Is Ford Making a 2026 Excursion?

No, Ford is not officially making a 2026 Excursion. As of now, there have been no official announcements or confirmations from Ford regarding the production or release of a new Ford Excursion model for the 2026 model year. The original Ford Excursion was discontinued after the 2005 model year and has not been produced since.

While rumors and speculation frequently circulate online about a potential revival of the massive SUV, these have not materialized into concrete plans from Ford. Enthusiasts and industry observers often discuss the possibility, fueled by the enduring appeal of the Excursion's size and capability, but these discussions remain in the realm of conjecture.

The Enduring Legacy of the Ford Excursion

The Ford Excursion. For a certain segment of the American automotive market, those words conjure images of unparalleled size, towing prowess, and the ability to haul the entire family and all their gear, plus a boat, and maybe even another vehicle. For a period, the Excursion reigned supreme as the undisputed king of the full-size, heavy-duty SUV. Today, while the landscape of large SUVs has evolved, the memory and the legend of the Excursion persist, leading many to wonder: Will Ford ever bring it back? Specifically, the question on many minds is: Is Ford making a 2026 Excursion?

The short, and for many, disappointing answer is: No, Ford is not making a 2026 Excursion. There have been no official announcements from Ford Motor Company, nor has there been any credible evidence to suggest that a new Excursion is slated for production for the 2026 model year. The original Excursion, produced from 1999 to 2005, was a unique vehicle in its time, built on the Super Duty truck platform, offering a level of passenger capacity and heavy-duty capability that few, if any, other SUVs could match.

However, the persistent rumors and the fervent desire among a dedicated fanbase have kept the idea of an Excursion revival alive. This article will delve into the history of the Ford Excursion, explore the reasons for its discontinuation, examine the current market for large SUVs, and discuss why the dream of a 2026 Ford Excursion, while fervent, remains just that – a dream, at least for now.

Why the Excursion Captured the American Imagination

To understand the enduring fascination with the Excursion, we must first understand what made it special. Launched in late 1999 as a 2000 model year vehicle, the Ford Excursion was, by any measure, colossal. It was essentially a passenger-focused version of Ford's Super Duty pickup truck, sharing its robust chassis and powertrain options. This meant it could tow and haul with authority, rivaling many pickup trucks while offering seating for up to nine passengers.

Key features that defined the Excursion included:

Massive Size: It was longer, wider, and taller than even the Chevrolet Suburban of its era. Its sheer presence on the road was undeniable.
Towing and Hauling Prowess: With powerful V8 and V10 gasoline engines, and a popular Power Stroke turbodiesel V8, the Excursion was engineered for serious work. It could tow substantial loads, making it ideal for boat owners, horse trailer haulers, and those who needed to move large campers.
Passenger Capacity: The ability to seat up to nine occupants across three rows of seating was a significant draw for large families or groups.
Robust Construction: Built on a heavy-duty truck frame, the Excursion offered a solid and confident driving experience, especially when loaded.
Luxury Options: While a workhorse, higher trim levels like the Limited offered premium features, making it a surprisingly comfortable vehicle for long journeys.

In an era where the American love for large vehicles was arguably at its peak, the Excursion seemed to tick all the boxes. It was a vehicle that projected capability, space, and a certain kind of American excess that resonated with a significant portion of the buying public.

The Demise of the Original Excursion

Despite its unique appeal, the Ford Excursion had a relatively short production run. It was discontinued after the 2005 model year. Several factors contributed to its demise:

Fuel Economy: The Excursion was notoriously thirsty. Its large gasoline engines, while powerful, struggled to achieve competitive fuel economy, especially as gas prices began to fluctuate and concerns about fuel efficiency grew.
Changing Market Trends: By the mid-2000s, the market began to shift. While large SUVs still had a following, there was also a growing interest in more fuel-efficient options, as well as the rise of the luxury crossover segment.
Economic Factors: Economic downturns and rising fuel costs can significantly impact sales of less fuel-efficient, high-consumption vehicles.
Consumer Perception: Some critics and consumers perceived the Excursion as being overly large and perhaps even ostentatious, contributing to a less favorable public image.
Environmental Concerns: With increasing environmental awareness, large, gas-guzzling vehicles faced growing scrutiny.

Ford ultimately decided that the Excursion's future was not viable, and it was pulled from production. However, its absence in the market created a void that some consumers have continued to lament.

The Modern SUV Landscape: A Different World

The automotive industry has undergone significant transformations since the Excursion last rolled off the assembly line. The large SUV segment still exists, but it looks quite different today. Ford's current offerings in the full-size SUV space include the:

Ford Expedition: This has been Ford's flagship full-size SUV for many years. It offers three rows of seating, significant towing capacity, and a more modern, fuel-efficient powertrain compared to the Excursion. The Expedition also has a long-wheelbase version, the Expedition MAX, which offers more cargo space.
Ford Bronco: While not a direct successor in terms of size and purpose, the revived Bronco has tapped into the enthusiast market with its off-road prowess and rugged appeal.
Ford Explorer: This is Ford's popular mid-size SUV, which has also seen its dimensions grow over the years, but it doesn't reach the colossal scale of the Excursion.

Furthermore, the market is now populated by highly capable competitors from other manufacturers, such as the Chevrolet Suburban and Tahoe, GMC Yukon XL and Yukon, Cadillac Escalade ESV, and the Toyota Sequoia. These vehicles offer substantial size, towing capabilities, and luxury appointments, but none quite replicate the specific, heavy-duty truck-based platform of the original Excursion.

Why the Rumors Persist: The "What If" Factor

The persistent rumors about a potential Ford Excursion revival, especially for a 2026 model year, stem from a confluence of factors:

Nostalgia: The Excursion holds a special place in the hearts of those who owned or admired it. Nostalgia is a powerful force in the automotive world.
Market Demand for Large, Capable Vehicles: Despite trends towards electrification and smaller vehicles, there remains a segment of the American population that requires and desires large, capable SUVs for towing, hauling, and family transport. The success of the Expedition MAX and competing large SUVs demonstrates this.
The "Giga-SUV" Trend: In recent years, we've seen a trend towards larger and larger vehicles, with manufacturers pushing the boundaries of size and capability. This has fueled speculation that a vehicle of the Excursion's magnitude could find a market.
Enthusiast Websites and Social Media: Online automotive communities, forums, and social media platforms are breeding grounds for speculation. A compelling concept or even a rendering of a new Excursion can quickly go viral, sparking widespread discussion and belief.
Ford's Product Cycle: Automakers constantly evaluate their product lineups and consider new models or revivals of popular nameplates. The possibility, however remote, is always on the table for product planners.

Has Ford Ever Hinted at a Revival?

While Ford is known for bringing back beloved nameplates (like the Bronco and the Maverick), there have been no official statements or concrete hints from Ford executives or product planners regarding a new Excursion. Any suggestions of a 2026 model are purely speculative. Ford typically announces new models years in advance through official press releases, concept vehicle reveals, and industry trade shows.

When asked about a potential Excursion revival in the past, Ford representatives have generally steered the conversation towards their current offerings like the Expedition and its capabilities. This suggests that while Ford listens to customer feedback, a direct revival of the Excursion isn't currently in their product strategy.

What Would a Modern Excursion Look Like?

If Ford were to reconsider a vehicle like the Excursion, it would undoubtedly need to address many of the shortcomings of the original, while leveraging modern automotive technology. A hypothetical 2026 Ford Excursion might feature:

Hybrid or Electric Powertrain Options: To address fuel economy concerns and meet modern emissions standards, a hybrid or even a fully electric powertrain would likely be essential. Imagine an Excursion with the torque of electric motors for towing!
Advanced Safety Features: Modern vehicles are packed with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). A new Excursion would need to incorporate the latest in safety technology.
More Refined Interior and Technology: Today's large SUVs offer premium interiors with sophisticated infotainment systems, connectivity, and passenger comfort features that were not as prevalent in the early 2000s.
Improved Aerodynamics and Design: While still massive, a new Excursion might feature a more aerodynamically optimized design to improve efficiency and reduce wind noise.
Potentially a Different Platform: It's possible Ford might not use a direct Super Duty truck platform but rather a bespoke, heavy-duty SUV platform designed for the modern era, perhaps incorporating more advanced suspension systems for better ride quality.

The Ford Expedition: The Closest We Have

For those looking for the largest, most capable Ford SUV available today, the Ford Expedition and its extended-length sibling, the Expedition MAX, are the current champions. The Expedition offers a compelling package for families and those who need significant towing and cargo space. It is built on a more modern architecture than the old Excursion, offering a better balance of comfort, technology, and efficiency.

Key features of the Ford Expedition that make it a suitable alternative for Excursion fans include:

Spacious Interior: The Expedition and Expedition MAX offer ample room for passengers and cargo, with comfortable seating in all three rows.
Impressive Towing Capacity: With its available EcoBoost V6 engines and robust chassis, the Expedition can tow substantial loads, often exceeding 9,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Modern Technology: It boasts Ford's latest SYNC infotainment system, advanced safety features, and connectivity options.
Better Fuel Economy: Compared to the Excursion's V8 and V10 engines, the Expedition's EcoBoost V6 powertrains offer a significant improvement in fuel efficiency.
Off-Road Variants: The Expedition Timberline and Stealth Edition offer enhanced off-road capabilities for those who venture beyond pavement.

While the Expedition doesn't quite match the sheer, unadulterated truck-based brawn of the original Excursion, it represents Ford's modern interpretation of a large, capable SUV and is likely the best option for anyone seeking its capabilities within the current Ford lineup.

Conclusion: The 2026 Excursion Remains a Fantasy

To reiterate the main point: Is Ford making a 2026 Excursion? The answer is no. There is no official indication from Ford that a new Excursion is planned for production, let alone for the 2026 model year. While the internet is awash with rumors and speculative articles, these are not based on any confirmed information from the manufacturer.

The Ford Excursion was a product of its time, a behemoth that catered to a specific demand for massive, truck-based SUVs. While that demand still exists to some extent, the automotive industry has evolved, and so have consumer preferences and regulatory requirements. Ford's focus has shifted towards modern, more efficient, and technologically advanced vehicles, with the Expedition serving as its current flagship in the full-size SUV segment.

Perhaps one day, Ford may revisit the idea of an ultra-large SUV that captures the spirit of the Excursion. However, until there is an official announcement from Ford itself, the 2026 Ford Excursion remains firmly in the realm of wishful thinking and online speculation. For now, fans of the colossal SUV can only reminisce about its legendary size and capability or turn their attention to the very capable Ford Expedition.

Key Takeaways for Google Searchability:

Ford 2026 Excursion: No official plans from Ford.
New Ford Excursion: No announcement or confirmation.
Will Ford make an Excursion again?: Currently no plans, especially not for 2026.
Ford Excursion revival: Speculation only, not confirmed.
Ford Expedition vs. Excursion: Expedition is the modern large SUV offering.
Discontinued Ford Excursion: Produced from 1999-2005.