Large trucks and truck-based SUVs are again in the focus of the automobile industry and we witnessed recently induction of several all-new models from different brands. Ford is a leading brand in the pickup truck segment and continues to expand its SUV portfolio. The Blue Oval brand is making final touches on the reborn Bronco nameplate and smaller Bronco Sport but the recent developments about Ford suggest that another nameplate might be returned in the coming model years. Ford recently made registration of the Excursion nameplate with the Patent and Trademark Office sparking instantly rumors about the model’s return. Rumors appeared already suggesting the resurrection of the largest SUV as the 2021 Ford Excursion while Ford hasn’t yet revealed its plans about the nameplate.
Various reports suggesting possible outcomes of the new nameplate registration. Ford applied for the nameplate to use for motor vehicles including pickup trucks, SUVs, electric vehicles, off-road models and parts. This doesn’t reveal much about Ford’s intention with the Excursion nameplate and there are several opinions about the possible outcome.
With the GMC Hummer EV in the pipeline, the new Ford Excursion might be marketed as Ford’s alternative as some reports suggest. Others indicate the model’s return based again on the Ford Super Duty truck. It also possible that with this move Ford wants simply to ensure intellectual property protection for the use of the nameplate for the future in whatever form.
2021 Ford Excursion: Design
The Ford Excursion was discontinued after the 2005 Calendar Year as the largest-mass-produced SUV ever. The Excursion shared the architecture with the Ford F-250 pickup truck measuring 226.7 inches in length. The three-row Excursion had common styling cues with the popular Explorer and Super Duty trucks. The model’s design had much in common with the Ford Super Duty Crew Cab truck and had four full-size doors and room for nine passengers.
Some reports indicate that Ford won’t change much the recipe in the case of the new 2021 Ford Excursion. The model should again share the underpinning with the Super Duty trucks mixed with the brand’s new design language and technologies. The same reports suggest that the new version should again be similarly sized.
Interior, Equipment:
The super-sized Excursion offered seats for up to nine depending on the configuration. The model had a cargo area behind the second-row door and a 3-way design cargo door. The maximum cargo capacity measured 146.4 cubic feet.
The reports suggesting arrivals of the new Excursion as the 2021 model claims that its cabin should use similar in-cab design as the upcoming all-new Ford F-150. The model should be available with the large touchscreen. The screen should measure somewhere around 15.5 inches as it should be with the upcoming F-150.
The model is also expected to come with a similar trim range as Ford trucks. The equipment list would include various premium comfort and tech features including active driver aids available from the base version.
2021 Ford Excursion: Powertrain
During its lifecycle the super-sized Ford Excursion relayed on both petrol and diesel engines. The model was available with a 5.4-liter Triton V-8 and 6.8-liter V-10 petrol engines. The diesel range included a 7.3-liter PowerStroke V-8 and 6.0-liter PowerStroke V-8.
What is sure, if this nameplate returns as the 2021 Ford Excursion as some reports suggest, the model will skip the V-10 petrol engine. Ford should make the use of upgraded petrol engines reserved for the Super Duty trucks including the new 7.3-liter V-8 unit. The upgraded PowerStoke diesel would also be available. The transmission of choice would be a 10-speed automatic.
There are also reports suggesting a possible arrival of the model as the electric vehicle. The Excursion EV would be an alternative to the GMC Hummer EV. The model could also get other electrified powertrain options such as the plug-in hybrid setup.
2021 Ford Excursion: Release, Price
Ford hasn’t yet hinted what it has in mind with the Excursion nameplate. The return of the model as the 2021 Ford Excursion is unlikely to happen considering lack of the prototype on the roads. Coronavirus pandemic postponed also debuts of several new Ford models. The arrival of the Excursion is more likely closer to the mid of the decade.
The reports suggesting the arrival of the new Excursion in a similar form as the previous version claim it should appear in early 2021. The price range should start from about $60, 000.