'25 Owners...Thoughts and Impressions

[dlcorbett]

Yes, you are correct. I leave it down almost all the time. Don't really think it's an important difference, 3-part vs 2-part.

It was just a thought, buying a new one. One store offered me $16,200 for mine. But I'll hold tight for now, maybe Ford will pull its head out.

Maybe, I do think ford left alot on the table with this model year, but after driving it against everything else out there, I def think this model is incredible and it seems a ton of ppl agree as ford cant keep them on the lot.

 

[Paddler]

Maybe, I do think ford left alot on the table with this model year, but after driving it against everything else out there, I def think this model is incredible and it seems a ton of ppl agree as ford cant keep them on the lot.

No doubt it's the best on the market. It's been the highest rated large SUV by Consumer Reports for many years. That's why I went shopping and won't consider anything else. But if they want to sell me another they'll have to decouple decent seating material from a moonroof. Makes no sense to make you buy a roof if you want naugahyde instead of cloth. I mean, really, Active X seating material isn't exactly "Real Corinthian Leather".

 

[sixstring]

I'm disappointed that the new gen expy doesn't have the passenger side dual glovebox.

 

[slow3v]

Traded our '18 in for a leftover 2025 Active 202a today! Got a great deal, a smidge under invoice + a $2,500 private offer from Ford, net out to about 10% off MSRP.

What a nice vehicle!

 

[dlcorbett]

https://www.edmunds.com/car-news/2026-ford-expedition-jeep-grand-wagoneer-comparison-test-video.html

 

[Mr Big]

Has anyone got a platinum ultimate with 22s yet?

I have 22s but not the ultimate package. It came with the driver experience package.

 

[dlcorbett]

In late 25, there was an issue with the 24in wheels, so ford started releasing platinum ultimates with the same 22ins wheels as the driver pkg. After driving ones with both 24in and 22in wheels, the 22in wheels are markedly better on non hwy roads than the 24 in rims.

 

[Mr Big]

In late 25, there was an issue with the 24in wheels, so ford started releasing platinum ultimates with the same 22ins wheels as the driver pkg. After driving ones with both 24in and 22in wheels, the 22in wheels are markedly better on non hwy roads than the 24 in rims.

With that said, 22s with CCD ride much nicer than 22s with no CCD. I came from a 4th Gen. They stripped so many features, from the GEN 5 both functional and cosmetic, that I was confused when starting to look for a Gen 5, as I wanted all the features I had in my GEN 4. I finally learned very quickly that not all GEN 5 Platinums are the same.

My 4th Gen Platinum had everything except the entertainment screens in the headrests. Differences are 20s vs 22s, B&O Unleashed vs not, Massage seats vs none, CCD vs no CCD, the pretty floor plates that say Platinum, chrome accents, engine cover vs no engine cover and more. I finally found a beautiful one but could not get massage seats as they were only available either special order or on the Ultimate package, which I didn't want because I didn't care about 24s and other items.

I also would prefer my old Infotainment software, as once the connection package expires, we are forced to purchase it or have a lot of dead features. I still haven't figured out how to get to my Android Auto apps, as I cannot find any button leading me there. I did however figure out my xFat USB drive full of music had to be converted to Fat32, in order to work. But still no app access.

In the end, after my whining, I am keeping the Gen 5, because overall it is a way better build. The tranny shifts smoother, it rides better, the auto 4 wheel drive is great, the B&O Unleashed 22 speaker system once calibrated sounds incredible, seats feel better, the inside is awesome, screens are awesome, I can finally use the auto stop park brake function, because it is so smooth I get no jerk when taking off from a traffic light and more. And I now have a super warranty of 2 years 20,000-mile bumper to bumper and a Blue Certified Gold which gives me an additional year for a total of 3 and an extended powertrain warranty that goes to 2032 and 100,000 miles.

 

[Mr Big]

I have now owned my 2025 Expedition Platinum with Driver's package for a week. Here is my take on it and comparison to Gen 4.
I am trying very hard to like the vehicle. However, I am very disappointed with it, because of the SO many negative changes and missing features. I returned the first 2025 because it had 20" rims, no CCD, no new B&O Unleashed. It's my fault because I assumed they were the same with cosmetic additions and changes for the better, like the previous builds. I did not know Ford stripped the Platinum and created packages. You almost have to go for the ultimate package to be equal or special order. The GEN 4 was a lot more elegant looking inside and out.
Comparing the standard 2025/2026 Expedition Platinum to the standard 2024 Platinum:
All the interior is inferior, it's lost all the luxury looking seat and door pleating and seat treatments, and the wood treatments are cheap.
cheaper looking front grill
no massage seats
no under-carriage protection
cheap material on the dash
no CCD
no 22" polished aluminum wheels
no power deploy running boards
no fog lights
no rear seatbelts air bags
all the back storage compartments are smaller or missing and the new rear tailgate backrest and/or shelf is garbage.
I'm sure I forgot something

So, my advice is research to make sure what features you are willing to give up if you choose not to get the ultimate package.
Here are the available packages depending on the trim level (Active, Tremor, King Ranch, or Platinum)

Stealth Performance Package: Upgrades the 3.5L EcoBoost engine to 440 hp, adds continuous controlled damping suspension, black badging, and rides on aggressive 22-inch wheels.

Platinum Ultimate Package: Features the 440-hp high-output V6, a high-flow exhaust system, the Driver Pack, and striking 24-inch Tarnished Dark Metallic-painted wheels.

Driver's Package: Often standard or available on higher trims, bringing adaptive suspension and the premium 22-speaker B&O Unleashed audio system.

Active Touring Edition: Geared toward family road trips, offering advanced tech and styling enhancements. Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow Package: Unlocks up to 9,300 lbs. of towing capacity and includes Pro Trailer Backup Assist.

 

[dlcorbett]

Understandable. I guess you haven't driven the 22 to 24 expys then. I bring that up because I had a 2018 expy limited and the interior felt mostly premium, aside from the thin feeling center console lid and fords sporty build quality. When the 4th gen expys first came out, they were hard to fault except for the build quality lulls, but it came together very well as a whole product. However, the refreshed interior of the 22 to 24 is markedly worse than the pre refresh expys, so much that its why weve been getting navigators. Outside of some of the interior stitching, the plastics are harder, feel cheapish, and doesn't look as integrated with the 15in screen, which i liked alot. The first thing my wife said after driving the 22 expy when they first dropped was, "why does this feel cheaper than the one we had before". I dont have a 25, so I cant really speak to long term ownership, only test drives, wifey and i liked the Interior alot, but we thought the armada had the best interior of the bigs in terms of feel, quality and ambiance, but the expy was a close second. Ford did do a good job with the materials, I do remember the platinum ultimate having a better feel then the other trims(we looked at ultimate, drivers, spp, and king ranch to determine the trim we wanted to buy). Also, I felt the new expys seats are some of the best in the business, they are actually more comfy than my current navigator.

 

[Mr Big]

Understandable. I guess you haven't driven the 22 to 24 expys then.

I drove them all over the years. I am referring to the Platinum model as I only purchased GEN 4 Platinums, until this recent purchase.
So, the interior and features pretty much remained the same or were improved on the GEN 4 models. That is what I based my comparison on.
I came to the conclusion that the only way to get all the features of a GEN 4 "Platinum" is to purchase a GEN 5 Platinum with the Ultimate package. Even though there are more features in the ultimate package, certain features are missing without it, like massage seats, luxury interior, nicer wheels.

 

[dlcorbett]

I drove them all over the years. I am referring to the Platinum model as I only purchased GEN 4 Platinums, until this recent purchase.
So, the interior and features pretty much remained the same or were improved on the GEN 4 models. That is what I based my comparison on.
I came to the conclusion that the only way to get all the features of a GEN 4 "Platinum" is to purchase a GEN 5 Platinum with the Ultimate package. Even though there are more features in the ultimate package, certain features are missing without it, like massage seats, luxury interior, nicer wheels.

When we got our 18, we ordered a limited. We ordered when the order guide dropped, so months before they released. The first one to hit our area at that time was a few hours away but it was the platinum, I went with my wife and dad. Omg, we all fell in love with it right there, and they gave me an amazing deal (x plan, 7k down, 780/mnth for 12k a year lease, msrp 82k, sell price 72k), but i couldnt get back home to do a trade before the closed and we were headed out of state. When we tested the 22 expy, we tested the platinum expy because we wanted the massage seats and we just drove a 22 nav. Thats when my wife made the comment about our 18 compared to the 22. It didnt help that ford started deleting the massage seats from the 22s around the time we were able to test drive them.

I think you'll be able to fall in love with it after you get used to the quirks, but the reasons you have for feeling meh about it are reasonable. I made sure I did as much research as I could wjen we were looking because ford retooled the feature structure as well with the trims, and ford did a horrible job informing consumers of the changes. That's why when the 25s came out, we drove the ultimate first, then went down to lower trims to see what we could live without. Ultimately, we bought a cpo 22 nav, but back to back driving, I did like the 25 expy more ( also, we did the same with a 25 nav, and we still liked the expy more).

 

[SENC]

Recently back from our first long road trip in the Expedition (2026 KR XL), and continue to be impressed with this vehicle.

We drove from the Carolinas to the NE tip of Maine, with stops in Baltimore, Salem, Portland, Mt Desert Island, Newport, and NYC along the way. Primarily interstate between Carolinas and Massachusetts (both ways) and primarily small highways/back roads while in MA, NH, and ME (plus city driving).

The vehicle fuel consumption/mpg monitor proved remarkably accurate (much moreso than in previous vehicles I've owned or still own). Trip meters calculated 20.4mpg over 2,700 miles, and both the total and interim trip meters run for each fill-up were within 1-2 tenths of an mpg with calculated mpg (I use an app to track fuel and other vehicle expenses over time). Interstate speed were between 70 and 80 mph, calculated speed for the entire trip was a little over 40mph - so a fair amount of time in traffic/at lower speeds or stops going through towns and villages (as well as heavy traffic in and around NYC). Regular gas the whole way, and plenty of power/acceleration when needed even without the higher output engine option. Overall, I'm pleased (even a little surprised) with this fuel mileage - with the big XL fuel tank this means I could get close to 600 miles on a tank... more than enough for me.

Comfort was fantastic, both for me and my passenger (and pup in her kennel in the rear). I only did 1 "long haul" 9 hour stretch this trip, but was never uncomfortable nor restless, and not too tired at the end of it. Most days were 4-6 hours in the vehicle, which was a breeze. I also think the exceptional noise control in these vehicles, between the double-laminated glass, CCD, and noise cancellation, contributes tremendously to comfort and lack of fatigue.

The square wheel is exceptionally comfortable for interstate cruising. I made use of BlueCruise a few times (primarily to eat a burger on the road - my other half hates when I drive with me knees) and have to say I was extremely impressed... though I prefer driving myself and only used it when I had a particular need for it. The adaptive cruise works well when set to the shortest gap.

I didn't have any opportunities for true off-road testing, but had plenty of tight spaces to navigate (parking and otherwise) and found the Expedition very easy to handle in such places. Even NYC wasn't awful (actually, a big vehicle may be helpful as the idiots can see you and actually pay attention to you). Again, the square wheel was quickly forgotten as a concern.

For traveling with a dog, the split rear tailgate is truly ideal - it provides just enough clear space to feed the dog or just to sit with dog while taking a break or enjoying scenery - and means you don't have to move any of the stuff you have packed.

I was disappointed that the cargo area only offers 2 tie-downs - I like to have my kennel secured for my pups safety. The work-around I found, since I had the 3rd row folded down, was to secure the forward end with a small strap attached to the non-removeable 3rd row headrest (in its down position).

I still think 18" wheels would be better, and will likely put some on when tires need replacing, but otherwise extremely happy with this vehicle.

 

[Mr Big]

I still think 18" wheels would be better, and will likely put some on when tires need replacing, but otherwise extremely happy with this vehicle.

Thanks for sharing. Expeditions are great for sure.
If you are running 22s on your vehicle, make sure your tires are Michelin and have the proper pressure. Mine has 275/55 22" Michelin Defenders on it and it rides like glass. My model does have CCD which really makes a difference as well. I was very disappointed that Ford decided to strip the Expedition models and make most of the standard equipment as packages. Basically, one needs to get an Ultimate packed Expedition to be equal with the GEN4 releases. Mine has the driver's package which gives me most of what
I wanted. But it's missing the luxury interior and massage seats.

 

[SENC]

Thanks for sharing. Expeditions are great for sure.
If you are running 22s on your vehicle, make sure your tires are Michelin and have the proper pressure. Mine has 275/55 22" Michelin Defenders on it and it rides like glass. My model does have CCD which really makes a difference as well. I was very disappointed that Ford decided to strip the Expedition models and make most of the standard equipment as packages. Basically, one needs to get an Ultimate packed Expedition to be equal with the GEN4 releases. Mine has the driver's package which gives me most of what
I wanted. But it's missing the luxury interior and massage seats.

Yes, 22s. The KR does still have CCD and it does ride extremely well. I believe it would ride even better on 18s, which I'd rather have anyway for airing down is sand/off road or airing up for heavy loads and towing. You are right about the packaging changes - we looked hard at a Platinum Ultimate but the 24" wheels were non-starters for me and I didnt want to drop $3-4k on new wheels and tires on a brand new vehicle.

I like the KR interior trim better than the Platinum Ultimate (and "feel" that the leather is better), but there're trade-offs. Losing massage and electric 2nd row seats were non-issues for us, may be important to some. You also don't get the HO-tuned engine on a KR. I was mildly concerned about this, but after trialing both and particularly after this road trip, I don't think that is a big deal at all. Acceleration, even on regular unleaded, is superb with the standard engine tuning - I really don't need anything more.

 

[LostProV1]

Yes, 22s. The KR does still have CCD and it does ride extremely well. I believe it would ride even better on 18s, which I'd rather have anyway for airing down is sand/off road or airing up for heavy loads and towing. You are right about the packaging changes - we looked hard at a Platinum Ultimate but the 24" wheels were non-starters for me and I didnt want to drop $3-4k on new wheels and tires on a brand new vehicle.

I like the KR interior trim better than the Platinum Ultimate (and "feel" that the leather is better), but there're trade-offs. Losing massage and electric 2nd row seats were non-issues for us, may be important to some. You also don't get the HO-tuned engine on a KR. I was mildly concerned about this, but after trialing both and particularly after this road trip, I don't think that is a big deal at all. Acceleration, even on regular unleaded, is superb with the standard engine tuning - I really don't need anything more.

Only asking for my own education as I have a '25 KR with it, but I thought the '26 KR dropped the CCD? I remember reading that in the order guide and thinking it was a big mistake.

 

[Mr Big]

Yes, 22s. The KR does still have CCD and it does ride extremely well. I believe it would ride even better on 18s, which I'd rather have anyway for airing down is sand/off road or airing up for heavy loads and towing. You are right about the packaging changes - we looked hard at a Platinum Ultimate but the 24" wheels were non-starters for me and I didnt want to drop $3-4k on new wheels and tires on a brand new vehicle.

I like the KR interior trim better than the Platinum Ultimate (and "feel" that the leather is better), but there're trade-offs. Losing massage and electric 2nd row seats were non-issues for us, may be important to some. You also don't get the HO-tuned engine on a KR. I was mildly concerned about this, but after trialing both and particularly after this road trip, I don't think that is a big deal at all. Acceleration, even on regular unleaded, is superb with the standard engine tuning - I really don't need anything more.

I like the interior better on the KR as well. It's quality is like my GEN4 Platinum. But I could not find one I liked at the time of purchase.
I'm happy with my Platinum with the Driver's package, as it gives me almost what I had. Also, the trade off with the new features and enhancements levelled the field, so now I'm pretty happy. I will be wiser next purchase.
I do miss my better-looking wheels, massage seats, and luxury leather.
IMHO the Gen4 was quieter, maybe because the tires I had were defenders and the tires I have now are Primacy. And there are no under-carriage covers for road sound dampening, which I'm installing this weekend.

 

[dlcorbett]

Only asking for my own education as I have a '25 KR with it, but I thought the '26 KR dropped the CCD? I remember reading that in the order guide and thinking it was a big mistake.

Yes, for my26, the only way to get ccd is with the spp or ultimate packages which locks in the 24in wheels.

 

[Mr Big]

Yes, for my26, the only way to get ccd is with the spp or ultimate packages which locks in the 24in wheels.

And they dropped CCD in the '26 Driver's package. What's next?
My '25 Platinum 4WD has the Drivers package, and it came with CCD Suspension, B&O Unleashed Sound System with 22 speakers, and 22-inch by 9-inch Ebony Bright Machined Face Aluminum Wheels wrapped in P275/50R22 all-season tires.
My next purchase will have to be Ultimate package on a Platinum, unless they change again.

 

[LostProV1]

Good to get confirmation on the CCD in the KR. I understand some of the frustrations on this thread, for sure, but overall I still think the Expedition is head and shoulders above the GM and Stellantis products. That being said, one of the things I liked best about Ford was the ability to truly tailor your purchase when you ordered a vehicle. I am an admitted KR junkie...I really dislike black interiors and am very drawn to the higher quality leather and materials in the brown color scheme. BUT, I hate moonroofs. Used to be that wasn't an issue, but now you can't order a KR (or any higher trim) without a giant hole in the roof to heat up the car and leak. Admittedly, the KR losing CCD will probably finally force me to switch trims next time, as I don't think I can give that suspension up. What that means is I'm driving this one into the ground, as it's overall got most of what I want.

Ford's color restrictions also annoy me. I really think Ford screwed up by not offering the KR in dark blue. That ticked me off, especially when you can get that pastel blue and all the various grays on a KR that clash horribly with the interior. And if the 2027 had CCD, I'd have had serious buyer's remorse over a Bronze Fire KR (but I'll take Star White and CCD over Bronze Fire and no CCD). I had that color on my old F-150 and it's my favorite Ford color of all time.