New Functionality, Off-Road Capability in 2025 Ford Expedition

DETROIT – Ford redesigns the fullsize Expedition SUV for 2025 with new sheetmetal, powertrain, suspension and interior, but it’s the integration between mechanical and digital elements that Adrian Aguirre, vehicle chief engineer, most appreciates.

Aguirre explains that the new digital instrument cluster proved itself in test runs during which drivers were asked to achieve and maintain a predetermined speed for engine calibration. Because of the visibility of the digital speedometer, that task was much easier.

While owners will see the same visibility, it’s the integration of all of the elements the fifth-generation SUV has to offer that daily drivers will appreciate the most.

Powered by a 3.5L EcoBoost turbo V-6, the standard engine produces 400 hp and 480 lb.-ft. (651 Nm) of torque while a high-output option produces 440 hp and 510 lb.-ft. (691 Nm) of torque. Aguirre says the engines are similar to those used in the existing models but are modified for this application. Both engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic.

Aguirre says that the same sort of reliability and durability standards for the F-150 pickup are applied throughout the SUV. One example is an innovative “Split Gate” rear hatch/liftgate and tailgate seating setup that needed to be able to support substantial weight.
The rear hatch employs an upper glass-and-metal section that functions like a traditional liftgate while a lower quarter-section opens like a pickup tailgate. A cargo tailgate management system can be flipped up vertically to serve as a tailgate seatback or oriented horizontally and elevated on legs to become a serving table. Either way, the tailgate support 500 lbs. (227 kg), easily enough for two adults.

But the Expedition is not a truck. It is a vehicle that was developed with a considerable amount of attention on family transport, which led to a focus on making it as comfortable as it is capable.

Micah Jones, interior designer, points to the instrument panel of the 2025 Expedition, noting that in the past the design of the IP was predicated on that of a F-Series pickup.

The Expedition now has its own IP aesthetic, which combines the robust “beam” running horizontally across the IP with the aforementioned digitally advanced appearance.

The most notable change is the replacement of the traditional gauge cluster with a slightly curved 24-in. (61-cm) panoramic display that is positioned on top of the instrument panel and in front of a fabric covered “Sound Stage,” as Jones puts it, where audio speakers are located.

Aguirre explains that while there are head-up displays available in many vehicles, they are limited in the amount of information provided to the driver to that which is relevant and important, useful and not distracting: speed, fuel, navigation. The driver doesn’t need to look down and through the steering wheel to see this information. In fact the top of the steering wheel is somewhat flattened to help assure screen visibility (and the bottom flattened for additional leg room).

Also part of the “Ford Digital Experience” execution in the Explorer is a 13.2-in. (33.5-cm) touchscreen in the center stack.

The Google-based system uses Google Assistant as the default voice assistant, Google Maps for navigation and the Google Play app store for games and entertainment. A connectivity package that allows WiFi hotspot capability for up to 10 devices.

The Expedition competes with other large SUVs including the Chevrolet Suburban, Toyota Sequoia, Nissan Armada, and the Jeep Grand Wagoneer. But what none of them offers is anything like the Expedition Tremor.

The Tremor version, exclusively powered by the high-output V-6, rolls on 33-in. General Grabber tires, providing 10.6-ins. (269-mm) of ground clearance, and comes with a front skid plate, Raptor-style running boards and underbody protectors for the front axle, transfer case and fuel tank.

Underlining the point of this being off-road capable, there is a selectable Rock Crawl drive mode.

The 2025 Expedition arrives in dealerships next spring.

Ford introduces Expedition Tremor model for 2025.