2025 Ford Expedition First Drive: Look out Chevy Tahoe?

Completely redone, the 2025 Ford Expedition is not only much more competitive, but there is also quite literally is a lot more to talk about with this new full-size SUV. From the new dash layouts to the rear split liftgate to the new Tremor model to the new frame, the list goes on and on.

A few days behind the wheel in Kentucky and then into Indiana reveal all the new things add up to a much better version of the Ford Expedition.

New things that work on the 2025 Ford Expedition

We have already covered what’s new on the 2025 Ford Expedition, so let’s hone in on the new things that actually work well.

Starting off the list is the split tailgate. Ford has spent a ton of money on this idea through design, engineering and even redesigning the assembly plant along with developing a new robotic arm to install it. It is a large gamble. I think it works.

I’m not sold on the idea that people may use it as a seat, but I do like the idea of using it as a work bench, a place to set out food or even a place to get your sports or camping gear organized. In my experience, having an extended workbench on the back of vehicles, like a truck’s tailgate, is always useful. 

Another thing that works is the interior dash setup. Without a doubt, it looks funky. The two-screen setup takes a minute to get used to, yet it starts to make sense as you drive. For the driver, the large digital guage cluster is like having a much better version of a heads-up display. There is no need to look down and your eyes are always looking forward. 

The 13.2-inch infotainment screen feels much closer to the driver and passenger, and that works great as well. It isn’t trying to be one big screen that is combined with the driver’s screen. They are separate and it just makes sense. 

Finally, the sliding center console also makes sense. You can slide it back to give your rear-seat passengers better cup holders and then expose a larger storage area. Then, you can slide it forward to cover the storage area and treat it like a lockable bin. Unlike General Motors SUVs, you don’t forget the sliding console exists, or at least I won’t, since the controls for sliding it are in front of the arm rest and well marked. It literally says “slide” with an arrow pointing back and forth. Simple. I like simple. 

What new things could be better

While the 2025 Ford Expedition is a great leap forward, I think there are opportunities to make a few things better.

First, the split tailgate is designed to be used in a variety of settings for camping, tailgating, etc. Yet, there is a serious lack of power for people who want to maximize the potential. Ford offers this through its power onboard system providing 2.4kW or 7.2kW of power in the rear with the PowerBoost hybrid setup. This same powertrain should be at least an option on the Expedition. It just seems to me if you have developed the technology, proven it over the years and spent the millions of it, why not maximize it and use it throughout your lineup?

Second, I’m surprised there aren’t more powertrain options. I like the EcoBoost family of engines and the standard and high-output versions do get this full-size SUV moving. Who doesn’t love 510 pound-feet of torque? Yet, there are many consumers who have concerns over turbocharged engines. Why limit the choices when you already have a 5.0-liter V-8 engine available? 

Third, a digital rearview mirror is missing. Why Ford doesn’t embrace this technology is wild. If you don’t know, a digital rearview mirror allows the driver to choose between a conventional mirror and a digital image that uses a camera mounted on the rear of the vehicle. In the case of the Expedition, I couldn’t see out the back window with the third-row center headrest up. Now imagine having a full cabin of people. The rearview mirror is useless. 

There are aftermarket options that all require splicing into your existing wiring. Not something I want to do if I have a new vehicle with a warranty. However, if you are towing a lot, which Ford says Expedition customers do, or hauling a lot of family or gear, the rearview mirror is useless. You might as well take it off and throw it in the trash can.

Finally, the adjustments for the pedals and steering wheel are on the steering wheel right side. The cruise control and improved BlueCruise system are on the left side. That’s all fine. Pushing on these trackpads brings up a box on the driver instrument panel and you use your fingers to move around the screen to adjust the items. That’s ok. What’s not ok is there’s no tactical feel on the trackpad to align your fingers correctly without second thought. For example, as I type this on a keyboard, the F and J keys have a line on the bottom. This is a quick reference point alerting me that my hands are lined up without having to look down and double check each time. Ford needs to do the same thing with their trackpads. Give the driver some tactical item either a bump or a line to easily let them know they are where they need to be without looking down at the trackpad thus defeating the purpose.

How does it drive?

During our two days, Jill Ciminillo, managing editor, and I drove the Ford Expedition MAX and the standard wheelbase model in a Platinum trim on road as well as the Tremor version off-road. 

In all instances, the Expedition drove smaller than you thought it would. Plus, the seats were comfortable – a true competitive advantage over GM seats. Off-the-line power and passing speed are both good and shouldn’t be an issue for most situations.

The Expedition rides well, and it is noticeably smooth. It is interesting they were able to do this through improvements to the frame and changing some of the attachment points for the sway bars where GM relies on technology, like MagnerRde, to get the same result. 

I was also impressed by the MAX version not feeling sluggish on turns. Often with the longer wheelbase, it feels like the old slinky toy with the butt end taking a while to come around. This didn’t have that feeling. 

Our take on the 2025 Ford Expedition

The prior-generation Ford Expedition felt like a warmed over F-150 for me at times. This was especially true during the end of its lifecycle. The new Expedition feels like Ford put more effort into making it stand out and be its own type of vehicle, not a copy of another Ford product. 

It is still a mixed bag for me, though, for a few reasons. I would have liked for them to not treat the Expedition customer as such a separate buyer versus an F-150 customer. The Expedition, for some buyers, is seen as an F-150 with a topper and a third-row of seating, much like the Chevy Tahoe is seen by Silverado 1500 customers.

Specifically, I thought taking the zone lighting from the F-150 was a great, but why stop there? Add in the PowerBoost and another engine option while you’re at it. And instead of a silly, old-school cigarette-lighter style 12-volt connector in the center console, add in a real household plug like the trucks offer.

I think full-size SUV customers will look at Expedition and still go with the Tahoe since it offers more powertrain options. At the end of the day, many customers start with what is under the hood, and then they look at the rest of the vehicle.

Editor’s note: Driving impressions in this “First Drive” review are from an invitation-only automaker launch event that allowed special access to the vehicle and executives. Ford Motor Co. covered our accommodations, meals and transportation costs.

Photos are a collection of pictures taken from Tim Esterdahl and provided by Ford Motor Company.