Updated Design Language Elevates the Expedition
The 2025 Ford Expedition emerges as a compelling alternative in the competitive full-size SUV market, where it faces stiff competition from General Motors' offerings. While sales figures traditionally favor competitors, Ford has responded with a comprehensive refresh that addresses both aesthetic and functional improvements. The most notable addition is the innovative split tailgate design, a feature typically reserved for luxury vehicles costing significantly more. This clamshell-style opening mechanism positions the Expedition alongside premium competitors while maintaining a more accessible price point. The exterior redesign emphasizes a more athletic profile across both standard (209.9 inches) and Max (221.7 inches) wheelbase variants, with distinctive trim-specific details that clearly communicate each variant's positioning.
2025 Ford Expedition
View ListingsPros
- Innovative split tailgate design rare at this price point
- Spacious three-row seating accommodates tall passengers
- Advanced BlueCruise hands-free driving technology
- Competitive pricing compared to luxury alternatives
- Capable off-road performance in Tremor variant
Cons
- Requires excessive steering input for maneuvering
- Complex control layout may confuse some drivers
- Limited engine availability across trim levels
- Fuel economy trails more efficient competitors
- Touch-sensitive controls lack tactile feedback
Performance and Powertrain Options
Ford simplified the engine lineup for 2025, offering two variants of the twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 EcoBoost. The standard configuration produces 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, providing adequate acceleration for most families. The higher-output version delivers 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft, but availability remains limited to specific trim levels. This creates an unusual situation where the most expensive King Ranch variant lacks access to the more powerful engine option. Both powertrains achieve impressive 0-60 mph times around 5 seconds despite the vehicle's substantial 5,400-5,800 pound curb weight. Towing capacity reaches 9,600 pounds for standard wheelbase models with four-wheel drive, while Max variants are rated for 9,000 pounds. Fuel economy remains consistent across both engines at EPA-estimated 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, supported by generous fuel tank capacities of 23.2 gallons (standard) and 27.8 gallons (Max).
Interior Technology and Comfort
The completely redesigned interior centers around a massive 24-inch panoramic display borrowed from Lincoln's luxury lineup. This screen serves multiple functions including gauge cluster, navigation, and customizable widgets, though personalization options remain limited. A secondary touchscreen below manages climate, lighting, and infotainment functions with responsive performance. The controversial squircle steering wheel eliminates traditional buttons in favor of directional pads that control various vehicle functions. While this design maintains an unobstructed view of the displays, it requires drivers to look down to locate specific controls. Interior space remains exceptional across all three rows, with comfortable accommodation for six-foot-plus passengers. The power-sliding center console creates additional storage space and facilitates easy item passing between rows. Seating configurations include seven or eight passenger options depending on second-row bench versus captain's chair selection.
Tremor: Off-Road Capability Meets Family Utility
The new Tremor variant represents Ford's most significant addition to the Expedition lineup, transforming the family hauler into a capable off-road vehicle. Extensive underbody protection, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and increased ground clearance (10.6 inches) enable serious trail performance. Advanced off-road technology includes rock crawl mode, one-pedal driving for technical terrain, and trail turn assist that locks individual brakes for tight maneuvering. Visual distinctions include orange accent elements, auxiliary lighting integration, and specialized 18-inch wheels. Real-world testing demonstrates impressive capability on challenging terrain, though the vehicle's substantial size requires careful trail selection. The Tremor's $83,025 starting price positions it competitively against other off-road-focused family vehicles, though it's only available in standard wheelbase configuration.
Value Proposition and Trim Level Strategy
Ford's simplified four-trim structure creates both opportunities and confusion for buyers. The base Active trim starts at $63,995, offering substantial value when equipped with the $4,215 Touring Edition package that includes advanced safety features and premium amenities. Platinum trim pricing at $76,425 becomes complicated by a $13,570 Ultimate Package that can push total costs near $90,000, exceeding the King Ranch's $85,650 starting price while offering superior equipment levels. This pricing overlap means careful option consideration is essential for optimal value. The King Ranch's premium leather and distinctive styling command top pricing but lack access to the higher-output engine or massage seating features available on loaded Platinum models. Max wheelbase variants add $3,000 across most trims, providing substantial cargo capacity increases for large families or those requiring maximum utility space.
Final Verdict: A Strong Alternative Worth Considering
The 2025 Ford Expedition successfully addresses many historical shortcomings while introducing genuinely innovative features like the split tailgate design. Its combination of spacious accommodations, advanced technology, and competitive pricing creates a compelling alternative to segment leaders. The Tremor variant particularly stands out for families seeking off-road capability without sacrificing daily usability. However, certain design decisions like the complex steering wheel controls and excessive steering input requirements may frustrate some drivers. Despite these concerns, the Expedition offers strong value proposition for buyers seeking full-size SUV capabilities with premium features at accessible pricing levels.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the 2025 Ford Expedition different from previous years?
The 2025 Ford Expedition features a completely redesigned exterior with more athletic styling, a revolutionary split tailgate design, and an entirely new interior centered around a 24-inch panoramic display. Ford also introduced the off-road-focused Tremor variant and simplified the trim structure to four main levels. The suspension has been retuned for improved comfort, and BlueCruise hands-free driving technology is available across the lineup. While the engines carry over from the previous generation, Ford eliminated the base motor option, now offering only twin-turbocharged V6 EcoBoost variants producing either 400 or 440 horsepower.
How does the Expedition compare to the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban?
The Ford Expedition offers competitive features at generally lower prices than comparable Chevy models. While the Suburban provides slightly more cargo space (41.5 vs 36.1 cubic feet with third row up in Max models), the Expedition counters with unique features like the split tailgate design and more advanced interior technology. Both vehicles offer similar towing capacity around 9,000-9,600 pounds and comparable seating for up to eight passengers. The Expedition's BlueCruise hands-free driving system and innovative interior storage solutions like the sliding center console provide differentiation from General Motors' offerings, though Chevy maintains stronger sales volumes and potentially better resale values.
Is the Ford Expedition Tremor worth the extra cost for off-road capability?
The Expedition Tremor justifies its $83,025 starting price for buyers who genuinely need off-road capability combined with three-row family utility. Its comprehensive off-road package includes substantial underbody protection, 33-inch all-terrain tires, increased ground clearance, locking rear differential, and advanced terrain management systems. The Tremor successfully handles challenging trails that would stop standard family SUVs, though its large size requires careful trail selection. However, buyers should honestly assess their off-road needs, as the capability comes with compromises in fuel economy and ride comfort. For occasional light off-road use, a standard Expedition with available all-wheel drive might provide better daily drivability and value.
What are the main drawbacks of the 2025 Ford Expedition?
The primary concerns include the complex steering wheel control system that requires looking away from the road to operate properly, excessive steering input needed for maneuvering (nearly four full turns lock-to-lock), and fuel economy that trails more efficient competitors at 15/22 mpg city/highway. The interior technology, while impressive, may overwhelm less tech-savvy users with its complexity. Ford's decision to limit the higher-output engine to only Tremor and Platinum trims creates frustrating restrictions for King Ranch buyers. Additionally, the large size makes parking challenging in urban environments, and the innovative split tailgate's black upper section may not appeal to all buyers aesthetically.
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