The Ford Excursion 6.0 TD Automatic, produced from 2002 to 2005, represents the pinnacle of full-size SUV capability offered by Ford during that period. Built on a heavily modified Ford Super Duty chassis, the Excursion was designed to compete with the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL, offering a larger interior volume and towing capacity. The 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel engine paired with a four-speed automatic transmission was a mid-range offering within the Excursion lineup, positioned between the base gasoline engines and the higher-output diesel variants. It aimed to balance power, fuel economy, and affordability for buyers needing substantial towing and passenger capacity.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Ford |
| Model | Excursion |
| Generation | Excursion |
| Type (Engine) | 6.0 TD (329 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 2002 |
| End of production | 2005 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 8-9 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 16 l/100 km (14.7 US mpg, 17.7 UK mpg, 6.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 10 l/100 km (23.5 US mpg, 28.2 UK mpg, 10 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Maximum speed | 153 km/h (95.07 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.2 kg/Hp, 97.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 4.5 kg/Nm, 221.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 329 Hp @ 3300 rpm |
| Power per litre | 55.3 Hp/l |
| Torque | 745 Nm @ 2000 rpm (549.48 lb.-ft. @ 2000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | VT365 |
| Engine displacement | 5948 cm3 (362.97 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 8 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 95 mm (3.74 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 104.9 mm (4.13 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 18:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 14.2 l (15 US qt | 12.49 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 26 l (27.47 US qt | 22.88 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 3370 kg (7429.58 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 4037 kg (8900.06 lbs.) |
| Max load | 667 kg (1470.48 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 1359 l (47.99 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 4145 l (146.38 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 166 l (43.85 US gal | 36.51 UK gal) |
| Length | 5758 mm (226.69 in.) |
| Width | 2032 mm (80 in.) |
| Height | 1948 mm (76.69 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 3480 mm (137.01 in.) |
| Front track | 1737 mm (68.39 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1730 mm (68.11 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 265/75 R16 |
INTRODUCTION
The Ford Excursion, launched in 2000, was a bold move by Ford to capture the ultra-large SUV market. The 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel variant, introduced in 2003, quickly became a popular choice for those needing substantial towing capacity and interior space. This engine, designated VT365, was a significant upgrade over the earlier gasoline offerings, providing considerably more torque for hauling heavy loads. The automatic transmission was a crucial component, designed to handle the engine’s output while providing relative ease of use for drivers accustomed to larger vehicles. The Excursion, despite its size, was marketed as a versatile vehicle capable of both work and family duties.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Excursion 6.0 TD is the VT365 6.0-liter V8 diesel engine. This engine utilized a cast iron block and aluminum cylinder heads. It featured a common-rail direct fuel injection system, delivering fuel at extremely high pressures for improved combustion efficiency and reduced emissions. The engine employed a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) with an intercooler to boost power and torque. The valvetrain consisted of four valves per cylinder, operated by a single overhead camshaft. The 6.0-liter Power Stroke produced 329 horsepower at 3300 rpm and a substantial 745 lb-ft of torque at 2000 rpm. The engine was mated to a four-speed automatic transmission (4R100), a robust unit designed to handle the high torque output. This transmission featured electronic control for smoother shifting and improved fuel economy. The 4R100 was known for its durability, but also for potential issues with torque converter failure if not properly maintained.
Driving Characteristics
The Excursion 6.0 TD Automatic offered a driving experience characterized by substantial power and torque, particularly at lower engine speeds. The 745 lb-ft of torque made towing heavy trailers effortless. However, the sheer size and weight of the vehicle (over 7,400 lbs) meant that acceleration was not particularly brisk. The four-speed automatic transmission, while durable, lacked the refinement and efficiency of more modern transmissions with more gears. Gear ratios were optimized for towing, resulting in a lower final drive ratio. Compared to the gasoline-powered Excursions, the 6.0 TD offered significantly improved towing capacity and fuel economy when hauling loads. Compared to higher-output diesel variants (such as those with aftermarket modifications), the 329 hp version provided a more manageable power level for everyday driving, reducing the risk of excessive wear and tear on the drivetrain.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Excursion 6.0 TD Automatic was typically offered in XLT and Limited trim levels. The XLT trim included standard features such as air conditioning, power windows and locks, a CD player, and cloth upholstery. The Limited trim added leather upholstery, heated front seats, a premium sound system, and alloy wheels. Optional extras included a DVD entertainment system, a sunroof, and a navigation system. The interior was spacious, offering seating for up to nine passengers depending on the configuration. The rear seats could be folded flat to create a large cargo area. The dashboard layout was functional and straightforward, with large, easy-to-read gauges.
Chassis & Braking
The Excursion’s chassis was based on the Ford Super Duty truck platform, featuring a heavy-duty frame and suspension. The front suspension utilized coil springs, while the rear suspension employed leaf springs. This setup provided a comfortable ride, even when carrying heavy loads. The Excursion 6.0 TD came equipped with ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, providing adequate stopping power for its weight. An Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was standard. Due to the vehicle’s substantial weight, braking distances were longer than those of lighter SUVs. The steering system was a hydraulic power steering setup, providing relatively easy steering effort, although it lacked the precision of more modern steering systems.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Ford Excursion 6.0 TD Automatic received mixed reviews from automotive critics. While praised for its spacious interior, powerful engine, and impressive towing capacity, it was criticized for its large size, poor fuel economy (especially when not towing), and cumbersome handling. Compared to the gasoline-powered Excursions, the 6.0 TD offered a significant improvement in fuel economy when towing, but was more expensive to purchase. Compared to the Chevrolet Suburban and GMC Yukon XL, the Excursion offered more interior space and a higher towing capacity, but was generally considered less refined and more difficult to maneuver. Reliability of the 6.0-liter Power Stroke engine was a concern, with reports of head gasket failures and injector issues. However, with proper maintenance, the engine proved to be reasonably durable.
Legacy
The Ford Excursion was discontinued after the 2005 model year due to declining sales and increasing fuel prices. However, it remains a popular vehicle among those needing a large, capable SUV. The 6.0-liter Power Stroke diesel engine, despite its initial reliability concerns, has become a relatively affordable and powerful option for those seeking a heavy-duty diesel engine. Today, well-maintained Excursions 6.0 TD Automatic models command a reasonable price on the used car market, particularly those with lower mileage and a documented service history. The Excursion’s legacy is one of uncompromising size and capability, representing a unique chapter in Ford’s SUV history.
