What do you get when you want a SUV that provides a combination of performance and luxury? As consumers we think about European manufacturers such as Mercedes or BMW. Let’s bring into focus the 2025 Ford Expedition Platinum. The Ford Expedition was introduced to replace the Ford Bronco in 1997. The Expedition was a full-sized SUV competing against the Chevrolet Tahoe and the GMC Yukon. The tester Expedition Platinum is equipped with the Platinum Ultimate package. The Expedition comes in a completely different look. It provides an unparalleled driving experience with exceptional comfort.
Exterior:
The exterior is completely revamped and looks amazing. The Expedition’s front end is an instant iconic look. It features standard LED reflector headlamps with Signature Grille Lighting. The Expedition has an appealing bold look with an athletic exterior. The 24” tarnished dark metallic aluminum wheels on P285/40R24 tires are impressive. The Agate black metallic exterior pairs well with the salt crystal gray leather trimmed interior. The automatic power running boards are beneficial for getting in and out of the vehicle as it has a higher ground clearance. Another neat feature is the new multi-function Ford Split Gate. The upper part of the gate opens like a lift gate and the lower opens like a truck tailgate. They are power activated by a press of a button. The available Cargo Tailgate Manager triples as a tailgate backrest, shelf, or table with a 35-lb capacity. The lower portion is great for tailgate parties or other outdoor activities. The redesigned exterior is a testament of how well the Expedition has evolved over the years.
Interior:
The interior of the 2025 Expedition has been redesigned. I am astonished with the new flat-top and flat-bottom steering wheel. It does take some time to get used to. I like the integrated control pad on the right side of the steering wheel as it allows the driver to select the icon to adjust the wheel’s position versus push of a lever up or down. Also, adaptive cruise control, audio and voice assistants are controlled by the right side of the control pad. However, the left side manages the Lane Keeping System and BlueCruise. I am disappointed on the usage of the control pad to adjust the side mirrors. It is a distraction and challenge to learn. The physical controls on the door panel would have worked better. Moreover, the steering wheel is heated which is a bonus.
The lighting options for the Expedition are controlled through a touchscreen. At first, it is confusing and overwhelming. Keeping the light settings on automatic is convenient and hassle free. Moreover, the interior ambient lights allows the driver to choose a mood of their vehicle through a choice of different color themes. My choice for the color theme was blue.
Comfort:
The Expedition is equipped with seating for seven passengers. It is comfortable and there is plenty of leg room for all. The front and second row seats come heated, however, only the front ones are ventilated. The second row captain seating has its own climate controls. Unfortunately, the third row seating is not heated. There are air vents throughout the vehicle along with USB-C charge ports and 15 cup holders. The Ford’s the new flex power console is well designed. It slides back and forth with a push of a button. The center console has plenty of storage space for all valuables that can be concealed. Overall, the Expedition has a luxurious and comfortable interior with the second row captain’s chairs being the key feature.
Cargo:
The Expedition has plenty of cargo space for weekend getaways or hauling equipment, like sporting goods, camping gear or other heavy duty items. However, this is only possible when the third row seats are folded. The second row seats are 40/20/40 power fold tip and slide seats, As a result, there are plenty of options for cargo space on the Expedition with the configuration of the second and third row seating.
Infotainment and Connectivity:
Inside the Expedition, the first thing you notice is the new 24” panoramic digital display and the 13.2” center stack touchscreen. The backup camera is fantastic with the 360 view. The latest side view cameras are a nice added touch. The Expedition is a big SUV, therefore, the side view cameras are helpful when turning left or right. To optimize Ford’s Digital Experience, the all new Ford Connectivity Package offers the ability to use the Wi-Fi hotspot capability. It can connect up to 10 devices with an optional Wi-Fi Hotspot. Moreover, Google Play apps and embedded Google maps work seamlessly. For Apple users, the Expedition has the ability to use Apple maps and third party navigation applications. Android Auto offers Google Assistant while driving. It provides access to mobile features such as, applications, and text messaging. The sound system is designed by Bang & Olufsen. It is composed of 10 speakers including a subwoofer, ensuring, the music notes are always precise and clear.
Engine and Transmission:
The 2025 Expedition Platinum trim is built for tackling all driving conditions. It has a powerful High Output 3.5 liter Ecoboost V6 engine. It produces an exhilarating 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a 10 speed automatic transmission with Select Shift capability. It features a wide range of gears to enhance performance. The intelligent four-wheel drive with terrain management system comes standard on Expedition trims, Active, Tremor, Platinum and King Ranch models. The standard base engine is powerful. It is the 3.5 liter Ecoboost V6, which delivers 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. Towing is made easy with Expedition models as it offers a maximum 9,600 pounds in certain trims, when equipped with a standard heavy duty trailer tow package. My tester Platinum is equipped with 9300 pounds for towing.
Performance:
Driving the Expedition was a real treat. For a big SUV, I was expecting cabin noise or other imperfections. However, the cabin is relatively quiet travelling at city and freeway speed limits. The power from the High Output Ecoboost engine comes on nice and smooth. When I leaned on the accelerator, the Expedition responded without any hesitation. The Expedition is surprisingly quick for a vehicle of its size. The ride quality is tuned towards a luxurious vibe as it is built on a combination of steel springs and adaptive dampeners. Overall, the Expedition is fully equipped to handle all weather conditions.
Platinum vs Tremor:
When I compare the Expedition Platinum with the first-ever Expedition Tremor trim, I noticed the following differences. First, the Tremor is geared towards families that like off-roading. While the Platinum trim is geared towards luxury. The Tremor includes an exclusive Rock Crawl Mode, and a trail control system featuring Trail Turn Assist and Trail 1-Pedal. This makes the Tremor the exclusive trim geared towards off-roading. Moreover, the modified higher ride suspension with premium passive shocks offer greater ground clearance to tackle rough terrains. The Tremor is equipped with 33” General Grabber all-terrain tires, and it’s 10.6” ground clearance is better than other large traditional utility vehicles. In addition, the Tremor is equipped with off-road auxiliary grille lights, front and transmission skid plates, and fuel tank underbody protection. All in all, the Tremor trim is Ford’s off-roading vehicle of choice.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features:
For safety, the Expedition is equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0. This is a suite of driver-assist features which include but not limited to, lane-keeping system, hill descent control, blind spot information system (BLIS) with cross traffic alert, and forward collision warning system. A neat safety feature is the BLIS, with trailer coverage that alerts you of the vehicles in your blind spots. Also, it detects traffic in the lanes beside what you are towing. The two safety features that stood out for me were the intersection turn assistance and Ford’s Blue Cruise system. The intersection turn assistance warns the driver and applies brakes when it detects an oncoming vehicle or pedestrian. The second safety feature, Ford’s BlueCruise system is an advanced hands-free driving system. The BlueCruise system enables hands-free and eyes on highway driving which helps driving easier and more enjoyable. The BlueCruise can accelerate, brake, and steer the vehicle in the lane with the touch of a button. I found the BlueCruise system simple and easy to use.With this system, you can switch lanes hands-free using lane change assist, when it’s safe to do so. All of this is completed by activating the turn signal and your vehicle will shift away from vehicles in adjacent lanes. Ford has equipped the Expedition with the latest safety features ensuring the driver and passengers are safe at all times.
Verdict:
It was a great week driving the Ford Expedition Platinum edition. I thoroughly enjoyed the SUV, from its revamped exterior and interior designs, to its driving performance. The Expedition Platinum is built for families that are actively on the go from subtle camping trips or weekend sporting events. This one of a kind SUV provides all of the amenities ranging from exterior design, interior comfort, driving performance, and latest safety features. The price as tested for the Ford Expedition Platinum edition is $113,585.00 MSRP.
