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This week I am taking a look at the all-new 2025 Ford Expedition for the second time, albeit this is a very different SUV from the Tremor version I had a few months ago. This is the 5th-generation of Ford’s largest SUV that first came out in 1997. The 2025 version has simplified trim levels offering Active, the Platinum, which is what I currently have, the Tremor off-roader, and the top-of-the-line King Ranch. My tester this week is the Max version which adds 9-inches of length, more cargo area, and is intended to compete with Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon XL.
Exterior
This is a great looking SUV overall, although I am having a little trouble falling in love with the Wild Green color.
The clean lines and high belt line make it look long and lean with no chrome, just a lot of green. The new grille looks awesome with LED running lights, active shutters for cooling, and 22” wheels.
A big spoiler adorns the back with the rear wiper tucked neatly under it, and the black treatment on the tailgate, which to be honest, I could live without.
Performance
Under the hood you’ll find a 3.5-liter EcoBoost High Output V6. Before you question a V6 in an SUV this size, realize this H/O version with twin-turbos has 440-horses, 510 pound-feet of torque, and it will tow 9,000 pounds. You get a 10-speed automatic that shifts silky smooth and pops into the right gear no matter the circumstances. It has stop/start but can be disabled. Power-wise, this thing is a beast, and it moves this almost 3-ton SUV with ease.
The 2025 Ford Expedition uses Ford’s ControlTrac selectable automatic full-time 4x4 system. Accessible via a dash-mounted rotary dial, it opens up four drive modes—2H (rear-wheel drive), 4A (automatic all-wheel drive), 4H (locked high-range 4WD), and 4L (locked low-range 4WD). The system relies on an intelligent locking center multi-disc differential that allows torque to be adjusted as needed (from 100% rear-wheel drive to a full 50:50 locked split), ensuring seamless power delivery whether you’re on slick roads, towing heavy loads, or crawling over uneven terrain. Coupled with customizable Terrain Management modes, it adapts throttle, transmission response, and traction systems for confident handling in diverse conditions.
Interior
Having tested Expeditions many times and having them for demos when I owned Ford dealerships, I had a real OMG moment when I opened the door to enter the cabin the first time.
A huge 24” panoramic drivers display greeted me. It sits in plain view of the driver and completely eliminates the need for a head-up display. You won’t miss any pertinent information like your fuel, your speed AND the speed limit, then on the right part of the screen, you can choose exactly what you want to see such as gauges, fuel economy, media choices, tire pressures, towing status, and the list goes on. You make those selections from the 13.2” center screen, so they work in tandem. When you go to change lanes, cameras mounted in the mirrors show you on the driver’s screen anything that might be in your way with a wide angle, very sharp view that really helps with lane changes.
Another surprise was the steering wheel! It is small and rectangular, and it was a gutsy move by the Blue Oval boys. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has integrated controls for audio, cruise, and voice commands. This is also where you adjust the wheel up or down, in or out, and also serves as the control for the power adjustable pedals. It is heated, and I will say that after driving this Expedition for a short period, I came to LOVE this steering wheel and how comfortable it feels in your hands, and it just seems to make the big SUV drive better.
The seats in the Platinum are large and extremely comfortable. Both front seats are power adjusting with power lumbar supports, they are heated and cooled, and they have Active Motion technology that brings soothing support to the driver and front passenger with built-in massage and upper lumbar air-support adjustments. Stitching flows throughout the cabin, on the seats, and across the dash. The driver gets memory settings that also holds the power pedals position.
Between the seats, another cool feature: The Flex Powered console. The big console is motorized and slides back nearly eight inches at the push of a button—revealing hidden storage in front big enough for a purse or bag and creating extra aisle space and access for second-row passengers, or slide it back to get cupholders closer to the middle row occupants. This is a very cool touch and it is incredibly useful.
The aforementioned 13.2” center screen operates by touch and is your cockpit’s digital hub: it operates the Ford Digital Experience infotainment system, managing media (including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), climate controls, vehicle settings, navigation, and apps downloaded via the built-in Google Play Store. It also hosts your voice assistants—Google or Alexa—and supports over-the-air updates and driver assist features like BlueCruise. This is where you operate the terrific 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Also on the center console, behind a sliding door is a wireless phone charger, the terrific Pro Trailer backup system, two huge cup holders, and a deep covered center storage area that is soft touch for your elbows to rest on. Just above the console is a round gearshift dial, a real volume button, and a row of buttons that includes start/stop deactivation, the self-parking system, the heated steering wheel, traction control, and more.
Moving to the second row, you’ll find two extremely comfortable captain’s chairs with fold down armrests. They slide forward and back, and they recline and are heated. Second row occupants can control their own temperature, there is a power outlet, and USB-c ports built into the backs of both front seats. A button on top of the second row chairs fold the seats easily out of the way for entry to the third row. Legroom and headroom are abundant in the back seat, and it is easy to get through to the 3rd-row between the captain’s chairs.
If someone doesn’t want to go between the 2nd row seats, entry to the 3rd row is easy and the opening to enter the third row is sizable and the 3rd row will seat three adults comfortably. It is a 40/20/40 PowerFold bench that offers generous width and comfort, with the convenience of independently folding the center section down for carrying longer items while still accommodating two occupants. Air conditioning vents in the ceiling will keep the far back passengers comfortable, and each one has their own headrest.
Utility
I have to talk about the new Ford split tailgate that adds both convenience and versatility. The design separates the rear hatch into two sections: the upper portion lifts like a traditional SUV tailgate, while the lower section folds down like a pickup truck’s tailgate and supports up to 500 pounds.
This lower gate can function as a bench, makeshift table, or staging platform, especially useful for tailgating, camping, or loading gear. Both sections are power operated, and the key fob can open them simultaneously with a double-tap. The setup also includes a Cargo Tailgate Manager system that offers an integrated backstop or table surface when the lower gate is deployed. This allows for easier access to cargo, increased flexibility for hauling longer items, and a user-friendly experience.
The cargo area in the Expedition Max is versatile and huge, offering 37.4 cubic feet behind the third row in this extended-length model. Folding the third row expands space to approximately 84.5 cubic feet, while folding both the second and third rows opens up to 123.1 cubic feet. Ford’s PowerFold system allows each outer seat or both together to fold flat at the touch of a button.
Controls are in the rear cargo area or on the third-row side panels: pressing “3L” folds the left seat, “3R” folds the right, and “Both” folds both seats simultaneously. There’s also a recline switch in the third row that adjusts the backrest angle independently for comfort.
Standard Features
The Platinum package comes completely loaded with notable standard features that include: Standard on this trim are heated and ventilated leather-trimmed multi-contour front seats with memory and massage functions; heated second-row captain’s chairs or a bench; a panoramic Vista Roof; a sliding Flex Powered Console; ambient multicolor lighting; dual 12-volt outlets plus 120volt AC power; a Bang & Olufsen sound system with subwoofer; BlueCruise handsfree driving (with trial); wireless charging pad; universal garage door opener; power deployable running boards; power-adjustable pedals with memory; and power-fold third row—all wrapped in premium Del Rio leather and genuine wood-metal interior accents.
Safety
On the safety front, you get Ford’s CoPilot360 2.0, including a 360-degree surround-view camera, blindspot information system with trailer coverage, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, reverse brake assist, auto high-beam headlights, electronic stability and traction control, trailer sway control, front parking sensors, and a comprehensive airbag system with dual-stage front airbags and Safety Canopy side-curtains that extend to the third row.
You also get Ford’s terrific BlueCruise semi-self-driving system. The system comes with a 90-day trial subscription. Using a combination of cameras, radar, and high-definition maps, BlueCruise allows the driver to operate the vehicle hands-free on over 130,000 miles of pre-mapped divided highways known as Blue Zones. The system maintains lane position, adapts to traffic flow, and can bring the vehicle to a complete stop in congestion, then resume automatically. A driver-facing camera monitors attention to ensure eyes stay on the road, and if the system detects inattention or a need for driver input, it issues visual and audible alerts. BlueCruise also integrates with the digital gauge cluster and the center screen, offering intuitive visual cues when it’s active or unavailable.
Options
My review vehicle has the $6,500 Stealth Performance Package which gives you the 440-hp high-output 3.5L EcoBoost V6, sport-tuned suspension, unique blacked-out exterior trim with 22-inch black alloy wheels, and a Bang & Olufsen 14-speaker audio upgrade.
Ride and Drive
This Expedition drives with surprising ease for such a large SUV, blending strong power with smooth refinement. The high-output EcoBoost V6 delivers effortless acceleration, whether merging onto the highway or towing a heavy load, while the 10-speed transmission shifts cleanly to keep things composed. The suspension does an admirable job of softening rough pavement without feeling floaty, and steering is light enough to make maneuvering in traffic or parking lots less intimidating. On the open road, it settles into a confident, comfortable cruiser, giving you and your passengers a quiet, relaxed ride.
MSRP and MPG
Fuel economy is 15 in town, 22 highway, and 18 combined. As you see this one, the MSRP is $85,970, which is right in line with other large SUVs on the market, and even less money than some.
Verdict
Ford has made the large SUV selection much more difficult with the all-new 2025 Expedition.
2025 Ford Expedition Platinum Max 4X4
- What I liked most: The steering wheel, power center console, tailgate, and driving characteristics.
- What I would change: Still not sure about the color or the black on the tailgate.
- MSRP: Base price $77,480 as equipped $85,970.
- Fuel Economy: Rated at 15 in town/22 highway/18 overall.
- Official Color: Wild Green.
- Odometer reading when tested: 3,700 miles.
- Weight: 5,794 pounds/7,750 GVWR.
- Spare Tire: Full-sized with steel wheel.
- Length-Width-Height: 221.7” long/81.5” wide without mirrors folded out/77.9” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 27.8 gallons with the on the driver’s side.
- Towing Capacity: 9,000 pounds.
- 2025 Expedition Tremor in a few words: Much improved, super-roomy flagship SUV that is a joy to drive!
- Final Assembly Location: Louisville, KY.
- Manufacturers website: Ford
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper, and 5-years/60,000 mile power train warranty with roadside assistance.
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