2026 Ford Expedition Tremor Review
For nearly three decades, the Ford Expedition has been one of the most trusted full-size SUVs for families who need space, towing ability, and long-distance comfort. It has always been a vehicle that could seat up to eight people while still handling boats, trailers, and weekend adventure gear with ease.
Ford took a serious step toward off-road credibility in 2022 with the Timberline variant. That model was introduced as Ford’s answer to rivals like the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71, GMC Yukon AT4, and Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro. Now, with the fifth-generation Expedition, Ford has taken things further by replacing Timberline with a more focused and capable trim called Tremor.
This review focuses on the 2026 Ford Expedition Tremor, the most off-road capable Expedition ever made, while still trying to answer an important question for buyers. Can this SUV truly balance family hauling duties with genuine off-road capability?
Powertrain and Performance
Even though the Expedition moved to a new generation last year, Ford has kept the powertrain lineup largely unchanged. For the Tremor trim, that is actually a good thing.
Engine details
The 2026 Expedition Tremor comes standard with the high-output version of Ford’s 3.5 litre twin turbo EcoBoost V6.
Key specifications include:
3.5 litre twin turbo V6 EcoBoost engine
440 horsepower
510 lb ft of torque
Up to 20 psi of turbo boost
10 speed automatic transmission
Full-time four-wheel drive
Locking rear differential as standard
This engine is mounted longitudinally and shares its body-on-frame architecture with the Ford F-150. While the F-150 still offers a V8 option, the Expedition lineup is limited to V6 power only.
Acceleration and real-world performance
Ford does not officially quote a 0 to 60 mph time, but real-world testing tells the story.
0 to 60 mph recorded at around 5.1 seconds
This makes it the quickest accelerating Expedition tested so far
Lighter weight than the Expedition Max helps performance
Top speed is just under 120 mph
For a vehicle weighing around 5,700 pounds, this level of acceleration is impressive and places it among the fastest in the segment.
Towing capacity
Despite its off-road focus, towing ability remains strong.
Maximum towing capacity of up to 9,600 pounds with the tow package
Smaller wheelbase version only
Expedition Max version is not available with the Tremor trim
Fuel Economy and Range
Fuel efficiency is one area where the Expedition Tremor does not stand out positively.
EPA ratings:
15 mpg city
22 mpg highway
Important real-world notes:
Premium fuel is required for the high-output engine
23.2 gallon fuel tank
Real-world range of around 370 to 410 miles per tank
Expedition Max offers a larger fuel tank but is not available in Tremor form
No hybrid or mild hybrid option offered
This is especially noticeable since Ford already offers a PowerBoost hybrid system in the F-150. The absence of a hybrid option is a missed opportunity in this segment.
Exterior Design and Off-Road Hardware
The Tremor trim gives the Expedition a noticeably tougher and more purposeful look compared to standard variants.
Front design highlights
Bold Expedition lettering across the hood
Blacked-out Ford grille and emblem
LED daytime running lights and turn signals
LED fog lamps integrated into Electric Spice accents
Front recovery tow hooks in Electric Spice color
Hidden off-road lights behind removable covers
Functional air vents in the front fascia
The off-road lights are not road legal and are meant strictly for trail use.
Side profile and dimensions
Despite Ford calling this a fifth-generation model, the proportions remain familiar.
Overall length: 209.9 inches
Wheelbase: 122.5 inches
Expedition Max is over one foot longer but unavailable in Tremor trim
Tremor-specific upgrades include:
33 inch General Grabber all-terrain tyres
18 inch Magnetite Grey alloy wheels
Exclusive off-road suspension
Nearly 2 inches of extra ride height
Ground clearance increased to 10.6 inches
Full underbody skid plates
Rock rails that double as functional running boards
Rear design and split tailgate
The rear styling is controversial but functional.
Key features include:
Full LED tail lamps
Blacked-out split tailgate design
Ford logo finished in black
Full-size spare tyre underneath
Tow hitch hidden behind bumper cover
The split tailgate can support up to 500 pounds and works well for tailgating or loading gear. An optional accessory table is also available.
Cargo Space and Practicality
The Expedition has always been known for its cargo capacity, and the Tremor continues that tradition.
Cargo capacity figures
22.6 cubic feet behind the third row
61 cubic feet with third row folded
108 cubic feet with all seats folded
Additional notes:
Power-folding third row seats
Underfloor storage area
Expedition Max adds around 15 cubic feet more space but is not available in Tremor trim
Competitors like Tahoe and Yukon still offer slightly more cargo space
Interior Design and Technology
The interior is one of the biggest improvements in the fifth-generation Expedition.
Cabin layout and materials
Black-only interior for Tremor trim
Electric Spice accents and stitching
Tremor embossing on seatbacks
Heated and ventilated front seats
10-way power driver seat with memory
Bang and Olufsen 10-speaker audio system
Material quality is generally good, with leather on key touchpoints, though some lower areas still use hard plastics.
Screens and digital experience
The technology setup is a major highlight.
24 inch panoramic digital display
13.2 inch centre touchscreen
Ford Digital Experience software
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Built-in apps including YouTube and games
Customisable display widgets
360-degree camera system with trajectory view
The low dashboard design improves forward visibility, and screen responsiveness is excellent.
Second Row Comfort
The Expedition remains one of the best full-size SUVs for carrying large families.
Second row highlights:
Optional bench seat increases seating capacity to eight
Approximately 41 inches of legroom
Sliding seats for adjustable space
Flat floor for middle passenger comfort
Heated second-row seats
Three-zone climate control
USB-C charging ports
Household power outlet
Cooling seats are not offered in the second row, even on higher trims.
Third Row Space and Usability
The third row continues to be a strong point.
Key third-row features:
Seating for three adults
Around 36.5 inches of legroom
Power reclining seats
USB-C charging ports
Ceiling-mounted air vents
Good window visibility
Generous headroom due to roof cutout
Compared to rivals, the Expedition offers more usable third-row space than the Toyota Sequoia.
Driving Experience
On the road, the Expedition Tremor feels powerful but undeniably large.
What works well
Strong acceleration
Comfortable highway ride
Excellent visibility
Responsive 10-speed transmission
Plush ride with smaller wheels and all-terrain tyres
One of the best tech interfaces in the segment
What needs improvement
Very slow steering ratio
Feels bulky and cumbersome in tight city driving
Increased road and tyre noise at highway speeds
Fuel economy suffers due to lifted suspension and tyres
On highways, the Tremor is comfortable and stable. In urban areas, its size and slow steering require adjustment.
Pricing and Value
Pricing places the Expedition Tremor firmly in premium territory.
Approximate pricing:
Starting price around $81,000
As-tested price around $85,000
For context:
Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is similarly priced
Tahoe Z71 and Yukon AT4 are in the same range
Fully loaded Yukon AT4 Ultimate can reach $100,000
Despite the high price, the Expedition Tremor remains competitive due to its performance, technology, and interior space.
Final Verdict
The 2026 Ford Expedition Tremor successfully blends off-road capability with genuine family SUV practicality.
Strengths:
Strong twin turbo V6 performance
Excellent interior space across all three rows
Advanced digital technology
Serious off-road hardware
High towing capability
Limitations:
Poor fuel efficiency
No hybrid option
Slow steering response
Expensive pricing
For buyers looking for the most capable version of the Ford Expedition, the Tremor trim should be at the top of the list. With a hybrid powertrain and steering refinement, it could be nearly unbeatable in this segment.
