The Ford Excursion is built on the same chassis as the Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup truck.
Shared Heritage with the Super Duty
As a true road-behemoth, the Ford Excursion leveraged the robust, heavy-duty foundation of the F-Series Super Duty line, specifically sharing its chassis with the F-250 Super Duty. This common architecture provided the Excursion with exceptional size and capability, designed to accommodate significant cargo and passengers. The vehicle's imposing presence was further emphasized by a front fascia that closely resembled the F-250, featuring large, squared headlights and a distinctive three-part grille. Consequently, the Excursion stood very tall, reflecting its rugged, truck-based origins.
The decision to base the Excursion on a Super Duty truck chassis allowed Ford to deliver a full-size SUV with unparalleled interior space, capable of seating up to nine people comfortably. This made it a popular choice for large families or those requiring substantial towing and hauling capacity.
Here's a quick overview of the Ford Excursion's foundation:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Chassis Donor | Ford F-250 Super Duty |
| Vehicle Type | Full-size, heavy-duty SUV |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 9 people |
| Exterior Styling | Resembled F-250 Super Duty front fascia |
| Stance | Very tall on its feet |
Implications of the Heavy-Duty Platform
The use of a heavy-duty truck chassis provided the Ford Excursion with significant advantages, but also some trade-offs.
Advantages:
- Towing and Hauling Capability: The strong ladder frame and robust suspension components, inherited from the Super Duty, gave the Excursion immense towing and payload capacities, far exceeding most car-based SUVs.
- Durability: Built for demanding work, the Super Duty chassis contributed to the Excursion's reputation for ruggedness and longevity.
- Spacious Interior: The sheer scale of the truck platform allowed for a cavernous interior, providing ample legroom, headroom, and cargo space for all occupants.
- Off-Road Potential (4x4 models): The durable chassis and available four-wheel-drive systems made it capable of handling rough terrain, albeit with its large size being a limiting factor in tight spaces.
Considerations:
- Fuel Economy: The heavy-duty nature of the chassis and the vehicle's substantial weight meant that fuel efficiency was not a strong suit.
- Maneuverability: Its immense size made it challenging to navigate in urban environments, parking lots, and tight spaces.
- Ride Quality: While robust, the truck-based suspension often resulted in a firmer ride compared to car-based SUVs, particularly when unladen.
The Ford Excursion's identity as an extra-large SUV was intrinsically linked to its F-250 Super Duty roots, offering a unique blend of passenger capacity and truck-like utility.
For more information on the Ford F-Series Super Duty trucks, you can visit Ford's official website.
