Tested by Fire: Ford Expedition Built for the Region’s Harshest Roads

Abu Dhabi : The Ford Expedition, from searing heat to sandy terrain, undergoes punishing real-world testing in the UAE. This is to prove that it is ready for anything drivers in the Middle East throw at it.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
What are the key areas of focus for Ford's hot weather testing of the Expedition?
The key areas of focus are air conditioning, engine cooling, and durability of materials, including plastics, fabrics, and leather.How does Ford test the Expedition's air conditioning system?
Ford tests the air conditioning system to maintain cool, dry cabins even when temperatures are over 50°C outside.- Ford has conducted hot weather testing in Dubai for all models, including the Expedition.
- The testing program includes extreme temperatures, dust, and terrain.
- The focus is on air conditioning, engine cooling, and durability of materials.
For decades, the Ford Expedition has been a trusted family SUV built to be sizable, strong, and comfortable. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), however, performance must be proven as that is the toughest conditions in the world.
Ford engineers in the UAE have subjected the Expedition to a rigorous hot weather testing program to ensure that every version they have sold in the region can contain extreme heat, sand, and demands for long-distance.
Built for Heat, Tuned for Terrain
Ford’s Dubai-based engineering team tests the Expedition under the most intense summer conditions every year. This includes long-term exposure to direct sunlight, heavy use of the cooling system, and challenging drives through sand, gravel, and tarmac.
The focus of the testing is on engine cooling and air conditioning. They closely monitored engine temperatures, oil pressure, and heat dissipation to make sure it delivers reliable power even when temperatures are high. At the same time, they test the air conditioning system to maintain cool, dry cabins, even when it’s over 50°C outside.
They also evaluate interior components by exposing plastics, fabrics, and leather to simulated years of sun to ensure it can resist long-term cracking and fading. They measure every detail, from touchscreen visibility to sensor accuracy, under high heat to guarantee that the quality will last.
Expedition-Specific Features for the Region
- Enhancement of cooling system for better thermal control.
- Factory-installation of a cool box so the cabin will be convenient.
- Unique fascia design to help improve front approach angles.
- Tuned suspension for comfort and control in mixed terrain.
- Dedicated regional team to help improve ride and climate features.
Engineered With Customers in Mind
According to Adrian Aguirre, who is the Chief Program Engineer for the Ford Expedition, “We design it with special elements for the region. Now, there is a cool box standard from the factory, which is a special cooling system, meaning that anyone who buys an Expedition will feel great in an urban setting and also enjoy the outdoors.”
Kartik Ramanathan, who is the Vehicle Engineering Manager, also echoed the sentiment by explaining that the Expedition’s updates will strongly create a balance between off-road performance and daily comfort of driving.
The presence of Expedition in the region is no accident. Ford MENA has spent more than 15 years to tailor what it offers to meet the expectations of the locals. They examine and improve every detail of the Expedition, from collision-avoidance sensors to heavy-duty HVAC systems, for the climate and driving habits in the region.
Long-Term Commitment to Quality
Ravi Ravichandran, who is the President of Ford MENA, concluded, “Our thorough intricate testing of vehicles in and for the region is to guarantee that we build the nameplates we bring to the market with MENA customers in mind.”
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Transmission
Automatic
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AT
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Automatic
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Automatic
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Automatic
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Engine
3498
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5298
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3498
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-
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-
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Power
400Hp
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355Hp/5600Rpm
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279Hp
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275HP@6000rpm
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136
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Torque
650Nm
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518Nm/4100Rpm
|
350 Nm
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430Nm@1700-3600rpm
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220 Nm
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