2025 Ford Expedition: Comfortably Adventurous
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Louisville, KY – The full-size SUV segment may not be the most popular in Canada, but south of the border, these suburban road giants still attract a fair number of families. The automotive press was invited at the Expedition's production site, where Ford wanted showcased the meticulousness behind the assembly of its largest SUV—an aspect that has occasionally been lacking in the blue oval's catalogue.
Opened in 1969, the Louisville plant—also known as the Kentucky Truck Plant—has been the birthplace of several popular models in North America. Think of the F-Series, the Ranger lineup, the Bronco II, and of course, the Ford Explorer, to name just a few. Today, the KTP complex builds the Super Duty series, as well as Ford and Lincoln’s two largest SUVs: the Expedition and the Navigator, respectively.
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During this brief visit of the plant, we even had the chance to sit inside a few freshly assembled units just off the production line. Every vehicle that comes off of the line must go through a short, bumpy test track designed to "shake" the chassis. These obstacles help determine whether the SUV meets the brand’s quality standards. Each driver must listen closely and ensure there are no unwanted cabin noises and rattles. The King Ranch model we sat in was free of any such creeks or rattles—a good start, at the very least!
Same Platform, Same Comfort
The 2025 Expedition doesn’t stray from its original formula. It still rides on a body-on-frame chassis, although some adjustments have been made to the SUV’s underpinnings to improve its driving dynamics. Several suspension components have been revised, not only to enhance directional stability but also to preserve the level of comfort that already made the big Ford one of the best in the business in that regard.
Equipped with an independent suspension at all four corners, the Expedition literally "floats" over the road. However, comfort levels vary depending on the trim level and the wheel size bolted to the vehicle. And there’s no shortage of choices here: buyers can select from 18-, 20-, 22-, or new-for-2025 24-inch wheels. This trend toward oversized rims is spreading in the segment—General Motors also joined the 24-inch craze earlier this year.
Behind the wheel of a Platinum model fitted with the Stealth Package and 22-inch wheels, the SUV showed its smoothness—though it's worth noting that road conditions in Kentucky are excellent. In some parts of Canada, however, opting for those massive 24-inch wheels could prove to be a mistake, not to mention the high replacement cost of those low-profile tires.
First- and second-row seats are very plush—the third row a little less so—while the cabin is impressively quiet, thanks in part to the acoustic glass installed up front. In short, comfort is a mastered art in Ford’s less luxurious cousin to the Lincoln Navigator.
Two Options Under the Hood
The Expedition’s powertrain remains unchanged. The only engine option is the 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6, although it’s available in two different output levels. The version found in most trims delivers 400 horsepower and 480 ft-lb of torque, but for those who want more, the Expedition Tremor comes from the factory with the same engine tuned for higher performance. In this configuration, output climbs to 440 horsepower and 510 ft-lb of torque. Only one transmission is offered: the familiar 10-speed automatic used throughout the brand’s truck lineup.
And since the Expedition rides on a truck-based frame, it comes equipped with a four-wheel-drive system offering the usual drive modes (2WD, 4WD High, and 4WD Low). On pavement, rear-wheel drive is sufficient, but when the going gets rough, the Expedition has the tools to pull through. In fact, the Tremor version even gets an extra drive mode called “Rock Crawl,” designed for tougher terrain.
A Nautilus-Inspired Cabin
A quick look at the second and third rows confirms the Expedition has space to spare—on par with its competitors. And while there are some new tricks in the cargo area (more on that in a moment), the real showstopper is the dashboard. Ford designers drew inspiration from the layout introduced a few months ago in the Lincoln Nautilus and the latest Navigator. At the base of the windshield sits a wide 24-inch digital panel, whose greatest advantage is its expansive width. Thanks to the large font and graphics, checking important driving information while on the move is now easier than ever.
To maintain a physical connection with the main display, a second touchscreen is embedded in the centre of the dashboard. Measuring 13.2 inches, this screen allows drivers to customize the information shown in front of them.
But that’s not all. The driver must also learn to manage such a large vehicle using a surprisingly small, flat-bottomed steering wheel that would feel more at home in a sports car. The result is quicker steering and a stronger connection between the driver and the vehicle. That said, one must first get used to the haptic touch controls, even just to adjust the steering wheel position. It’s a bit tricky at first, but once set, there’s little reason to adjust it again.
Back to the cargo area—Ford has added a new underfloor shelf that can be installed at mid-height to better organize luggage. This shelf can also flip to serve as a small serving table—perfect for impromptu roadside snacks. But there’s a third function as well: a bench seat. Thanks to a tailgate that folds down and supports up to 500 pounds, two adults can comfortably sit on the bench made possible by the shelf folding into a backrest. Whether it’s to enjoy a sunset or sit around a campfire, it’s hard to find a better setup… at least in an SUV.
What About the Tremor?
Another major update for the Expedition is the introduction of the Tremor variant. The name carries more weight than the outgoing “Timberline” variant, which Ford quickly swept under the rug. More aggressive on the outside with multiple “Burnt Spice” painted accents, the Tremor goes further in its off-road intentions with a raised ride height (10.6 inches), protective skid plates, F-150 Raptor-style side steps, and exclusive 18-inch wheels wrapped in General Grabber all-terrain tires. There are also integrated auxiliary lights in the grille and more lights mounted at the ends of the roof rails.
The suspension has been revised to better withstand off-road punishment, along with the addition of the new Rock Crawl mode and trail-focused features like “Trail 1-Pedal Drive” and “Trail Turn Assist,” both already found in adventure-ready models like the Ford Bronco.
To demonstrate its capabilities, Ford had set up a rugged off-road course to test the Expedition Tremor. With steep climbs and deep-water crossings, the largest SUV in Ford’s lineup took on an almost Bronco-like character on a trail shared by mud and rocks.
With Off-Road mode engaged, the Expedition Tremor didn’t even need 4WD Low. The excellent grip of the tires certainly played a role, as did the vehicle’s ground clearance. And let’s not forget the underbody protection, which took a few hits during the run.
Final Thoughts
No matter the trim level, the 2025 Ford Expedition represents a significant investment. In this segment, it’s easy to cross the $100,000 threshold—and we’re not even talking about the Lincoln Navigator. That said, the higher-end Expedition trims now offer just enough to satisfy luxury buyers who might otherwise opt for the Lincoln badge. Will the radically new driver environment turn some buyers away? Possibly. But in our opinion, this front-row redesign is likely to spread across the industry—and the consumer will be the one to benefit.
And for those looking for a full-size SUV that delivers serious comfort, the Ford Expedition remains an excellent choice—especially in Tremor guise, with its big tires and off-road credentials, making it an ideal match for Canadian drivers.
