I’d love to hear your opinions on the upcoming 2025 Expedition Max compared to the 2022-2024 models.
I’ve had great experiences with the Expedition Max during my recent rentals, and now that we’re expecting our third child in August 2025, I feel like the Max version makes the most sense for us.
What are your thoughts on the redesign for 2025 compared to the current models? Are the new features worth it, or is it better to take advantage of the deals on the outgoing generation? Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I like both the current and upcoming Expeditions, but I think the post-refresh 4th gen interior (2022-2024) was a step back from the pre-refresh models. At first, I didn’t like the dash on the 2025s, but after watching some videos and realizing every carmaker is going with similar layouts, I’ve warmed up to it—especially the placement of the 24-inch screen.
The 2025 features like the split tailgate, 40-20-40 third row, and upgraded BlueCruise are really appealing to me. That said, there are great deals on the 2024 models right now, and they’ll probably get even better as 2025 production starts soon.
Split tailgate pros: you get somewhere to sit in good weather.
Split tailgate cons: it’s annoying in the rain and makes it harder to load big items since you’re farther from the cargo area. I’ve had both types and used the rain coverage way more than the seat option.
The 3.5 EcoBoost and 10R80 transmission are carrying over to the 2025 model, which means a lot of the old drivetrain issues (like cam phasers) are worked out. However, I’d be cautious with all the new tech on the 2025, like the liftgate and horizontal screen setup. First-year redesigns always feel like a risk.
Also, the discounts on the 2024 models are hard to ignore right now. You can probably save a good chunk of money if you’re okay with the outgoing generation.
I can’t argue with saving money on the 2024s, but I’d wait to see how the 2025 shakes out in real-world use before jumping on it. Sometimes all that fancy new tech doesn’t hold up as well as they promise.
I bought a 2024 Stealth Performance package a couple of weeks ago because I needed a second-row bench, and you can’t get that configuration in any desirable 2025 trim. That made the decision easy for me.
We stuck with a 2024 because the deals were better. I wasn’t a fan of the 2025’s piano black finish on the liftgate—it’s going to look dirty all the time. We liked the new screen layout and split liftgate, but they weren’t enough to make us wait or spend more.
If you want to avoid worrying about the CDF drum issues, go for anything from 2023 or newer. Personally, I like the buttons and SYNC 3 in the 2021 models better, but I don’t want to risk the transmission problems that came with those earlier years.
It comes down to money. If you want to save, get the 2024. If budget isn’t a concern, go for the 2025. I like the vertical screen in the current generation because it gives me free built-in maps with SYNC 4 as a backup. With the 2025, you’re looking at Google Maps built in with a subscription fee. For Android users, it’s the same system we’ve had for free with Android Auto, so it feels like a downgrade.
Always get the newest gen if you can afford it. Buying the outgoing model, even new, just doesn’t have the same excitement as getting the latest version. Plus, let’s be honest—rolling around in the newest Expedition feels good, and people notice it’s the latest design.
I’d lean toward the 2025 just because I hate the vertical screen in the 2023/2024 models. The bottom half is practically useless when using CarPlay. That said, the 2025s might be hard to find early on.
I actually like the vertical screen in my 2024. It’s one of the nicest and easiest to use, in my opinion. I had a Grand Wagoneer rental recently, and its screen setup was terrible.