2025 Ford Expedition Max Platinum: First Driving Impressions and Features

Exterior and Performance

• 🚀 The 2025 Ford Expedition Platinum features the Stealth appearance and performance packages, including a high-output 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque.
• 💡 Notable exterior elements include 22-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels, red brake calipers, and a split tailgate design.
• 🚗 The Platinum trim starts at $77,430, with the tested model reaching $85,970, featuring options like the Stealth Performance Package.

Interior and Technology

• 🧠 The interior boasts a 13.2-inch center touchscreen with SYNC 4A, a B&O Unleashed Sound System with 22 speakers, and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
• ⚠️ A point of contention is the controversially shaped steering wheel and the use of non-button, changing touch controls, which are noted as potentially distracting and unintuitive.
• 🎮 The infotainment system allows for in-car gaming and video streaming when parked, with options like Asphalt Nitro 2 and YouTube.
• 🔌 The center console is movable and lockable, offering significant storage and security, a feature also seen in the Chevy Suburban.

Driving Dynamics and Comfort

• 🛣️ The Expedition Platinum offers a comfortable and quiet ride, with improvements in NVH and ride quality due to chassis rigidity and suspension tuning.
• 💨 The 10-speed automatic transmission is well-tuned, providing smooth shifts and responsive power delivery, especially with the high-output EcoBoost V6.
• ⛰️ Driving impressions highlight a planted, confident, and muscular feel on various roads, with good brake bite and steering weight that increases nicely.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The vehicle provides ample space, with the Max version offering significant cargo capacity behind the third row (36.0 cu ft) and maximum capacity (121.5 cu ft) with seats folded.

Driver Assistance and Features

• 🔵 BlueCruise 1.4 is a hands-free driving assistance system that operates on most highways, providing confident lane changes and useful driver feedback.
• 📸 Turn signal cameras are integrated, displaying on the side screens when the turn signal is activated, a feature praised for its usefulness.
• 🔊 The B&O sound system is highly praised, delivering clear audio with impressive bass, considered one of the best stock car systems experienced.
• ⚠️ Towing capacity is rated at 7,000 lbs, or up to 9,600 lbs with a weight-distributing hitch, though the 7,000 lb figure is considered conservative by some competitors.

Final Thoughts and Comparisons

• 🧐 Despite a strong feature set and performance, the interior materials on the Platinum trim are considered disappointing for the price point, with a notable amount of plastic and rubber.
• 🌟 The Stealth Performance Package enhances the vehicle's aggressive look and performance, while other trims like the Tremor and King Ranch offer different experiences.
• 🚗 The steering wheel controls, while unintuitive initially, are noted as being executed better than in some other vehicles, though physical buttons are still preferred for safety and ergonomics.