The fifth-generation 2025 Ford Expedition has officially landed. Here’s everything you need to know!
A war continues to rage in the full-size SUV segment, with every player revamping its offering within the past few years. We got the new Toyota Sequoia, followed by GM’s major updates of the Chevy Tahoe/Suburban, Cadillac Escalade and GMC Yukon. Nissan has updated both its Armada SUV and the luxury-minded Infiniti QX80 for the 2025 model year, and Lincoln gave us a look at what’s coming with the all-new Navigator. That left the 2025 Ford Expedition next in line for a big reveal, and that’s what we have here. Major changes are in store for the lineup, including the introduction of the Tremor model to replace the outgoing Timberline, as well as a thorough reimagining of both the exterior and interior. There’s one change some were semi-expecting that did not come to fruition (at least not at launch): a hybrid powertrain.
You can have any engine you want, as long as it’s the 3.5 EcoBoost.
Yes, the 2025 Ford Expedition charges forward with the familiar 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6. You’ll be able to get it in two flavors: A 400 horsepower version with 480 lb-ft of torque in the base Active, the King Ranch and the Platinum (basically, what did come on the higher-end models is now standard on the lower trims); and a High Output variant with 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque that comes standard on the Tremor and is available for the top-end Platinum (and was available on the Timberline and Stealth models before). Either way, we’re treading pretty familiar territory there.
There are some changes worth mentioning on the powertrain front, however. While the outputs remain the same as before, Ford does cite in its new technical specs that peak horsepower and torque happen at higher revs than before: 5,200 RPM and 5,400 RPM for peak power on the S.O. and H.O. EcoBoost respectively, compared to 5,000 RPM for the outgoing Expedition, and peak torque at 3,300 RPM, compared to 2,250 RPM before. That change could help keep the EcoBoost in the sweet spot to keep the turbos spooled up while towing (Ford claims a stock max boost pressure of 20 psi for 2025 models), and hopefully reduce lugging or unneeded strain on the transmission.
Speaking of the transmission, Ford kept the same ratios across all ten gears as previous models. 4×2 versions of the 2025 Ford Expedition, though, get a 3.31:1 rear differential ratio (old 4×2 short-wheelbase models had a 3.15 from the factory). If you opt for a 4×4 instead, you get a 3.73:1 final drive ratio, same as the outgoing long-wheelbase models. Before, short-wheelbase 4×4 Expeditions (non-Max models) had a 3.31, just like the RWD Max models. Tremor models, for their part, get the same 3.73 electronic “eLocker” limited-slip rear differential as the F-150 Tremor. However, Ford does not mention an optional front limited-slip differential for the 2025 Expedition Tremor.
What about towing?
The 2025 Ford Expedition claims a higher maximum towing capacity and GCWR than the previous generation model, with a few caveats. Now, Expedition 4×4 trims can tow up to 9,600 pounds in short-wheelbase form when properly equipped with a weight-distributing hitch, up from 9,300 pounds for the 4×2 before or 9,200 pounds for the 4×4. Rear-wheel drive versions lose some capacity, however, as the tow rating drops from 6,600 pounds to 6,100 pounds. The Combined Weight Rating is a mixed bag, as it actually drops for 4×2 models to 12,000 pounds, compared to the 2022-2024 Expedition 4×2’s 12,300 pounds. Go for a 4×4, though, and the GCWR increases to 15,900 pounds (up from 15,200 pounds before).
Expedition Max models can tow the same 9,000 pounds as before…again, provided you get the four-wheel drive variant. Stick with the rear-wheel drive version, and towing capacity again falls from 6,600 pounds to 6,300 pounds. GCWR for the Max is a slightly different story, as it’s better (or at least the same) for 4×2 models at 12,500 pounds, and higher for the 4x4s at 15,600 pounds (max GCWR was 15,300 pounds before). At the moment, none of the 2025 Expedition specs mention the availability of a Heavy-Duty Trailer Towing Package with the higher-capacity radiator.
On another note, Ford did mention the Expedition is cabable of towing up to 7,000 pounds without a weight-distributing hitch (or load-leveling bar, as the company refers to it in its informational materials).
TL;DR version — here’s a clearer look at the 2025 Expedition’s numbers (top) versus the previous model (bottom):
Styling and tech changes for the 2025 Ford Expedition
On first glance, the most obvious changes for Ford’s new Expedition arrive with the front and rear fascia. We got a brief (official) glimpse at the front end with last week’s teaser, though we can obviously see more detail here with the full reveal. A large, prominent grille still defines the Expedition’s stance as the Blue Oval’s flagship SUV, but this time it’s framed by a new set of headlights that integrate into that grille, as well as a light bar that connects the DRLs along the lower edge of the grille on most models. Along with the upright front end with new “Expedition” font across the hood, the lower fascia gets a blockier sort of design, though the smaller lower grille remains to help cool the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6.
At the back, the 2025 Ford Expedition gets one of its most defining changes first previewed by its Navigator cousin: a split-folding tailgate. Ford’s “Split Gate” isn’t the first implementation of this sort of layout in an SUV — though the automaker contends it is the first in this segment to do it (namely, against the Chevy Tahoe/Suburban and the Jeep Wagoneer) — but it still brings in a few advantages over a large, single-piece tailgate. The tailgate itself can support up to 500 pounds so it can be used as a seating area, while you can just open the top three-quarters and leave it in place to prevent items rolling out the back.
The optional “Cargo Tailgate Manager” takes rear cargo storage a step farther, working as either a seatback or as a serving table for when you actually plan to tailgate with your Expedition. The available 40/20/40 third-row seat also allows you to store long items inside the SUV without compromising the ability to seat at least six people across the rows.
The interior is a complete shift from the old Expeditions’ way of thinking
In previous generations including the outgoing 2024 model, the Expedition more or less based its interior around Ford’s F-Series trucks. That’s not the case this time around, as the 2025 model year gets its own distinctive look, complete with a 24-inch panoramic display mounted atop the dashboard. In the center, you get a 12.3-inch infotainment display, while the gear selector, volume knob and some high-level controls define the new center stack.
Even the steering wheel has changed, bringing in a “squircle” sort of look as well as contextual buttons on either of the two spokes. Those buttons will change depending on what you’re trying to do, with commands showing up in the upper screen so the driver doesn’t have to take their eyes off the road. Other major functions (not just the speed readout) are also raised through that screen into the driver’s line of sight, so media and navigation information can also show up there without having to strictly look at the infotainment screen.
Farther back, Ford redesigned the center console to hide the knob for Pro Trailer Backup Assist (yes, the Expedition still has it), though this 2025 model also has an available powered console that slides back and forth at the touch of a button on the leading edge of the console lid. Again, it’s not the first SUV to have that sort of functionality, but the automaker aims to make this Expedition a more tech-forward offering that caters to the family with a “command center” layout.
Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are part of the standard package, as is Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa built-in functionality. To bolster the connectivity of the new Expedition, Ford is introducing a new “Connectivity Package” that includes a Wi-Fi hotspot as well as access to Google Play apps and built-in Google Maps.
BlueCruise gets an upgrade
For 2025, BlueCruise 1.4 is making its way to “nearly 90%” of the Expedition lineup as an upgraded version of the company’s hands-free, semi-autonomous driving suite. Available across four of the Expedition’s five trims (the hardware is optional on XLT, so ordering it technically accounts for 10% of the lineup), the system now offers hands-free lane changes as well as “in-lane repositioning”, which aims to more naturally keep the vehicle centered in your lane either rolling down a straight stretch of highway or around curves. From my personal experience in the latest F-150 Tremor, the system works well, although Ford stresses you still need to pay attention (as it doesn’t drive itself in all situations) and be ready to take over when needed.
Depending on the model, some Expedition owners will get one year of BlueCruise functionality included with the purchase, or as an option at vehicle order. Those who choose not to activate BlueCruise right off the bat (i.e. lower trims where the 1-year doesn’t come standard) and choose not to activate it will get a 90-day trial period before you have to pay to continue using it. Buyers can either pay a one-time fee of $2,495 to enable BlueCruise permanently (at least as long as Ford maintains the service), or you can pay $49.99 a month or $495 a year after the 90-day trial to maintain BlueCruise functionality.
More on the 2025 Ford Expedition Tremor
Replacing the Timberline, Ford is further expanding the Tremor nameplate into the Expedition lineup. You still get a distinct look as a result, including orange accents inside and out and a different grille with integrated LED off-road lights.
Naturally, this Expedition Tremor is also rocking more off-road gear, by way of steel Raptor-inspired running boards and 33-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires. Ford says it’s also retuned the suspension and the electric power steering toward an off-road use case. Underbody protection further encases the front axle and engine, transfer case and fuel tank, while the Tremor’s ground clearance increases to a respectable 10.6 inches (up from the Expedition’s standard 8.7 inches). Ford did not publish how much the approach, breakover and departure angles improve as a result, but you will get better clearance than the standard model’s 21.1/23.5/19.3 degrees in turn.
The 2025 Ford Expedition Tremor brings more technology to the game too, courtesy of the F-150 Tremor. You get a Rock Crawl driving mode for a start, as well as Trail Control (a sort of off-road cruise control), Trail Turn Assist and Trail One-Pedal Drive capability.
Tremor models get the High-Output 3.5-liter EcoBoost as standard equipment, putting out 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque.
Pricing and availability
Since Ford classifies this 2025 Expedition as an “all-new” rig, you’re probably thinking we’ll see a price hike to go along with all the changes. And you’d be right — compared to the 2024 model’s $55,630 starting price (including $1,995 destination), the 2025 Ford Expedition XLT starts at $63,695.
Taking destination fees into account, the new pricing represents a $6,070 uplift over the previous model. Ford only disclosed base pricing for this new Expedition, so we’ll know the full MSRP walk closer to the 2025 model’s launch next spring. Five trims in total will be available to choose from: XLT, Active, Platinum, King Ranch and Tremor. The Stealth (blackout) package will still be available, as will a Platinum Ultimate package.
You can get a more comprehensive look at the 2025 Ford Expedition below, where Andre takes a closer look at the Platinum, King Ranch and Tremor models.
