Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
If you've ever tried to squeeze three kids (or more), luggage and maybe even a dog into a mid-size three-row SUV, you know that space matters. Trust me, my wife and I tried to hang on to our mid-size SUV for as long as we could. But then, when baby number three came along? Fuhgeddaboutit.
The 2025 Ford Expedition, and all of its space, comfort, tech, power and practicality, is the solution to just about every issue that could arise with all the shenanigans that come with hauling around kids and road trip gear.
I spent three days and about 150 miles with one, and here are just a few reasons why you'll want to consider the new Ford Expedition for your next full-size family hauler.
Room for everyone, and then some
One of the Expedition's most defining strengths is just how spacious and comfortable it is, no matter where you're sitting. Unlike many three-row SUVs, where the third row feels like a penalty box, the Expedition offers adult-friendly comfort in every seat and every row. Legroom is generous in the second row and surprising in the third. The seats are supportive and even taller passengers won't find themselves brushing their heads against the roof.
As Aaron Gold of Motor Trend wrote, "There's enough room to carry kids from toddler years right through college, provided you don't grow 'em too close to six feet."
Increased cargo space for all your needs and wants
If you're a family that needs space, and a lot of it, you'll love the new Expedition. "Cargo space is up from the previous Expedition, with 21.6 cubic feet behind the rear seat in the standard-length version and 36.1 in the Expedition Max (up from 19.3 and 34.3)," stated Aaron Gold of Motor Trend. "All rear seats fold down flat, either manually or electrically, depending on options."
For our money, we'd happily shell out the additional $3,000 for the Expedition Max, no matter what trim you choose. With its extended length, there is even more usable space behind the third row, perfect for luggage, coolers, strollers, sports gear or monster-sized Costco hauls. Whether you're shuttling the whole neighborhood to school or loading up for a weekend and Lake Powell, the Expedition makes it all too easy.
Tailgate trickery that actually matters
Tailgates don't usually steal the show, but Ford's new split rear liftgate is worth the spotlight. It's clever, practical and genuinely improves the ownership experience. When you open it, it forms a sort of shelf or ledge that keeps items from tumbling out (if I could show you the amount of buffalo sauce spilled on our driveway over the years). It might seem like a minor feature, but trust me, this becomes a big deal when you're parked on a hill or loaded up with groceries.
It also doubles as a seat for tailgating, waiting during practice pickups or just relaxing at a rest stop, as well as a mini picnic table. And if you have little ones, it's the perfect height and depth to work as a diaper-changing station. This is the kind of family-friendly innovation that makes you wonder why all SUVs don't have it. As James Gilboy of The Drive, wrote, the tailgate "opens up plenty of new possibilities."
Strong, responsive and ready to tow your toys
While the Expedition is certainly big, it hustles like an all-star linebacker. This thing, and its standard 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6, moves with authority. It's very responsive and eager to hustle and never leaves you wanting for more power.
Not enough oomph for you? A high-output version of the motor is available as an option in the Platinum trim (and standard in the Tremor), producing 440 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque. Oh, and should you have toys to haul, the Expedition, in 4x4 form, can tow up to 9,600 pounds, depending on the configuration.
Motor Trend estimates the standard output motor going from 0-60 mph in about 5.5 seconds, and that felt about right to my seat. Seriously impressive numbers for a vehicle this size.
Fuel economy, as expected, isn't its strongest suit. I averaged about 16 mpg during my time with it. But, given its size, weight and capability, that number feels reasonable and shouldn't come as a shock to those shopping in this segment.
BlueCruise: The tech your family road trips need
One of the optional standout features on our Platinum tester was Ford's BlueCruise hands-free driving system. On approved highways, it takes over steering, acceleration and braking as long as the driver continues to monitor the road with their eyes. For long trips with kids in the back and hours of open road ahead, this system is a game changer. It helps reduce fatigue and adds peace of mind, especially for parents juggling distractions, demands and endless questions from the second and third rows.
If your family hits the freeway often, like mine does, BlueCruise is more than a luxury, and is something once experienced, you won't be able to live without.
Final verdict: Built for the long haul
At nearly $80,000, the fairly loaded test drive Platinum model wasn't cheap. Still, it was outfitted with everything you'd want from a full-size SUV: advanced safety and driver assistance features, loads of space, a premium interior and enough power to confidently handle everything from a ski trip, to towing the boat to Lake Powell, to hauling the kids to San Diego for a soccer tournament.
If you're shopping for a vehicle that prioritizes family functionality, comfort and long-distance usability, the 2025 Ford Expedition delivers and is worth the hefty price tag investment, especially if you plan to keep it a long time. Especially with that new tailgate, the Expedition is one of the most thoughtfully designed, road-trip-ready SUVs on the market right now.
As Aaron Gold of Motor Trend wrote, "Big-SUV conservatives will appreciate its fundamentalism with regards to hauling passengers, cargo and trailers with authority, while progressives will appreciate the leaps it takes into the future. If the two camps can agree on anything, it's that this is a useful new version of the Ford Expedition."
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