Driven: 2025 Ford Expedition

2026 | ford | ford expedition | suvs

Written by Sue Mead | May 18, 2025

Ford has reimagined its full-size SUV. The 2025 Ford Expedition has a legacy of carrying people and things for close to three decades. Ford calls it “all-American”. The full-size SUV is built at the Blue Oval’s Louisville, Kentucky assembly plant, alongside its premium sibling, the Lincoln Navigator, and the Ford Super Duty truck.

We’ve sampled each generation's model since it entered the market in 1997 as Ford’s first full-size four-door SUV. Much has changed — especially in the manner that automakers survey their current customers and potential buyers in a segment that is heating up once again, after a sales dip for a few recent years. Competitors include the GM (Chevy) Suburban, GMC Yukon, Toyota Sequoia, and Nissan Armada.

Coming to the market with a refreshed version of its flagship meant not only listening to the voice of the customer through focus groups, but also by making in-home visits to “inform critical decisions and reimagine” the Expedition. One of the biggest takeaways was the request to build a new model that would inspire families to “linger longer” and spend more time together in the vehicle, not simply to improve driving dynamics, towing capability, and payload, although each of those elements has improved as well. Another interest was a trim level that offered expanded off-road capability for buyers who want to use their vehicle for backcountry forays and overlanding adventures. As a result, Ford added its Tremor trim to the lineup.

Early versions of these full sizers were more rudimentary and truck-like in their road-going manners. That’s one of the big changes; today’s models appeal to families for their collection of advanced technologies, including comfort and convenience, infotainment, and comprehensive safety features, as well as more nimble driving dynamics and versatility for off-roading and towing for each trim, but especially for the Tremor. We traveled to Louisville to assess what’s new beyond the hype. We tested three of the four trim levels on two days of driving on-road, which included testing out the updated version of hands-free Blue Cruise, and on a moderately rugged off-road course.

The 2025 Ford Expedition is made to carry up to eight passengers and is built on a fully-boxed high-strength steel military grade aluminum body; it comes in four trims: Active, Platinum, Tremor, and King Ranch, and with 2WD and 4WD variants. The four-door SUV can be ordered in a regular wheelbase (122.5 inches) and an extended wheelbase Max version (131.5 inches).

It’s powered by a 3.5-liter Eco-Boost V6 engine that shifts through a 10-speed automatic transmission. It gets 400 hp and 480 lb-ft. feet of torque, with a high-output version achieving 440/510. New head and tail lights, along with a revised grill and new wheel designs, refresh the outside while the interior has a 24-inch infotainment display and a large curved IP that provides connectivity and access to a wide variety of technology.

Stepping into the large cabin, we appreciated the running boards and ergonomics that allowed a 5’-2” driver to get situated at the wheel, without using the adjustable pedals. Interior materials and design elements reflect each trim level with small hints of signature appointments, but overall, the cockpit is straightforward and unadorned. Notable is the 24-inch technology screen and the well-situated curved instrument panel that tucks into a location above the touch screen with its separate real estate. We appreciated that they are integrated into the dash in a manner that doesn’t interfere with forward visibility.

Of note are a number of improved driving dynamics. Power is plentiful with transparent shifting, well-mannered steering and brakes, and a quiet cabin that allows good conversational reception in all three rows. Rear captain’s chairs and the 3rd-row bench are comfortable and easy to access.

A highlight is the rear of the vehicle that can be configured in a variety of ways and is designed for ease-of-operation and versatility, from traditional cargo-carrying to tailgating and usefulness for camping and adventures. The Expedition's backend gets a clever and useful Split Gate that opens up on top like a traditional liftgate, while the lower half is designed like the tailgate of a pickup. It can support 500 lbs. and is perfect for tailgating, picnics, and makes it easy for backcountry camping and family outings. In addition to a comprehensive collection of safety features, there are available packages and options.

While we liked each trim model, our favorite was the Tremor, which has been suited up for epic adventures and gets the high-output engine. Outside and in are Tremor’s bright orange ‘electric spice’ accent cues; notable on the 33-inch General Grabber tires is a highlighted accent swath to quickly locate the valve stem on the wheel for easy access, when needing to air-up or air-down. In the front are two tow hooks, while the rear has easy access for towing and tugging with its integrated hitch point. Off-road lights in the grille, as well as roof lights, enhance illumination while specialized Raptor-inspired running boards have cutouts to shed mud and debris. The vehicle has 10.6 inches of ground clearance, and underneath are heavy-duty shields that protect the transmission, along with other vulnerable parts. Inside are ambient lighting and rubberized floor mats. Added technologies include an electric locking rear differential, drive modes that include 2-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, and a low gear setting, as well as one-pedal drive, trail control, trail turn assist, and auto hold.

Motoring this long-wheelbase vehicle on tight and twisty trails, we appreciated cameras that provided forward, side, and 360-degree views. Our off-road course also took us through some water holes and deep mud as well as steep uphills where we used trail control, and one pedal drive that will bring confidence to everyday drivers while motoring in the back country.