2025 Ford Expedition / Max Copy

Driver Area: Upgraded Storage, Better Comfort, and a Big Tech Glow-Up

Starting at the driver door panel: Ford leveled up.

The cup holders and side cubby are now way more usable, and yes — I can fit a full-size 40oz Stanley in the door. That is a big deal. You know how many cars I’ve tried that in and failed?

The New Steering Wheel

Ford switched to a more oval-style steering wheel, and I was nervous when I first saw it online… but I actually love it. It’s more comfortable, especially if you naturally drive with your hands higher up.

How It Drives

This is one of the biggest upgrades, in my opinion. I drive a 2023 Expedition and the difference is noticeable. The ride quality, braking, suspension, and handling are better. It drives beautifully — smooth and confident without feeling sloppy.

Infotainment: Two Screens + Better Layout

The 2025 Expedition has two screens:

• An upper screen that acts like your digital dash (in place of a traditional heads-up display)
• A lower screen for infotainment

And because the steering wheel is shaped lower, I still have a clear view of the upper display — I’m not peeking around the wheel to see my information.

The infotainment is familiar Ford tech, just quicker and more responsive, and I appreciate that the climate controls stay pulled up no matter what screen you’re on.

You also get:

• A volume knob (thank you)
• A gear selector knob
• Driver assist controls on the wheel

One Disadvantage

The steering wheel buttons are annoying because they’re not labeled, and some functions take multiple clicks through menus. Not a dealbreaker, but it’s one of those “why did you do it like this?” moments.

BlueCruise

This Platinum trim includes BlueCruise, Ford’s semi-autonomous driving tech. It’s seriously impressive — if you’re test driving this car, you need to try it.

Center Console: Ford Understood the Assignment

The storage and usability up front is so good.

You get:

• Cup holders
• Wireless charger
• USB + USB-C (I love having both)
• A power-sliding center console that moves back FAST

When you slide it back, you open up extra storage space — and there’s even a hidden little Model T Easter egg, which is such a fun detail.

Then you’ve got:

• A big center console with two more USB-C ports
• A flat surface that’s perfect for car lunches, working, mom life, whatever
• A tablet holder for passengers
• Two more cup holders for the second row

It’s one of those interiors that feels like it was designed by someone who actually spends time in a car.

Car Seat Setup: Still the Expedition Superpower

The Expedition is a car seat machine, and it continues to be best-in-class.

It comes in both bench and captain’s chairs, but I’m going to say it:
Ford, make more bench seats. They’re hard to find.

In my tour, I show the captain's chairs but can confirm the bench is a carseat machine.

Second Row (Captain’s Chairs)

• Lower anchors + tether anchors in each outboard seat
• Big aisle access to the third row

I showed rear-facing with a Britax Poplar (a compact seat front-to-back), and the clearance between the driver seat and the car seat was great. This is a good reminder that sometimes, third-row access is as simple as choosing the right car seat for the job.

Car Seat Tilt Feature

One of my favorite Expedition features is the car-seat-friendly tilt.

If a car seat is installed with lower anchors (LATCH), you can tilt the entire seat forward without affecting the integrity of the installation. It’s especially helpful with a bench, but even with captain’s chairs it’s useful for helping kids in the third row without having to awkwardly climb back there.

Second Row Comfort: Big, Airy, and Actually Thoughtful

Second row amenities are strong:

• Ceiling vents (yes)
• Heated second row seats on Platinum
• Rear climate control
• Charging ports on the seat backs (this is such a smart upgrade for older kids)

Charging ports on the seat back are a big deal because kids can actually reach them without bending down and losing the cord every five seconds.

Two misses that still bug me:

• The new door cup holder shape is… confusing (what is that shape even?)
• Still no sunshades

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Cargo Space: Regular vs Max

The Expedition comes in two sizes:

• Regular
• Expedition Max (12 inches longer — all added to cargo space)

The Shelf System

New for 2025, Ford introduced a fold-out shelf that can:

• Act as a raised storage platform
• Fold into a bench you can sit on
• Convert into a table

It’s one of those innovations that makes you think, “Okay, someone really thought about tailgates and family life.”

And paired with the split tailgate? It’s genuinely useful.