Best Yet? 2018 Ford Expedition Takes on the World’s Toughest Towing Test (Ike Gauntlet Results)

2018 ford expedition platinum
2018 Ford Expedition Platinum

The 2018 Ford Expedition is a fully redesigned full-size SUV. It rides on a modified F-150 frame, has a new all-aluminum body, and the dash from a Ford Super Duty. It sound like an intriguing combination, but how will it perform on the Ike Gauntlet™ – the world’s toughest towing test.

The Ike Gauntlet™ is an 8-mile stretch of I-70 up and down a 7% grade highway to a maximum elevation of 11,158 feet above sea level. If a pickup truck on an SUV can excel at this extreme test, it will handle your next towing project with confidence.

As always, safety is of the outmost importance. We are towing the same CM Trailers Cargo Mate loaded to a total weight of 7,000 lbs. We are watching all of the specifications limits: maximum payload, towing, GAWR, GVWR, and GCWR ratings. While the 2018 Expedition 4×4 is rated at a maximum 9,200 lbs of trailering, we are actually at the limit of payload when you consider about 700 lbs of trailer tongue weight and three truckers in the cab.

The Expedition Platinum is using the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine that has been turned up to 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque because it is the top-of-the-line trim. Other Expeditions make do with 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque.

This particular Expedition is equipped with the maximum towing package that includes a 3.73 rear differential ratio.

Full-Size SUVs: 2018 Gold Hitch Competition

Towing a 7,000 lbs CM Trailers Cargo Mate trailer.

Year Make Model Down (Num. Brakes) Up (Time) Up (MPG)  Subjective (Avg) Ike Score
2018 Ford Expedition 4×4 1 07:58.26 3.8 23 86
2018 Chevy Tahoe RST 9 7:54 4.3 20 77.5
2018 GMC Yukon XL 4×4 11 8:03 4.4 21.5 77
2018 Toyota Sequoia 4×4 7 08:17.96  4.0 14.5 69.5
2018 Dodge Durango SRT TBD
2018 Infiniti QX80 TBD

Join the trailering fun in the video below!