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Dearborn’s Ford Expedition SUV has gotten pretty stale in recent years, but at long last, it has just received a ground-up redesign.

Debuting at the Chicago Auto Show is Ford’s latest and greatest full-size family hauler. For 2018, it gains a new look, more power, more efficiency, and more driver-assistance features, all while shedding a whole bunch of weight.

Thanks to an aluminum skin and completely re-engineered high-strength steel frame, the Expedition is up to 300 pounds lighter than its predecessor and probably a lot more robust as well.

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As you’d expect, a turbocharged 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 provides the giddy-up, though neither horsepower nor torque figures have been released in typical Ford fashion. As with the F-150, a 10-speed automatic transmission is this drivetrain’s other half, which should help provide a best-in-class tow rating. Stop-start technology is standard, which should appreciably improve fuel economy.

SEE ALSO: 2017 Chicago Auto Show Coverage

Today’s Expedition already has one of the best third-row seats in the business, with ample leg and headroom, but engineers have further increased the space back here and made the backrests recline, for even greater comfort. Also, the second-row seats tip and slide for easier access.

Upping the versatility, those back rows can fold flat at the push of a button, allowing the Expedition to swallow a requisite 4×8 sheet of building material without issue.

Giving power to the people, engineers have equipped this vehicle with four 12-volt sockets, six USB ports, and even a 110-volt outlet so everyone’s devices can plug in. There’s also wireless charging, Pro Trailer Backup Assist – a big help for folks that tow regularly – as well as Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system, which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A 12-speaker sound system is also available, as is a hands-free liftgate.

Other high-tech features include a 360-degree camera, improved lane-keep assist technology, adaptive cruise control that can handle stop-and-go driving and much more.

The 2018 Ford Expedition will be offered in two different sizes, a regular and an extended-length Max model. This all-new SUV is expected to arrive at dealerships in the fall. Pricing, engine output and fuel economy figures are not available.

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