2025 Ford Expedition Full-Size SUV Borrows Navigator’s Tricks

• The 2025 Ford Expedition enters its fifth generation with a large media screen, EcoBoost-only power, and a clamshell tailgate.
  

• The all-new Expedition will pack 3.5 liters of turbocharged V6 under the hood but has two power levels.

• Ford expects ’25 Expeditions to arrive at dealer lots in spring 2025.

Following the rollout of its more upmarket sibling, Ford is launching the 2025 Expedition next spring.

Sharing some important updates with the latest Lincoln Navigator, the ’25 Expedition adds a large screen to the mix, a clamshell tailgate, and EcoBoost power. Ford is also sunsetting the Timberline trim from current models but is adding a Tremor model to the option sheet.

Under the hood, the powertrain kind of carries over from the current Expedition. For ’25, there are two variants of the turbocharged V6 available: a standard output version and a high output version.

The standard output 3.5-liter V6 sends 400 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission that feeds the rear wheels or the four-wheel-drive system. The high output version will crank up that 3.5-liter EcoBoost to 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque.

However, the more potent V6 is only available as standard equipment in the Tremor and as an option on the Platinum models. Of course, that is also connected to a 10-speed automatic.

Unlike the powertrains, the sheetmetal is decidedly new. The dimensions are similar to the outgoing Expedition in just about every direction. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything interesting going on with the shell.

Just like the Navigator, the new Expedition adds the handy clamshell tailgate to the mix. This split rear gate can keep stuff stored in the cargo hold from falling out while you’re trying to reach for something else.

This lower tailgate also works as a seat, with the upper tailgate operating as cover from the rain. The lower tailgate can also serve as a table, if you’re into overlanding or pregame partying.

The frame underneath is new but isn’t exactly re-inventing the concept of a ladder frame. Interestingly, the new Expedition Tremor gets a unique frame, with the rest of the lineup sharing a common substructure.

The Tremor also gets unique suspension mounting points, with the development team engineering the appropriate geometry for extra ground clearance.

While the Timberline trim sticks around for the rest of 2024, it won’t be on the option sheet in 2025. But you’ll see Tremor.

Naming conventions aside, the two trims do the same job: a lightly lifted, more off-road-friendly Expedition. Ford says the Tremor boasts 10.6-inches of ground clearance, up about two inches on the rest of the Expedition lineup, and rides on a set of 18-inch alloys that are wrapped in 33-inch General Grabber tires.

Extra underbody shielding helps protect the four-wheel-drive system and the rest of the driveline when you’ve strayed from pavement. If you want a long-wheelbase Expedition Max Tremor, you’re out of luck: Tremor is locked behind the standard wheelbase Expedition.

Tremor aside, most Expedition customers probably care more about what’s going on inside the massive SUV. The new Expedition’s cabin doesn’t shake its semblance to the Navigator. The dashboard is effectively the same, but Ford only offers half the screen size.

Sitting atop the dashboard is a 24-inch driver display and media screen. There’s also a 13.2-inch touchscreen that handles the other media duties and actually takes commands. Speakers atop the dash function like your media system’s soundbar.

The media system sports native Google software features, which means navigation via Google Maps, and the Google Play store has even more apps handy. Still, fans of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto shouldn’t lose any sleep before taking delivery of their new Expedition: those are both tagging along, too.

Just like the Navigator, the third row is built with a 40/20/40 split, which means the middle seatback can fold down, and you can stash lumber, skis, or just about anything else down the length of your Expedition.

But be mindful of what you store, because 12-foot-long boards might spell trouble for your dashboard and passengers if they’re not secured properly.

Underneath, it’s the same basic concept as its predecessor: double wishbone suspension controls the front wheels, with a multi-link rear setup at the rear. Each wheel moves independently, just like the current model.

As is the case with any modern people mover, the ’25 Expedition has an expanded suite of driver-assistance features. Ford is expanding BlueCruise to most of the Expedition lineup, only skipping the lowest Active rung on the ladder.

This latest iteration of BlueCruise promises hands-free lane changes, and Ford is offering a few options for unlocking the BlueCruise system’s software through monthly, yearly, or one-time purchase methods on your new sled.

Pricing is still to be determined, but we’re expecting a price bump when these start to roll into dealers next spring. Currently, a base-model Expedition will set you back $57,625 without a single box checked. Don’t be surprised if that starts with a 6 when these updated models hit the showroom floor.

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