Row Space | Standard | More legroom |
| Cargo (behind 3rd row) | Standard | ~15 cu ft more |
| Tremor® Available | ? Yes | ? No |
| King Ranch® / Platinum | ? Yes | ? Yes (4x4 only) |
A full side-by-side with real buyer scenarios — including cargo comparisons and family size guidance — is covered in the 2026 Expedition vs. Expedition MAX guide.
Interior, Seating & Cargo
The 2026 Expedition is a genuine three-row SUV with seating for up to 7 or 8 passengers depending on second-row configuration:
- 8-passenger: Standard on Active Select (200A). Second-row bench seat. Available on Tremor®, Active Touring, and Platinum.
- 7-passenger: Standard on Active Touring (202A), Tremor®, King Ranch®, and Platinum. Second-row captain's chairs improve comfort and third-row access.
The all-new Split Gate rear liftgate is new for 2026 — the upper three-quarters lifts traditionally, while the lower section drops down like a tailgate, rated to support 500 lbs. Useful as a seat or loading shelf. Fold-flat second and third rows create maximum cargo space when passengers aren't needed.
Interior materials, seat heating, ventilation, and available options by trim are covered in detail in the 2026 Expedition Interior & Cargo guide.
Technology & Safety
The 2026 Expedition uses SYNC® 4 with a large touchscreen as the primary interface, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Key technology available across the lineup includes:
- SYNC® 4 with touchscreen and voice-activated controls
- Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving — available on Platinum and King Ranch®
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS®) with Trailer Coverage
- Lane Keeping System with Lane Centering
- 360-degree camera (standard with HDTT package)
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist™ 2.0 (standard with HDTT package)
- Rear Seat Entertainment — available on Tremor®, Platinum, King Ranch®
- Digital Device Holder — standard on Tremor®, Platinum, King Ranch®
A full breakdown of which features are standard vs. available by trim — including driver assistance, connectivity, and towing technology — is in the 2026 Expedition Technology & Safety guide.
Available Exterior Colors
The 2026 Expedition is offered in the following colors (availability varies by trim — confirm with Beadle's Ford for your specific build):
- Agate Black Metallic
- Oxford White
- Space Silver Metallic
- Dark Matter Gray Metallic
- Glacier Gray Metallic Tri-Coat (extra cost)
- Star White Metallic Tri-Coat (extra cost)
- Stone Blue Metallic
- Marsh Gray — new for 2026
Deep Dive Guides
Each topic below is covered in a dedicated guide. These go into full buyer-decision detail that goes beyond what fits in an overview page.
Trims & Packages
What each trim includes, where the value points are, and which packages matter most.
Towing Guide
Horse trailers, campers, boat trailers — real-world towing capacity and what you need to reach it.
Expedition vs. Expedition MAX
Which wheelbase is right for your family size, cargo needs, and use case.
Technology & Safety
SYNC 4, BlueCruise, towing tech, and driver assistance — what's standard vs. available by trim.
Interior, Seating & Cargo
Seating configurations, Split Gate, cargo space, and interior materials by trim.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum towing capacity of the 2026 Ford Expedition?
The 2026 Expedition SWB 4x4 properly equipped with the Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package is rated at 9,600 lbs — the highest in the nameplate's history. The Expedition MAX tops out at 9,000 lbs (4x4, with HDTT). The 4x2 standard Expedition reaches 9,200 lbs with HDTT, or 9,300 lbs with the Tremor® High Output engine. To reach any of the higher ratings, the 3.73 rear axle ratio and HDTT package are required. Trailers over 7,000 lbs also require a weight-distributing hitch per Ford's towing guide.
What is the difference between the 2026 Expedition and Expedition MAX?
The MAX is the extended-wheelbase version. It adds approximately 15 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and more third-row legroom. The engine, powertrain, and trim structure are the same — with one exception: the Tremor® trim is not available as a MAX. The MAX 4x4 tows up to 9,000 lbs vs. 9,600 lbs on the standard Expedition 4x4, due to the added body weight.
Is the 2026 Expedition available in 4x4?
Yes. The Active trim is available in both 4x2 and 4x4. Tremor®, King Ranch®, and Platinum are 4x4 only. The 4x4 system uses an electronically controlled 2-speed transfer case with 4x4 Auto, 4x4 High, and 4x4 Low — appropriate for South Dakota's gravel roads, snow, and mixed surfaces.
What engine does the 2026 Ford Expedition have?
All 2026 Expedition trims use the 3.5L EcoBoost® V6. The standard version produces 400 HP and pairs with a 10-speed automatic. The High Output version — standard on Tremor® and available on select Platinum packages — produces 440 HP and 510 lb-ft of torque. Both are paired with the same 10-speed SelectShift® automatic transmission.
What is the new Tremor® trim on the 2026 Expedition?
The Tremor® is new for this generation — an off-road focused Expedition trim that mirrors the F-150 Tremor family. It's standard wheelbase only, 4x4 only, and comes equipped with the High Output engine (440 HP / 510 lb-ft), a 3.73 electronic locking rear differential, 24-inch wheels, a heavier-duty 28MM radiator, and terrain management modes tuned for off-pavement use. It also supports the highest 4x2 tow rating (9,300 lbs) when configured with 4x2 drivetrain.
How many people does the 2026 Ford Expedition seat?
The 2026 Expedition seats up to 7 or 8 passengers depending on second-row configuration. The Active Select trim comes standard with a bench second row (8-passenger). Tremor®, King Ranch®, and Platinum come standard with captain's chairs (7-passenger). The 8-passenger bench is optionally available on most trims except King Ranch®.
Where can I buy a 2026 Ford Expedition near Mobridge, SD?
Beadle's Ford in Mobridge, South Dakota carries the 2026 Ford Expedition and Expedition MAX. We serve buyers from Mobridge, Selby, McLaughlin, Pollock, and surrounding communities, as well as buyers traveling from Aberdeen, Pierre, Bismarck, and across the region. Search available inventory or contact our team for current availability.
Towing figures from Ford's 2026 Expedition Towing Guide, calculated using SAE J2807® method. Maximum towing varies based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, and number of passengers. Trailers over 7,000 lbs. require a weight-distributing hitch. Engine output ratings are published ratings and may vary. Feature availability varies by trim and package — confirm specific options and availability with Beadle's Ford. Color availability varies by trim. All information subject to change. © Beadle's Ford, Mobridge, SD.