Considering what this vehicle does, that's almost amazing. Big cars of the 60's that were half this size and with less performance averaged 8-10 mpg, downhill with the engine off. It may seem like a real gas hog, but in reality, the Excursion is quite efficient, when you consider the size, performance and capabilities. Sending the power to the wheels is Ford's heavy duty 4R100 automatic. It is electronically controlled and very smooth in its operation.
Downshifts are crisp and immediate with nearly transparent upshifts.
In the four wheel drive model the Excursion is suspended with live, solid axles front and rear. It uses leaf springs at both ends with a front antiroll bar. But the spring rates and bushings are softer and the shocks have reduced damping giving a highway ride that is very smooth although I did find some minor intrusion from expansion joints at times. It's better than the comparable F-250 Super Duty truck. With particular attention paid to sound attenuation, the ride is remarkably quiet and the big cabin provides an excellent receptacle for the superb stereo.