Ford has not announced an official 2025 Excursion release date, and the vehicle remains discontinued
Ford discontinued the Excursion in 2005 after 13 years of production. As of early 2025, the company has made no official announcement about reviving the model, and no confirmed release date exists. Speculation about a potential return has circulated among enthusiasts and automotive media, but Ford's product roadmap does not currently include the Excursion under any timeline.
Ford's current full-size SUV lineup includes the Expedition and Expedition Max, which serve the market segment the Excursion once occupied. The Expedition has grown larger and more capable with each generation, and Ford has not indicated plans to introduce a separate model above it.
Key Takeaways
- Ford discontinued the Excursion in 2005 and has not announced plans to bring it back as of 2025.
- The Expedition and Expedition Max now fill the full-size SUV category that the Excursion previously served.
- Rumors about an Excursion return appear in online forums and enthusiast communities but lack official Ford confirmation.
- If you need a large SUV now, the Expedition Max offers three rows of seating and towing capacity comparable to what the old Excursion provided.
Why Ford discontinued the Excursion and what replaced it
The Excursion was built on the Ford Super Duty truck platform and shared its diesel engine options. It was the largest SUV Ford produced, seating up to nine passengers. Declining sales, shifting consumer preferences toward crossovers, and stricter fuel economy regulations led Ford to end production after the 2005 model year.
The Expedition, which debuted in 1997 alongside the Excursion, became Ford's flagship full-size SUV. Over successive generations, the Expedition grew in length, interior space, and capability. The 2024 Expedition Max stretches 221 inches long—only 8 inches shorter than the final Excursion—and offers comparable seating and towing capacity without the truck-based platform's weight penalty.
Where Excursion revival rumors come from
Enthusiast forums, YouTube channels, and automotive blogs regularly publish speculation about discontinued models returning. The Excursion appears in these discussions because it has a devoted owner base, strong resale values for used examples, and a reputation for durability and towing power that appeals to truck and SUV buyers.
Ford has not fueled these rumors with official statements or trademark filings that would suggest development. Automakers typically file trademarks and issue teaser campaigns months before a major model launch, and neither has occurred for an Excursion revival. Without those signals, rumors remain speculation rather than indication of future product plans.
Ford's current SUV strategy and future models
Ford's SUV lineup now emphasizes electric and hybrid powertrains alongside traditional gasoline engines. The company has launched the Mustang Mach-E (electric), the Explorer (hybrid available), and the Expedition (hybrid available). This shift reflects federal fuel economy standards and consumer demand for lower-emission vehicles.
Ford's announced new models for the next few years focus on electric trucks and SUVs, including the F-150 Lightning (already in production) and the upcoming electric three-row SUV based on the Volkswagen platform. A return to the Excursion nameplate would require Ford to reverse course on its current product direction, which seems unlikely given the company's public commitments to electrification.
What to consider if you want a large SUV today
If you are looking for a three-row, full-size SUV with strong towing capacity, the Expedition Max is the closest current Ford alternative. It offers up to 14,000 pounds of towing capacity (with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine), seats up to eight, and comes with available hybrid and diesel powertrains in some model years.
Other manufacturers offer large SUVs as well: the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, the GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, and the Toyota Sequoia all compete in the same segment. Each has different engine options, towing ratings, and interior configurations. If you specifically want the truck-based platform and diesel engine that made the Excursion distinctive, used Excursions from 2000–2005 remain available on the used market, though prices reflect their age and mileage.
How to stay informed about Ford's future models
Ford announces new models and significant updates through official press releases on its corporate website and at major auto shows like the Detroit Auto Show and Los Angeles Auto Show. Following Ford's official social media accounts and subscribing to automotive news outlets that cover Ford specifically will give you confirmed information rather than speculation.
If you own an Excursion or are interested in buying one used, Ford's owner forums and dedicated Excursion communities on Reddit and Facebook remain active. These spaces share maintenance information, parts sources, and real-world ownership experiences, but they are not sources for official product announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ford bringing back the Excursion in 2025 or 2026?
Ford has not announced any plan to revive the Excursion. The model remains discontinued since 2005, and no official timeline or confirmation exists for a return.
Why did Ford stop making the Excursion?
Sales declined as consumer preferences shifted toward crossovers and away from truck-based SUVs. Fuel economy regulations and the rising popularity of the Expedition also contributed to the decision to discontinue it after 2005.
Can I buy a new Excursion anywhere?
No. Ford does not manufacture new Excursions. Used models from 2000–2005 are available through private sellers, dealerships, and online marketplaces, but these are older vehicles with significant mileage.
How does the Expedition Max compare to the old Excursion?
The Expedition Max is nearly as long, seats up to eight passengers, and offers comparable towing capacity. It uses a more modern platform and engine technology, but lacks the truck-based design and diesel options that some Excursion owners preferred.
Where can I find official information about Ford's upcoming SUVs?
Ford's official website, press releases, and announcements at major auto shows provide confirmed product information. Automotive news outlets like Motor Trend, Car and Driver, and Automotive News also report on official Ford announcements.