The diesel Ford Excursion is celebrated among diesel truck and SUV fans, offering unmatched size, power, and durability. Produced from 2000 to 2005 alongside the Ford Super Duty at the Kentucky Truck Plant, the Excursion was Ford’s answer to the growing demand for a full-size SUV built on a heavy-duty truck platform. For diesel enthusiasts, the real draw came under the hood, with two Power Stroke diesel engines offered during its short (but impactful) run.

7.3L and 6.0L Power Stroke Engines

From model-year 2000 to mid-model-year 2003, the Excursion could be optioned with the iconic 7.3L Power Stroke V8 diesel engine mated to a four-speed 4R100 automatic transmission. In the Excursion, it delivered 250 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque. While not the most powerful engine by modern standards, the 7.3L was beloved for its rock-solid reliability, simple electronics, and ability to rack up hundreds of thousands of miles with basic maintenance.

In 2003, Ford transitioned to the 6.0L Power Stroke diesel engine mated to a five-speed 5R110W automatic transmission. It was available in the Excursion mid-model-year 2003 through the end of the Excursion’s production in model-year 2005. This means the 2003 Excursions could have the 7.3L or 6.0L. The 6.0L offered improved performance on paper, with 325 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque, bringing better towing and acceleration. However, it came with its share of controversy. The 6.0L was more complex and introduced a host of emissions equipment that led to notorious reliability issues if not properly maintained. However, a properly “bulletproofed” 6.0L can be a solid engine, and enthusiasts often modify it for performance and longevity.

Death of the Diesel Excursion

The Excursion was discontinued after the 2005 model year. It’s hard to believe that the Excursion has been gone from showroom floors for 20 years. Several factors contributed to its demise. Changing fuel economy regulations (the Excursion was never EPA-rated), increasing fuel prices, and shifting market preferences made large, heavy SUVs less appealing to the broader consumer base. Additionally, environmental concerns and pressure to meet stricter emissions standards made producing a diesel-powered SUV increasingly difficult. Simply put, the Excursion was “too much SUV” for a market moving in a different direction.

Return of Ford’s Diesel SUV?

For diesel fans, however, the Excursion remains a cult classic. Built on a ¾-ton regular cab, long-bed F-250 Super Duty truck chassis, it had unmatched towing and payload capability. With four full-length passenger doors and seating for up to nine passengers, the Excursion was the ultimate diesel family hauler.

Today, the Ford Excursion remains a favorite among diesel enthusiasts. Its blend of rugged diesel power and ample interior space makes it a unicorn in the SUV world. It’s long-gone, but not forgotten. Despite recent rumors of the Excursion’s return, there is no evidence that such plans exist. Ford has not released any information or pictures. The pictures you see ( the one we included from Auto Corner) are AI versions. We can all dream of a 500hp, 1,200lb-ft SUV draped in Super Duty styling, right? Rest assured that diesel enthusiasts think it’s a good idea. Take note, Ford.