Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has announced plans to add the FX4 off-road version of its Expedition SUV when the new versions hits the market this year.  The FX4 trim level is famous in the F-150 pickup family.

The whole idea of building the full-size SUV with off-road capability was initiated in the Middle East where the Expedition is popularly used in the deep, soft sand of the Arabian Peninsula. The automaker developed the FX4 model specifically for the region as well as targeting a few American buyers. The company is expected to release the price as well as the fuel economy ratings for the Expedition when it is almost ready to hit the market.

The Expedition FX4 is expected to get the attention of buyers. Many buyers are more moved by the Expedition’s trailer towing. The 2017 Expedition has a towing capacity of 9,300-pound, 100 pound more than the 2017 edition.

The FX4 is built with an electronic limited-slip rear differential which interchanges power between the left and right rear wheels on surfaces with low traction like deep desert sand. It has strong off-road shocks which stiffly turn to maintain the wheels on the ground during aggressive driving. The Expedition is built with wheels that are able to navigate all types of terrain. The tires have thicker sidewalls so as to make the ride soft even with stiff shocks. The Expedition has seven sand shields and skid plates so as to prevent the sand from getting stuck in the transmission, radiator, cooler, and the turbocharger intercoolers.

The Expedition family will be built with 10-speed automatic transmission which was first used on the 2017 F-150 pickup. It also has a 3.5L twin turbo turbo Ecoboost V-6 engine which gains 10 horsepower in XLT, XT and Limited models. It increases its output to 35 horsepower and uses premium gasoline in the platinum level. The engines on the F-150 pickup will also be upgraded. The 10-speed transmission will be upgraded and more engines incorporated.