Ford will add a Tremor off-road version of its 2025 Expedition large SUV, along with numerous other upgrades.

The 2025 Expedition offers a number of innovative features, including power tailgate split into independently opening upper and power sections to create a variety of new features.

The SUV’s frame and suspension are substantially new, thanks to changes made to accommodate the Tremor model’s increased ride height ad offroad capability. Other than the Tremor’s greater ground clearance, the Expedition’s dimensions are essentially unchanged.

Ford will continue to build regular-wheelbase and extended Max versions of the Expedition at its assembly plant in Louisville, Kentucky.

The three-row SUV should reach dealerships in spring 2025. Dealers will take orders starting October 24, when Ford announces prices.

2025 Ford Expedition key new features

• Tremor off-road model

• 24-inch front display screen

• Horizontally split power tailgate

• Four-zone exterior lights

• 9,600-pound towing capacity

• Blue Cruise 1.4 hands-free highway driving system

• Google connected services and voice recognition

• Apple CarPlay

• Android Auto

• Available 24-inch wheels

• Adjustable tailgate table/cargo divider

• 40/20/40 split third row seat for long loads

More: Ford reports a 0.7% increase in US sales in 3rd quarter due to strong demand for trucks

Innovative interior features

The 24-inch display screen for gauges, navigation, audio, weather and more is located atop the dashboard in front of the driver and above the center stack. The center stack still holds a 13.2-inch touch screen that controls many features.

To make the wide screen visible, Ford lowered the Expedition’s dash and flattened the steering wheel’s top and bottom — a shape designers call a "squirkle."

Other interior changes include an available power-sliding front console that can move up to eight inches rearward. Moved all the way back, it creates enough storage space between the front seats for large purses and puts the rear of the console within reach of second-row occupants. The purse bin becomes a locked, secure, locked space when the console slides back to the front.

Second-row passengers also benefit from device holders that can be attached to the front row headrests to hold tablets, phones and other devices. The holders replace built-in video screens, a common feature in large SUVs.

Top models also get a 22-speaker B&O audio system.

Selected competitors

• Chevrolet Suburban

• GMC Tahoe XL

• Jeep Wagoneer

• Toyota Land Cruiser

Business in back

The Expedition’s split tailgate enablers several new features. It’s split into a downward opening lower quarter and to-hinged ¾ panel. Opened together, they provide plenty of space for large cargo.

The bottom panel opens down, creating a shelf or a seat for tailgating. If kept upright when the upper panel opens, the bottom tailgate prevents cargo from rolling out.

A shelf can be placed above the open lower panel, creating a serving table or shelves for tailgate parties. The shelf can also be stood upright, forming a chairback for people sitting on the opened lower tailgate.

The third-row bench seat is split 40/20/40, creating a passthrough for boards, skis or other long cargo.

Ford Expedition Tremor key features

• 10.6-inch ground clearance

• Two-speed transfer case

• Electronic locking rear differential

• Revised suspension and shocks

• Metal skid plates

• 33-inch all-terrain tires

• ‘One-pedal’ trail mode

• Rock crawling mode

• Trail view cameras

• Orange accents

• Recovery loops

• Auxiliary lights behind the grille

Stylish, rugged Tremor off-roader

The Tremor off-road model adds functional and cosmetic features.

An increase to 10.6 inches of ground clearance, new springs and shocks led engineers to upgrades throughout the Expedition’s frame that enable 24-inch wheels on other models. The Tremor comes with 33-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires.

The Tremor also gets skid plates to protect its front axle, transfer case and fuel tank. A two-speed transfer case with rock crawl mode is complemented by electronic controls:

• One-pedal driving which maintains speed by controlling throttle, transmission and brakes

• Trail turn assist, which locks the inside rear wheel so the big vehicle can pivot on its axis to negotiate tight turns.

The Tremor has orange accents inside and out, including on front recovery loops, badging, seat embroidery and interior trim.

It gets a twin-turbo 3.5L V6 producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. The 2025 Expedition’s base engine is a version of that engine producing 400 hp and 480 pound-feet.

A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard.

The latest version of Ford’s Blue Cruise hands-free highway driving system is available, as are cameras and electronic aids to help hooking up to and reversing with trailers.

Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2025 ford Expedition banks on Tremor model, fancy new tailgate