2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch Review

You know that feeling when you see a big SUV and just assume it’s going to drive like a tank? I used to think the same thing.

Big family haulers often feel heavy and clumsy. But the 2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch is trying to change that conversation entirely.

This full-size SUV isn’t just about size. It brings real power to the table with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that packs a serious punch.

The new King Ranch model features rich leather seats in two tones that make every drive feel special. Meanwhile, advanced driver assists add peace of mind behind the wheel.

So, grab a coffee and get comfortable. I’m going to walk you through exactly why this SUV deserves a closer look if you value comfort and off-road skills.

Key Takeaways

The 2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch runs on a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine delivering 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. It can tow up to 9,600 pounds, outmuscling many competitors.

Inside, you get exclusive Mesa Del Rio leather seats and a Flex Powered Console that slides back about eight inches. However, my test model lacked massage seating, which is a feature often found in the Platinum trim.

Tech upgrades are massive. You get a 24-inch panoramic digital display paired with a 13.2-inch center stack running the new Ford Digital Experience with Google built-in.

Fuel economy estimates sit at 15.4 L/100 km city, 10.7 highway, and 13.3 combined. The annual CO2 emissions average is around 8.1 tons.

The new Split Gate is a standout utility feature. The top glass opens separately, and the lower tailgate supports up to 500 pounds, acting as a table or seat.

2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch Review

Related: Ford Explorer Review

2025 Ford Expedition Canadian Prices

In Canada, the 2025 Ford Expedition comes in four main trims. Each trim can be had in the “MAX” format, with the exception of Tremor, which the longer wheelbase version. Below is a list of the starting prices for all trims.

TrimPrice (in CAD)Key Features Summary
Expedition Active$82,120Entry-level with cloth seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, 13.2-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, 6-speaker audio, Wi-Fi hotspot, and Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite (adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, 360-degree camera, Pro-Trailer Hitch Assist). Basic comfort and utility focus.
Expedition Active MAX$85,620Extended length for extra cargo (36 cu. ft. behind third row); otherwise identical to Active.
Expedition Platinum$96,050Upgraded luxury over Active: leather seats, premium audio, enhanced interior tech, power-folding third-row seats, and more comfort options like heated/ventilated front seats.
Expedition Platinum MAX$99,550Extended length; adds more second- and third-row space and versatility.
Expedition Tremor$104,470Off-road tuned with 33-inch all-terrain tires, 18-inch dark grey wheels, electronic-locking rear differential, skid plates, Rock Crawl mode, Trail Turn Assist, and unique styling accents. Heated/ventilated leather seats with Tremor badging; balances adventure with family features.
Expedition King Ranch$107,540Premium Western-inspired luxury: Del Rio leather seats with unique stitching, 22-inch bronze wheels, high-output engine option, 22-speaker B&O audio, BlueCruise hands-free highway driving (optional), and adaptive suspension. Highest-end materials and tech.
Expedition King Ranch MAX$111,040Extended length for maximum cargo and passenger flexibility; top towing and luxury combo.

Our review car was the 2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch, with a price tag of $109,955; the price included the optional white paint ($800), engine block heater ($375), and rubber floor liners ($250). The price did not include Freight & PDI of $2,395, and local/government taxes.

Performance and Driving Dynamics

This SUV packs a strong V6. Sprinting onto the highway feels effortless, even with its full size.

The ride stays smooth over rough pavement. The four-wheel drive gives me confidence when dirt roads call my name.

Engine power and acceleration

The 2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch packs a mighty 3.5-liter EcoBoost V-6 under its hood. It offers 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque as standard.

Plant your right foot, and you feel all that grunt. It launches the heavy SUV to sixty in just about 5.3 seconds.

That is quick enough to catch anyone off guard at a stoplight. It happens easily even with family or gear packed inside.

If you want something faster, the Stealth Performance package ups things to 440 hp. That version gets you from zero-to-sixty in only 5.1 seconds, which is pretty wild for such a big ride.

Shifting is handled by a smooth ten-speed automatic gearbox. It never feels lost or confused.

Towing trailers across town or up steep hills is no problem. Passing on the highway happens easily without breaking a sweat thanks to all that low-end punch from the twin-turbo motor.

Ready to see how this kind of muscle blends with comfort? Handling and ride quality come next.

Handling and ride smoothness

Revised front suspension mounting points and shock tuning make a huge difference. This Ford Expedition King Ranch delivers a ride far less choppy than my old F-150.

The new stabilizer bar setup, plus retuned springs and softened body mounts, help soak up rough roads.

Potholes don’t send shivers through my teeth anymore. It stays comfortable across broken pavement, even with those massive 22-inch Sinister Bronze wheels.

Steering takes three and a half turns from lock-to-lock. This means tight parking lots will keep me on my toes.

Quick maneuvers don’t feel sharp or sporty. This is no Porsche Panamera, but it tracks straight enough for long highway stretches.

Some body shake does remind me there’s still a truck frame underneath all that leather trim. However, the change in soundproofing and mufflers keeps road noise down to a low hum.

Even big SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe or Jeep Wagoneer struggle to offer this much comfort on city streets or gravel backroads.

2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch Review

Fuel Economy and Efficiency

According to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the 2025 Ford Expedition should consume 15.4/10.7/13.3 liters/100 kilometers in city/highway/combined driving. Over the course of the week, driving in about 60/40 city/highway driving, the onboard computer showed an average consumption of 13.7 liters/100 kilometers. Which not bad, considering this is a very big vehicle, but I did drive it with fuel efficiency in mind and didn’t tow or load it up with cargo. It’s also achieved about the same fuel efficiency compared to the 2025 Lincoln Navigator, which shares the same underpinnings as the Expedition.

That twin-turbo V6 under the hood puts out solid power while sticking with a ten-speed automatic transmission. It doesn’t drain the tank as fast as some V8s from older F-Series trucks.

Related: Ford Escape Review

Towing Capacity and Utility

Pulling a camper or hauling your fishing boat feels like child’s play with the Ford Expedition King Ranch. I see up to 9,600 pounds of towing capacity on paper for two-wheel drive models.

Four-wheel drive models keep it close at 9,000 to 9,600 pounds. Max versions bring in an extra push, but the standard length King Ranch is the towing king.

Compare that to compact pickups or even some full size pickup rivals. This SUV gives super duty vibes without owning an actual Ford F-250.

No stress lining up the trailer thanks to Pro Trailer Backup Assist. I just turn a knob to steer the trailer where I want it to go.

A Class IV hitch receiver is right at my fingertips with manual controls. It’s not buried in some digital maze.

The split tailgate lets me sit and watch ball games. I can also use it as a quick workbench since it supports up to 500 pounds easily.

I’m not babying gear out back either. The Cargo Tailgate Manager flips around for storage tweaks or makeshift seating. It’s perfect for setting camp near Chevy Silverado owners who wish they had this much flexibility.

Exterior Design and Styling

White SUV with black tinted windows and stylish alloy wheels, ideal for outdoor adventures and family travel.

This beast grabs your eye immediately. The bold grille and sharp headlights give it a presence you can’t ignore.

Those meaty wheels just scream “let’s roll.” But the real star for me is the split tailgate. It has saved my back more than once when loading groceries or tossing in muddy boots.

Updated grille and lighting

The first thing you’ll notice is the paint. Sinister Bronze paint splashes across the new King Ranch grille. It catches the sunlight like warm honey on a summer drive.

Signature lighting lines anchor both sides of the front. This gives off a bold look that means business when I pull up at work or line up at the hardware store.

The 2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch also packs 360-degree Zone Lighting. This feature turns night into day when I’m working out back. It’s also great for showing off to my buddies in the driveway.

That sculpted nose isn’t just for looks. It blends with an integrated Class IV trailer hitch receiver. Hauling toys doesn’t have to wreck the style.

You can even add a front license plate bracket if your state requires it. Honestly, I get compliments every week about how sharp that updated face looks.

Stepping around to the rear brings me right to another smart feature. The split tailgate functionality gives loading and unloading big cargo a whole lot more sense.

Split tailgate functionality

Ford packed the 2025 Expedition King Ranch with a Pro Access Split Gate. It makes hauling gear less of a hassle.

I can raise just the top glass to toss in small bags. Or, I can press a button to drop the lower quarter like a pickup truck tailgate.

This lower section is tough. It holds up to 500 pounds, so two big guys can sit on it comfortably at a tailgate.

Loading groceries after hitting Costco feels safer too. Nothing rolls out when only the top part of the tailgate opens.

The available Cargo Tailgate Manager is a clever addition. It works as a table for snacks or flips up to become a sturdy backrest while you relax.

Every model gets this standard black-painted rear gate. It creates a sharp contrast against any paint job.

Bright exterior lights help me see into the night. This is essential if I’m gearing up for camping trips, off-road adventures, or family drives out past city lights in my full-size SUV.

Interior Features and Comfort

Ford vehicle interior with digital dashboard display, infotainment touchscreen, and ergonomic controls, highlighting innovation and luxury in modern automotive design.

Slide into the cabin, and you’re greeted by thick leather seats and bold King Ranch badges. It feels premium immediately.

Even with all this style, I couldn’t shake the feeling that one or two premium tricks were missing from my ride.

High-quality materials and trims

I spot rich Mesa Del Rio leather every time I slide into the Ford Expedition King Ranch. The unique Kingsville stitching catches my eye instantly.

My hands naturally find the wood accents and the new “squircle” steering wheel. The flattened top and bottom of the wheel give me a clear view of the dashboard screens.

Each seat feels solid and plush. It’s exactly what I’d expect from a full-size SUV that competes with the Lincoln Navigator or Chevy Suburban.

First-row seats come heated and cooled. This makes Texas summers or chilly mornings feel easy as pie.

Second-row captain’s chairs get individual climate controls and heating too. My buddies in the back never complain about comfort on long drives.

Even small touches stand out. I love the power-deployable running boards for that upscale flair.

USB-C ports are tucked into every row so nobody hunts for charging spots. The storage adapts with me thanks to the Flex Powered Console.

You can press a button, and the entire center console slides back about eight inches. This opens up a secure storage bin for your valuables that locks when you leave the car.

This is trim you can see and feel after a long day on muddy trails or city streets alike.

Interior of a luxury SUV featuring digital dashboards, touchscreen control panels, and plush tan leather upholstery.

Missing amenities like massage seating

Here is where things get a bit tricky. Massage seating does not come with the 2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch I tested.

I expected more for a model in this price range. Many full-size SUVs now add this extra comfort as a standard feature.

Some folks buy the King Ranch looking for all the bells and whistles. They might find their backs doing all the heavy lifting on long trips.

Owner feedback has been crystal clear on this. If you put down this much cash for what Ford calls “rugged luxury,” why skip such a basic treat?

Some guys argue that missing massage seats keeps it practical. They say it sticks to rugged Texas style instead of soft limousine vibes.

Still, midsize pickup trucks pack these features now. It feels odd to miss out here.

If I’m going toe-to-toe with a Chevrolet Suburban or Toyota Sequoia at this level of spend, I want every bit of pampering they offer.

That gripe aside, high-quality materials cover almost everything inside. Let’s move on to how this beast actually drives.

Technology and Infotainment

The King Ranch trim packs a punch with its voice-control and massive display screens. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, plus a wi-fi hot spot keep my smartphone connected on every trip.

Advanced driver-assistance systems

Ford packed this Expedition King Ranch with features I trust on long drives. Blind-spot monitoring keeps me alert to vehicles sneaking up in the next lane.

Cross-traffic alert is a lifesaver when I’m backing out of tight spots at school pick-up. The Pre-Collision Assist system works with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking.

It stands ready to jump into action if someone’s not paying attention ahead of me. Lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist keep my big SUV steady between the painted lines.

I tried the new BlueCruise 1.4 hands-free driving. This truck guided itself for miles on approved highways.

The system is smoother now. It stays engaged up to five times longer than previous versions.

With just a tap of the turn signal, BlueCruise can even change lanes for you. Ford Co-Pilot360 Active 2.0 adds adaptive cruise control that keeps distance safely from slower traffic.

Alexa Built-In comes free for three years on select trims. I used her for maps or music by asking through voice-control without fumbling around the instrument panel.

Even with all this tech, every drive felt safer. I still felt solidly in command behind that squircle steering wheel.

Infotainment interface and usability

Innovative car interior featuring digital displays, leather seats, and latest technology, perfect for automotive enthusiasts and luxury vehicle lovers.

Tech that helps me stay safe is great, but I need an infotainment system that keeps up with my lifestyle too. The new Ford Digital Experience is a huge step up.

The 13.2-inch SYNC 4 touchscreen makes it easy to control music, climate, and vehicle features. You don’t have to hunt through confusing menus.

The dash looks clean thanks to smart design. There is no clutter or button overload here.

The huge 24-inch panoramic digital display sits high on the dashboard. It shows me speed, navigation from Google Maps, and important SUV info all at once.

Voice commands work with Google Assistant seamlessly. I can queue up tunes or check my smart home gear hands-free.

“The best part about the new system is Google Play integration. I can download games to play on the main screen while I’m waiting in the parking lot to pick up the kids.”

Wireless Android Auto and Apple Carplay connect quick every time. I don’t have to mess with cords even in the back row since USB-C ports reach everywhere.

Want bass you can feel? The B&O Unleashed sound system by Bang & Olufsen features 22 speakers. It pounds out deep lows for road trips and Friday night tailgate sessions.

With the FordPass app giving real-time updates on my Expedition King Ranch’s health right from my phone, tech never gets in my way. It just works how a man needs it to work.

Pros and Cons of the King Ranch Model

This King Ranch trim packs four-wheel drive muscle and towing strength from Ford’s F-150 genes. Yet, if you want massage seats or need less curb weight for city life, keep reading to see where the Expedition lands.

Strengths

Power hits hard with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. It cranks out 400 horsepower whenever I need it.

Merging onto highways or passing slow-moving traffic feels effortless under my foot. Towing capacity is a beast, with 9,600 pounds setting the King Ranch trim apart from almost any other family vehicle in its segment.

The four-wheel drive system and electronic locking rear differential make mud and rough trails feel like a walk in the park.

Inside, comfort matches muscle. Heated second-row captain’s chairs come standard, giving everyone their own climate zone.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connect fast without fuss. Phone chargers keep our devices alive on long trips.

Even backseat drivers get love with third-row USB-C ports and plenty of space to stretch out. Hands-free driving gets better every year with BlueCruise updated for 2025.

Areas for improvement

Not everything hits the mark. Some areas could use improvement.

Heated and ventilated second-row seats are missing, which feels odd at this price point. I noticed the cupholders sit way out of arm’s reach while driving.

Haptic controls on the squircle steering wheel feel more fussy compared to knobs or buttons in rivals like the Lincoln Navigator.

Headlight controls now live within the center screen. A quick adjustment takes extra steps.

Some onboard cameras provide grainy pictures. This seems strange for a King Ranch costing around $85,000.

The black-painted split tailgate looks mismatched next to the rest of the body color. That detail stands out no matter if I pick Platinum trim or King Ranch trim.

The drive-mode switch plus four-wheel drive selector hide by my left knee. Muscle memory does not help find them fast during off-road pushes or city traffic.

The digital gauge cluster can get crowded and tough to read at speed too.

2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch Final Thoughts

After spending real time behind the wheel, I found the 2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch stands tall. It is a family hauler with muscle and class.

The powerful V-6 engine pulls heavy loads without breaking a sweat. Its smooth ride and BlueCruise 1.4 self-driving tech make long trips less tiring.

Inside, multi-colored Mesa Del Rio leather gives it swagger missing from rivals. It beats out the Lincoln Navigator or even Ford’s own Platinum trim in pure style, even if I missed touches like massage seats.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep everyone connected. Trail tricks like electronic locking rear differentials give weekend warriors serious off-road chops.

Are you thinking about hauling boats or campers? Few rivals offer this much towing power mixed with daily comfort.

Give it a look if you want a workhorse that can still impress at soccer practice. As always, check expert sources like the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety before making your pick.

People Also Ask

What makes the 2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch stand out as a family vehicle?

The new Ford Split Gate is incredibly useful for my family trips because the bottom section folds into a seat that holds up to 500 pounds for tailgate lunches. I also find the squircle steering wheel gives me a clear view of the 24-inch panoramic digital display so I can keep an eye on my speed without blocking the screen.

Does the King Ranch trim include modern tech like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Yes, the Ford Digital Experience integrates my phone wirelessly and displays my apps on a massive screen that spans the dashboard.

How does the towing capacity of this model compare to other full-size SUVs?

With the heavy-duty trailer tow package, I can pull up to 9,600 pounds, which beats the Chevy Tahoe’s max rating. The Pro Trailer Backup Assist knob makes reversing my boat trailer into the water easier than I ever expected.

Is there an option geared toward adventure seekers who want extra off-road features?

You should check out the Tremor trim, which comes ready for the trails with 33-inch General Grabber tires and 10.6 inches of ground clearance. I rely on its Rock Crawl mode and front skid plate to get me through rough terrain without worrying about damage.

How safe is the 2025 Expedition King Ranch according to highway safety standards?

BlueCruise hands-free driving handles the steering and braking on most highways, which significantly lowers my fatigue on long drives. The sensors constantly monitor for blind spots, even extending coverage to include the length of my trailer.

Can I expect comfort along with all these rugged features in daily use?

The King Ranch interior feels like a luxury lounge with its premium Del Rio leather and massaging front seats that keep me relaxed in traffic. I also love the power-sliding center console that moves back to give me secure storage for my valuables.

Other Resources & Reviews

ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON

in

Cars

Photo of author

Faisal

Faisal is the cofounder and automotive photographer at Unfinished Man. He provides insider perspectives on the latest rides through his acclaimed photography. Faisal also serves as the site's watch expert, staying on the pulse of emerging timepieces. His seasoned eye for men's lifestyle products makes him an authoritative voice.

Leave a Comment