Looking for a massive SUV that can carry a huge group of people along with all their gear and tow a heavy trailer to boot? The Expedition is a top-tier choice. When you look at the 2025 and 2026 models side-by-side, you'll notice that Ford focused on different areas for each year's update.
Key Takeaways:
- 2026 was defined by a major interior redesign, while 2025 saw a lot of general updates across the board.
- This SUV is a beast when it comes to towing, capable of pulling up to 9,600 pounds.
- The dash is now dominated by a giant 24-inch screen that holds the controls for everything you need, all in one place.
Most of the work for 2026 happened inside the cabin. Ford redesigned the dashboard to give the whole interior a much more polished and high-quality feel. But it also made a pretty big change to the back of the truck by redesigning the tailgate. The top portion still lifts like a standard SUV, but the bottom section now drops down flat, just like a pickup truck bed.
In comparison, the 2025 refresh of the Ford Expedition was a lot more thorough. That was the year Ford brought out the Tremor trim for people who genuinely want to take an Expedition off-road and tweaked the suspension. It was also the debut year for that massive 24-inch screen on the dash.
Ford threw in some smaller, utilitarian updates. It moved the center console storage bin so it can slide backward, which means anyone in the second row can reach into it. The automaker added device holders that clip onto the back of the front-seat headrests and made it so the middle seat in the third row can fold down on its own for more cargo flexibility.
Model Year Changes
| 2026 Ford Expedition |
2025 Ford Expedition |
| Dash design upgraded for a more refined cabin feel |
Tremor joins the lineup with trail-focused hardware |
| Tailgate now functions like a mini truck bed with a fold-down panel |
Tailgate and ride updates roll out this model year |
| Sliding console removed; adds rear headrest clips and flexible folding third row seat |
New screen, new console, and added rear seat versatility debut here |
What's Under the Hood of the 2026 vs. 2025 Ford Expedition?
Both the 2026 Ford Expedition and the 2025 model year feature a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 delivering 400 horsepower, though there is a high-output version available that gets up to 440 horsepower. Both pair with a 10-speed automatic, and you can pick between rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. One of the reasons the Expedition feels so composed for its size is its independent rear suspension, which does a great job of keeping the ride comfy and the truck stable. When it comes to towing, the standard Expedition can pull 9,600 pounds. If you go with the longer Max version, that number drops slightly to 9,000 pounds.
The Tremor is the off-road specialist of the group. It comes with a lifted suspension, skid plates, and big 33-inch tires. It also has features like "Rock Crawl" mode and Trail Turn Assist to help you get around tight corners, as well as hill descent control to help you manage your speed on steep slopes.
Should I Choose the 2025 Ford Expedition or the 2026 Model?
Between the 2025 and 2026 models, you're getting a ton of space and some of the best towing numbers in the class. But we know how hard it can be to choose the best model year for you. If you're interested in seeing how the Expedition works, contact us today at Jarrett Scott Ford to take a test drive. Models are in stock now!