2025 Ford Expedition Review: Aiming to Win Over Families, But Will It Succeed?

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      Ford is keen on capturing some of Chevrolet's sales. It's evident that a great deal of time, effort, and resources were invested in the 2025 Ford Expedition to help it compete with the Chevy Tahoe.

      The revamped 2025 Expedition comes with more family-centric features and packaging, along with some intriguing design elements. However, after spending a week with this latest people mover from Dearborn, it's still unclear if it can truly surpass the Tahoe, but it's inching closer.

      The Essentials

      Much of what you see on the 2025 Expedition is new, yet many parts that are not visible are similar or carryover from previous models. This is not an entirely new Expedition.

      The front end has a more rugged, truck-like appearance compared to the previous model, which resembled a crossover SUV. The prominent egg-crate grille that melds with the headlights plays a significant role in the design. Additionally, the glass above the rear quarter panel now features a trim detail that lifts slightly, making the greenhouse a bit less dull and boxy. Some design choices are a bit unconventional, such as Ford deciding to furnish every 2025 Expedition with a black tailgate, regardless of the vehicle's paint color—an unfortunate decision. However, the inclusion of a new split tailgate, similar to the Rivian R1S, is a functional addition due to a reconfigurable shelf that serves as either a backrest or a table for tailgating. It’s hard to believe that the choices of the black tailgate and the split tailgate were made by the same person.

      Inside, the dashboard has undergone a striking transformation from the previous Expedition. It now features a more streamlined dashboard with a 24-inch panoramic display positioned at the base of the windshield. This screen is operated through unmarked touch-sensitive controls on the two-spoke steering wheel, complemented by a 13.2-inch touchscreen that manages nearly all functions, including headlights and climate control. Thankfully, there is still a volume knob.

      The second-row seats still tilt and slide forward for easier access to the third row, a feature the Chevy Tahoe lacks due to its flip-fold-tumble second row. This allows for easier maneuvering of a car seat in the Expedition, unlike the Tahoe. Oddly, in the redesign, the rear doors have lost their cup holders. How does one misplace two cup holders in a redesign for a three-row SUV that measures 17.5 feet long? Once again, questionable choices. Additionally, at a tested price of $83,965, the absence of second-row sun shades in the doors is puzzling. While the Tahoe also lacks these, it’s still not a justifiable reason.

      Driving the 2025 Ford Expedition

      Under the hood, the unseen components have not changed significantly, including the powertrain. Every Expedition continues to feature a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine. Most variants produce 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, but the high-output version available on the Tremor and the Platinum Ultimate and Stealth trims (the latter of which was tested) offers 440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque. All Expeditions come with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with most opting for four-wheel drive. There are no hybrid or turbodiesel options available. The absence of the F-150’s hybrid powertrain is a notable flaw here.

      Off the line, the high-output turbo-six can be characterized as strong. While it lacks the distinct sound of the Tahoe’s V8, it offers more power and quicker acceleration. Ford has tuned it for a deeper, rougher sound, avoiding the high-pitched V6 whine. The throttle response is more gradual than that of the Tahoe, but the brakes are sensitive and engage too abruptly too soon, making it challenging to drive smoothly in stop-and-go situations.

      Despite being equipped with adaptive dampers, the Platinum Stealth Expedition I drove felt softer and experienced significantly more vertical motion compared to a similar Tahoe. The Chevy provides a more stable ride with fewer disturbances, especially when navigating highway overpasses.

      The two-spoke squircle steering wheel feels awkward at times, particularly during turns and in tight driving conditions, like those often encountered at Costco. However, its design helps maintain visibility of the panoramic display at the base of the windshield. This screen may seem distant, but it encourages drivers to keep their eyes on the road, enhancing safety. The unmarked touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel, which rely on visual confirmation from the screen, necessitate diverting attention from the road for operation. With time, muscle memory develops, but the need to look away remains an issue. Additionally, the shiny trim surrounding the vents near the dashboard's edges can cause glare in bright conditions, leading to distractions.

      Ford's