The 1990’s were an interesting time for SUVs and this particular period is widely considered to be the era when the segment truly began to expand after being relegated to being utilitarian focused beasts meant for rugged trails. In the case of Ford, the Explorer was the figurative spearhead of this transformation.

However, Ford knew that it needed a bigger contender to get a bigger slice of the pie and launched the Expedition towards the end of the decade. While the model did briefly play second fiddle to the even larger Ford Excursion, the Expedition has soldiered on for 30 years and Ford has unveiled a new 30th Anniversary model to celebrate.

Expedition channels Mustang DNA

Like other Anniversary models we have seen from Ford and several other automakers, this package is mainly focused on appearance but you would be hard pressed to believe that if you look at what Ford has done to the exterior. While the core look carries over unchanged, the SUV get Ford’s Blue Ember tri-metallic paint. The last time we saw this particular color was exclusively on the Mustang Dark Horse so it’s a pretty big honor for the Expo to get this color as its proverbial birthday present.

Along with the spiffy paint, the Expo also gets 22-inch gloss ebony black wheels and unique badges. The interior gets some revisions too and while buyers will have to get the Stealth Package to get access to this Anniversary special, the cabin gets special Salt Gray hued upholstery and embossed 30th Anniversary badges scattered throughout. Like the upscale Lincoln Navigator, the Expedition places stronger emphasis on screens with the center piece being a large display that is nestled on top of the dashboard and is joined by a large infotainment screen.

Performance continues to come from a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 that makes 400 horsepower but a special High Output version can bump that up to 440 hp if buyers need more grunt off the line for stoplight sprints or towing with a 10-speed automatic continuing to be the sole transmission.

When can I buy one?

Ford didn’t reveal final pricing for the 30th Anniversary model but with the minimal changes its bringing to consumers, look for it to begin appearing in lots sooner rather than later. The 2026 Expedition starts at over $65,000 so look for this Anniversary special to bring it past $70,000 (partly due to the Stealth Package.)