Ford has some big news for SUV buyers, the full-size Expedition line getting a complete makeover for 2025. Buyers can look for an updated design, plenty of new tech features, including a split tailgate, and a new, “off-road capable” Tremor trim. Here’s a first look.
Ford will continue offering the standard wheelbase Expedition and stretched Expedition Max.
Ford’s biggest SUV is in for a full-size makeover and the automaker is confident the 2025 Expedition can make inroads against the segment’s traditional leaders, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban.
There’s plenty of reasons to be confident. While exterior styling gets, on the whole, an evolutionary update, buyers are likely to appreciate the new split tailgate. Expedition’s cabin is all-new and highlights all the technology the fifth-generation SUV adds including Ford’s hands-free BlueCruise system. And for adventurous buyers, Ford introduces the new Tremor package, with its beefy 33-inch all-terrain tires and added underbody protection.
“We spent more than 1,100 hours talking with customers about their everyday lives,” said Trevor Scott, general manager of Ford Utilities. “And with those insights we’ve rethought and redesigned Expedition to help customers make the most of their precious time with family and to make life easier – before, during and after every trip they make.”
One very big beast
In standard form, the 2025 Ford Expedition measures 209.9 inches nose-to-tail, the Max package growing to 221.7 inches.
For 2025, Ford continues to offer two versions of its full-size SUV, the standard-wheelbase Expedition and stretched Expedition Max – think Tahoe and Suburban. The standard-length package measures 209.9 inches, bumper-to-bumper, with a wheelbase of 122.5 inches. It stands 78.1 inches in height, with a width of 80 inches – 94.6 inches if you include mirrors. Expedition Max adds another 9 inches of wheelbase and 11.8 inches in length – at 131.5 and 221.7 inches, respectively.
Buyers can opt for a second-row bench or captains chairs. Whichever they choose, the big SUV offers a capacious interior with plenty of head, shoulder and legroom, even in the third row. That back bench is power split fold, making it easy to extend Expedition’s cargo space.
With all seats up, you’ll get a hefty-enough 21.6 cubic feet of storage in the standard wheelbase model, 36.1 cf with Expedition Max. Fold down both second and third rows and that jumps to 108.5 cf and 123.1 cf, respectively.
Splitting the difference
Expedition’s new split tailgate shown with the optional table.
Ford designers didn’t stray far from the current SUV’s exterior design, though the new model is a bit more upright and angular, giving it a more aggressive feel. There are new LED headlamps and the running lights now wrap around the grille.
Around back, the big news is the shift to a split tailgate. As Ford explains, “Three-quarters of the gate raises like a traditional liftgate, while the lower quarter folds down like a truck’s tailgate.”
“It was designed to…be the center of the experience once (owners) arrive,” said Jill Dougherty, Ford Expedition exterior designer. “Our goal was to enable customers to linger longer whether they’re at the stadium or the campsite.”
The lower portion of the split gate has a capacity of 500 pounds and has been outfitted to serve as a bench for camping or tailgating. There’s also an optional shelf that can hold cargo, function as a seatback or serve as a table.
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All-new cabin
Expedition features a new, power-sliding center console. Second-row captains chairs are optional.
Where the exterior design didn’t stray far, the interior of the 2025 Ford Expedition gets a far more significant makeover. The instrument panel is completely new and quite literally topped off by a new, 24-inch panoramic digital gauge cluster. With it mounted just below the windshield drivers will look over, rather than through, the steering wheel, meaning they’ll take eyes off the road far less often.
A second, 13.2-inch touchscreen tops the center console and operates the newly updated Ford Sync infotainment system.
Among the new features: the “Flex Powered Console,” which can, with the touch of a button, slide fore or aft up to 8 inches. It provides a secure storage area for stowing a purse or other valuables. It also integrates a console second-row passengers can use to operate audio and climate controls.
Technology
The 2025 Ford Expedition’s cabin centers around the new 24-inch digital gauge cluster and 13.2-inch infotainment screen.
The new touchscreen operates the latest Sync infotainment system which is now powered by Google. That translates into a continuously upgraded mapping system and a personal voice assistant. Google Play can be used to play games or stream YouTube videos – when the vehicle is in Park, of course. The system also integrates Amazon Alexa, as well as wireless versions of both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
There’s also an onboard WiFi hotspot which can connect to 10 separate smartphones, tablets and other portable devices.
With the fifth-generation makeover, Expedition becomes the latest model in the Ford line-up to get the automaker’s BlueCruise system which can operate on more than 100,000 miles of limited-access U.S. and Canadian roadways. The SUV features the latest version of the system which improves lane centering and allows motorists to pass slower vehicles – where safe – simply by tapping the turn signal.
Powertrain
The 2025 Ford Expedition will offer two powertrain options.
Two engine options will be available with the 2025 Expedition:
- The base powertrain features a 3.5-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V-6 putting out 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque;
- An upgraded, high-output version of that engine makes up to 440 hp and 510 lb-ft. It’s standard on the new Tremor package and optional on the Expedition Platinum.
Both engines are paired with a 10-speed automatic, though gearing is slightly revised, depending upon whether you opt for the 4×2 or 4×4 configurations.
The 2025 Ford Expedition will be offered with a choice of 4×2 and 4×4 configurations – though Tremor will only be available as a 4×4.
Towing and trailering
With the optional load-leveling hitch, 2025 Ford Expedition can tow up to 9,600 pounds.
Expedition can tow up to 7,000 pounds in standard configuration. Add a weight-distributing hitch and that jumps to 9,600 lbs.
To make it easier to handle a trailer, the big SUV also features Pro Trailer Hitch Assist which simplifies the process of hitching up your trailer, as well as Pro Trailer Backup Assist. That system makes it easier to back up a trailer using a small knob on the IP..
New Tremor trim
The number of motorists going off-road has substantially increased over the last decade – especially since the COVID pandemic, when Americans were looking for things to do during early lockdowns. That’s where Tremor comes in.
It replaces the old Timberline package and offers a significant upgrade in off-road capabilities. Calling it the “pinnacle” of “adventure ready” packages, Expedition’s Chief Engineer Adrian Aguirre says Tremor “delivers off-road capability and hardware shared with F-150 TREMOR combined with Expedition big family and cargo-carrying versatility.”
The new Expedition Tremor trim adds more underbody protection, 33-inch off-road tires and other advantages.
That starts out with a big boost to ride height – here a full 10.6 inches. Tremor gets a front skid plate and added underbody protection for the front axle, transfer case and fuel tank. It features off-road auxiliary lights embedded in the front grille. And Ford retuned both the suspension and power steering. The package is completed with 33-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires.
Pricing and availability
We’ll have to wait a bit longer for a few key details, including both fuel economy and pricing – though we have a good idea what the latter numbers likely will be.
The 2025 Ford Expedition is expected to come in slightly above the current, fourth-gen model which starts at $57,839. Initial estimates are that the Tremor will have a base MSRP of around $75,000, while a fully loaded Platinum will top out in the mid-$80,000 range.
Ford plans to start taking orders on October 24. Look for the first of the new Expeditions to reach U.S. showrooms by spring 2025.
Are people really going to spend 75-80 THOUSAND dollars because of a shelf in the back? A shelf they will NEVER use!