A new independent rear suspension and an industry-first power fold-down third-row seat highlighted the redesigned 2003 Expedition. This full-size SUV was positioned between Ford's midsize Explorer and the larger Excursion. New styling, inside and out, accompanied the Expedition's wider body. XLT and Eddie Bauer models were joined by an FX4 off-road edition. Expeditions were again available with a 4.6- or 5.4-liter V8, and either two-wheel drive or Ford's ControlTrac four-wheel drive, which could be left engaged on dry pavement and included low-range gearing. Antilock four-wheel disc brakes continued as standard, now with brake assist for emergency stops. Newly optional were Ford's AdvanceTrac traction-control/antiskid system, and a tire-pressure monitor. XLTs relinquished their 16-inch wheels for the same 17-inchers as Eddie Bauer models. Replacing front side airbags as an option were curtain side airbags for the first two seating rows. The curtain airbags were designed to deploy in side collisions and in rollover accidents. All Expeditions had three rows of seats. Value- and Popular-model XLTs were available with a front bench for nine-passenger capacity. In the second row, Eddie Bauer models could substitute two buckets for the standard bench. Exclusive to Eddie Bauer, the third-row seat power-folded into the floor, via controls in the front and back of the cabin. Ford's new independent rear suspension lowered the rear floor by 9 inches, adding third-row legroom. The FX4 included skid plates, off-road shock absorbers, and tubular running boards. An adjustable air suspension became available later in the model year. Lincoln's version of the Expedition, the Navigator, was similarly redesigned for 2003. Expedition rivals included the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, GMC Yukon/Denali, and Toyota Sequoia.