The Ford Expedition has been the Blue Oval’s biggest and strongest full-size SUV for three decades. The large vehicle, which seats up to eight passengers,has been revamped several times over the course of its life and has now morphed into a family-friendly, off-road-capable and tailgate-ready vehicle for the 2025 model year.
As part of the model year redo, the 2025 Ford Expedition features the new Ford Digital Experience on its 24-inch digital screen, a additional Expedition Tremor model designed specifically for off-roading, and a rear Split Gate liftgate that makes for easy loading, unloading and sitting.
As part of their vehicle planning process, Ford talked to current Expedition customers who told them there was still room for more comfort, driving range and craftsmanship. They also said they wanted more room inside and better connectivity options. Owners asked for better cargo storage opportunities, even in the Expedition MAX model that is about a foot longer than the standard Expedition.
Despite all the capability upgrades, like the Ford F-150’s redo, the new Expedition generation’s upgrades are most noticeable in the cabin.
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company
“The Expedition updates this year are highly focused on where Ford sees Expedition owners using their vehicles, with technology blended to support the mission. The update leans into current trends for in-car technology and the ability for family outdoor adventures as well as road trips,” Stephanie Brinley, associate director of AutoIntelligence at S&P Global Mobility told Newsweek.
The new Expedition features a 24-inch display stationed below the windshield that acts as a widened, fully-digital gauge cluster and navigation display. The SUV’s infotainment system features Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa technology that allows most infotainment functions to be voice controlled. The system also includes Maps and the Google Play store, as well as Apple CarPlay.
Customers that opt for a Wi-Fi hotspot can bundle its operating cost into financing without having to set up a separate subscription. Those who do not activate their hotspot immediately are eligible to receive a one-year complimentary trial upon the activation of their hotspot.
Ford Challenges for Three-Row SUV Dominance
The three-row SUV market has grown increasingly competitive as its models‘ consistent refinement has made them highly desirable to buyers. In addition to towing and hauling capability, these SUVs are highly connected to the world around them and come with luxury finery usually reserved for smaller SUVs. Of note, hybrid powertrains are scarce in this segment, but buyers can get a battery-electric model if they so choose (for about the same price as a gas-powered one).
BlueCruise hands-free highway driving technology has been updated and its newest generation will be available on almost 90 percent of Ford Expeditions including Expedition Platinum, Expedition King Ranch, Expedition Tremor and Expedition Active models.
The freshest version of BlueCruise increases the average amount of time owners can spend in hands-free mode, according to Ford. It will also change lanes automatically and now has In-Lane Repositioning, which subtly scoots away from vehicles in adjacent lanes. This technology offering is the same as what is available on the F-150.
The Ford Digital Experience plan isn’t without its complexities. “The Expedition refines familiar territory, with thoughtful elements and careful development choices. With increased connectivity and expanded availability of BlueCruise, consumers will also need to evaluate where they are spending family subscription budget, as many of the Ford Digital Experience features require connectivity and subscriptions to support,” said Brinley.
“Anticipating the issue, Ford is offering several options to subscribe: one year, a one-time lifetime price, or a monthly subscription. This does give buyers flexibility in how they access the features. The changes to features tied to connectivity and subscriptions is far from unique to Ford, and will only increase over time,” she said.
Physical system upgrades include numerous comfort and convenience features. The SUV’s center console now slides to be easily used by first- and second-row passengers. A digital device holder that attaches to front seat backs will be available in the summer of 2025.
Third-row of seats feature a 40/20/40 split-folding capability. It’s designed to make hauling long cargo like skis and lumber, easier for owners.
The standard wheelbase model can still carry more than 100 cubic feet of cargo with the seats folded, the larger Expedition MAX can hold more than 120 cubic feet.
Ford also improved the Expedition’s rear for 2025, adding lights that illuminate hangouts alongside the split-folding tailgate that can support 600 pounds.
Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company
One of the few things that didn’t change on the Expedition is the powertrain. It still comes with a turbocharged 3.5-liter six-cylinder engine. Paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, it delivers 380 horsepower (hp) and 470 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque.
The new Expedition Tremor will get the upgraded version of the engine, which makes 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque.
The previous year’s Expedition Timberline model is no more. Expedition Tremor is its natural successor. That model comes with 10.6 inches of ground clearance and 33-inch General Grabber tires.
Like Ford’s smaller vehicles, the Expedition will have a Rock Crawl drive mode and Trail Turn Assist. Trail Turn Assist technology allows vehicles to shimmy though tight trail turns by holding brakes on the front wheels and pivoting the rear.
Ford didn’t give price yet for the 2025 Expedition during its introduction. The current-generation model starts at $54,660. The Chevrolet Suburban, a direct competitor, starts at $59,200. Jeep’s Wagoneer starts even higher at $62,945.
The 2025 Ford Expedition goes on sale next spring.
