All-New 2025 Ford Expedition Aims to Be a One-Car Wonder for Families

With an all-new design, the 2025 Ford Expedition enters its fifth generation with a clean new look. A muscular front fascia is bolder than the one it replaces, and most of the overall shape is faithful to Expeditions of the past. Ford sought more feedback about how families use their vehicles and challenged its design team to be more creative in meeting those needs. In addition, having the right technology and towing/hauling capability results in an Expedition that’s more practical than ever. After getting an in-person preview of this three-row SUV at Ford of Canada's head office in Oakville, Ont., here’s what you can look forward to.

More Practical Than Ever

With seating for seven or eight depending on configuration, the second and third rows can be 40/20/40 split-folded to accommodate long cargo while still carrying six passengers. For even more capacity, the long-wheelbase Expedition Max can fit everything, including the kitchen sink. The front centre console is powered and can slide back nearly eight inches. It can also lock with the doors, allowing for added flexibility and convenient out-of-sight storage for valuables. A 360-degree LED lighting setup outside helps with nighttime cargo loading and unloading.

For 2025, there's a new split-folding liftgate and tailgate combination at the rear. The shorter liftgate allows for easier opening when backed up against a wall or other object, and the tailgate is great for securing looser cargo from falling out. With the tailgate down, the privacy cover can be flipped around to make either a seat for two to three adults (up to 227 kg/500 lbs) or a foldable table. For second-row passengers, there is an available phone or tablet holder mounted to the back of the front-row headrests, which lets families use the portable devices they already have rather than being forced into a proprietary interface with a frustrating assortment of cables and menus.

Updated Blue Cruise

Major technology updates include the latest and greatest version 1.4 of Ford’s Blue Cruise advanced driver assist system (ADAS). Available on most trims, the system enables hands-free highway driving with a combination of sensors, cameras, and online mapping data. This system includes automatic lane changing with the tap of the turn signal stalk, in addition to being able to give extra room in a lane if there’s a larger vehicle in the adjacent lanes. When approaching sharper curves, the Expedition automatically slows down without driver input, so it feels more comfortable and natural. The system automatically disengages with a visual and audible warning if it encounters roads with unclear markings or missing mapping data. Ford says that version 1.4 stays engaged an average of eight times longer in hands-free mode compared to Blue Cruise 1.0 and stays more engaged in rainy conditions and direct sun. After a free trial period, a paid subscription is required to keep road mapping data up to date. As with any autonomous driving assist system today, full driver attention is still needed. Blue Cruise will disengage if driver inattention is detected via a camera mounted on the steering column.

New Infotainment, Screens, and Connectivity

The new Expedition supersizes the gauge cluster with a 24-inch panoramic screen that stretches to the middle of the dashboard. To help improve outward visibility, the screen is positioned lower and closer to the windshield. In addition, there's a large infotainment screen with embedded Google capability with Wi-Fi hotspot capability. Google Play apps include Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, and Prime Video (video apps can only be used when parked). At the time of vehicle order, a new Ford Connectivity Package allows a one-time data plan purchase, supported for a minimum of seven years without additional subscriptions.

Rehashed Trim Levels

The number of available trim levels has been simplified and includes the Active, Platinum, King Ranch, and the off-road-oriented Tremor. The latter comes with uplevel suspension, 10.6 inches of ground clearance, 33-inch wheels, a front skid plate, and Raptor-style running boards. For all trims, the Expedition will continue to be powered by two versions of Ford’s EcoBoost 3.5L turbocharged V6. Base models get 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, with an increase to 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft on upper trims like the Tremor. A 10-speed automatic transmission is used for either engine configuration, with four-wheel drive standard in Canada (rear-wheel drive is available in the United States).

Final Thoughts

Ford calls the enhanced practicality and connectivity the “Linger Longer Effect.” It's a nice way to describe a space families use extensively every day, and the 2025 Ford Expedition seeks to be a central hub that betters quality family time spent together. Pricing and a timeline for availability have not yet been released, but if the outgoing model is any indicator, expect a base price hovering around $75,000 for the Active trim and jumping into the six figures for a King Ranch or Tremor.