Written byIs the world ready for the return of a real American hero? No, the Ford Excursion, General Motors’ GMC Suburban nemesis whose four- and five-ton curb weights were the delight of oversized American families, trailer-towers, and diesel junkies, is reportedly, finally, coming back—and it’ll do so swinging, packing class-defining tow ratings and state-of-the-art tech.
A Nostalgic Return That’s Built for Today
I recall a trip in a 2000s-era Ford Excursion, with eight of us crammed inside, heading for the hills and carrying sleeping bags in tow, along with enough camping gear for a small scout troop. It was comforting how huge it was. That all came rushing back as soon as I heard the rumors were true: the Ford Excursion is making a comeback for 2026.
The original Excursion last served in 2005, but it gave us such character and utility that its fans have been yearning for another one ever since. Now that more shoppers than ever are seeking third-row seating, modern towing capabilities, and spacious passenger accommodations, the timing for its return couldn’t be better.
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2026 Ford Excursion Release Date
Ford hasn’t made an official statement on when you’ll be able to visit a showroom, but industry insiders are pointing to the fall of 2025, with production expected to start in late Q3 2025. Ford is expected to reveal the car at one of the major U.S. auto shows, likely the Detroit Auto Show, in September 2025.
Expected Release Timeline:
- Official Reveal: Q3 2025
- Pre Orders Open: Late Q3 2025
- Dealership Availability: Early Q4, 2025
Ford aims to reclaim the full-size SUV segment, and the rollout of the 2026 Excursion will be strategic, encompassing the entire North American market.
Platform, Powertrains & Performance
The 2026 Ford Excursion will be built on the same platform as the Super Duty F-250, which is considered the core of the business. This is not just a big SUV; it’s a bruiser in disguise.
Engine Options (Expected):
- 6.8L V8 Gasoline Engine– 430 hp, 480 lb-ft torque
- 6.7L Power Stroke V8 Turbo Diesel – Rumored 475 hp, 1050 lb-ft torque
- Hybrid model (TBD) – Ford may introduce a gas-electric version featuring a 3.5L EcoBoost engine paired with an electric motor.
The availability of these choices indicates that modern drivers prioritize considerable power, improved fuel efficiency (at least compared to the past), and towing capability.
Towing Capacity:
Ford is reportedly aiming for towing figures of around 11,000 lbs, based on the diesel and HD underpinnings. That’s more than the Chevy Suburban or GMC Yukon XL, making it a viable option for both RV owners and those who frequently haul large trailers.
Exterior Styling: Bold and Authoritative
If the spy shots and the renderings are anything to go by, the 2026 Excursion will be more of a luxurious tank than a suburban grocery-getter.
Design Highlights:
- Approach Lighting with Grille-mounted LED Signature Lighting
- Boxy, Super Duty-Inspired Body
- Available Two-Tone Paint Options
- 21- to 22-inch Wheels
- High Ground Clearance and Skid Plates on Off-Road Trims
Ford designers are combining ruggedness with refinement in their effort to create a vehicle that looks as good in a mountain pass as it does outside a luxury hotel.
Interior: Family-Ready Meets First-Class
Hop inside, and you’ll understand why the new Excursion isn’t only about hard work. It’s being positioned for large families that won’t sacrifice comfort or tech.
Cabin Features:
- Seating for 8–9 passengers
- High-end materials, with leather and open-pore wood choices
- 30+ cup holders and storage cubbies
- First and second rows, heated and ventilated
- Rear seat entertainment system with 12.1-inch displays
- Platform Hands-free liftgate and power-folding third row
With the rear seats folded, the cargo capacity is expected to be more than 145 cubic feet—great for out-of-town vacations, DIY projects, or the sports team’s parents.
Tech & Infotainment: Fully Connected
Ford is stuffing the Excursion with its newest tech suite, just like the Expedition and F-150 Lightning.
Infotainment & Tech Specs:
- 15.5-inch SYNC 5 touchscreen
- Digital Instrument Cluster
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Wireless
- Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving tech
- 360-degree camera with trailer assist
- Over-the-air (OTA) software updates
Families can look forward to a connected cabin. BlueCruise will also be standard on higher trims and will enable semi-autonomous highway cruising.
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Safety: Built Like a Fortress
Ford’s top commitment to safety also returns with the Excursion. Built on the Super Duty frame, the SUV will also feature reinforced steel construction and the latest driver-assist technology.
Ford Co-Pilot 360 Technologies (Expected Standard):
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane-Keep Assist
- Blind-Spot Information System (BLIS)
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Pro Trailer Backup Assist
Considering the importance of families and their passengers, Ford will focus on crash mitigation and accident avoidance—a critical feature in a vehicle of this size and significance.
Trim Levels & Pricing (Estimated)
Though official trim names haven’t been released, anticipate a lineup that resembles those offered with other large Ford SUVs.
Expected Trims:
- XL – Base, rugged trim
- XLT– Mid-range comfort
- Limited– Leather and luxury
- King Ranch – Western styling, optional pintle hitch
- Platinum – Tech-packed luxury
- Excursion Raptor (rumored) – Off-road beast of burden
Estimated Starting Price:
- XL: $65,000
- XLT:Â $70,000
- Limited: $77,000
- Platinum/King Ranch: $85,000–$90,000
- Diesel/Hybrid Versions: Add $3,000- $6,000 to trim estimate
Not inexpensive to buy, the Excursion should deliver unmatched utility and size for the dollar, not to mention cross-country comfort few sport-utilities can equal.
What Experts Are Saying
Mike Levine, Ford North America Product Communications Manager, says, “We know the full-size SUV segment has growth opportunities, and the all-new Excursion will allow our customers to have it all.”
AutoLine’s Alex Dykes (Anfordark) believes that the Excursion might disrupt a segment currently owned by the Suburban and Yukon XL if the diesel option comes through as promised.
Enthusiast forums are also blowing up. “Seventeen years I’ve waited for this thing,” one user wrote on the Ford Truck Enthusiasts forum,* while another added, “Yes! Give me the 6.7 diesel, and I’m in on Day One.'”
Why It Matters: A Segment Game-Changer
The reissue of the Excursion isn’t merely a bit of nostalgia—it’s to plug a widening hole in the market for an over-the-top SUV. Families are expanding, trailers are growing, and people want the comfort of an SUV combined with the muscle of a truck.
Here’s how it compares with key rivals:
| Feature | 2026 Ford Excursion | Chevy Suburban | GMC Yukon XL |
| Max Towing | 11,000 lbs (est.) | 8,300 lbs | 8,400 lbs |
| Seating | Up to 9 | Up to 8 | Up to 8 |
| Diesel Option | Yes | No | No |
| Hands-Free Driving | Yes (BlueCruise) | No | Super Cruise (limited) |
Ford is looking for best-in-class in every area.
Final Thoughts: Should You Wait for the 2026 Ford Excursion?
If you’ve outgrown your current SUV — or if you miss the days when vehicles could tow a boat, carry a family of eight, and still have space for a dog crate in the back — the 2026 Ford Excursion is likely to be right up your alley.
The combination of Super Duty power, contemporary luxury, and state-of-the-art technology helps make the Expedition Max more than the sum of its parts, even if it’s a big truck or a big SUV. It’s a statement. Whether your road trip warrior, pulling a trailer, or just like a lot of space, the Excursion is starting to look like a vehicle that will be worth waiting for.
