The Ford Expedition Raptor Is an Extreme Off-Roading Bus
Automotive trends and rumors like the Ford Expedition Raptor are weird! We’re moving toward smaller trucks while three-row SUVs are getting off-roading upgrades. The three-roe Land Rover Defender 130 is trying to tackle the Jeep Wagoneer and could motivate the Ford Expedition Raptor to enter the battle.
What is the Ford Expedition Raptor?
Reportedly, the Ford Expedition Raptor could be the next extreme off-roading option to join the lineup after the new Ford Ranger Raptor. According to Ford Authority, something that builds upon the Expedition Timberline is in the works.
The potential Expedition Raptor might explain why Ford was caught benchmarking JR300 Sport Toyota Land Cruiser. It’s a luxurious and extremely capable three-row SUV that’s available everywhere but in America. Perhaps the Expedition Raptor would fill the void in the lineup.
Also, the Expedition is struggling against declining sales. The Tahoe is selling significantly more models, and the Jeep Wagoneer is growing rapidly. The Expedition needs to do something to attract more drivers!
How much power could the Expedition Raptor have?
It wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to build the Ford Expedition Raptor based on the existing Timberline model. It already shares the same engine with the Ford F-150 Raptor. It has a high-output 3.5-liter V6 engine with 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque.
Plus, it has the same skid plates as the F-150 Raptor, and the same Trail Turn Assist feature. It rides on 33-inch all-terrain tires and has 10.6 inches of ground clearance.
Adding 35 or 37-inch tires would make things more interesting. Also, more ground clearance could make it more raptor-like. The Land Rover Defender 130 has an available adaptive air suspension that raises the ground clearance to 11.6 inches.
But would the Expedition Raptor need a little more muscle? The Ford F-150 Raptor R has a supercharged 5.2-liter V8 engine with 700 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. This amount of power would provide an edge over rivals.
Also, we wonder if the Expedition’s suspension would need any updates to account for extra weight and more challenging conditions. The Timberline has a limited-slip differential but could benefit from electronically controlled differentials in the front and rear.
The Fox internal bypass shocks from the Ford F-150 Raptor could make it more durable and enhance its stability at higher speeds.
The Expedition Raptor would also need upgrades for high-speed racing across the desert, like a Baja off-roading mode with launch control.
How much will the Expedition Raptor cost?
We’re a little bit afraid of how much the Ford Expedition Raptor could cost. The Ford Expedition Timberline already starts at about $71,400. Also, the two-row Ford Bronco Raptor rings in at $76,580.
The Expedition Raptor could start at above $80,000 or even $90,000. But the Land Rover Defender 130 starts at $68,000. The comparable model climbs in price pretty quickly, and the similar Jeep Wagoneer model starts at $71,200 before adding off-roading upgrades.
So, luxurious off-roading buses are pretty expensive, but they can take your entire family along for the ride. The Expedition Raptor may have been captured in a few spy shots, but it’s heavily covered with camouflage.
We will continue following the Ford Expedition Raptor for updates. The big beast could come out under a different name, but will it save the regular model from declining sales?
