Expedition – Latino Traffic Report

Premium SUV Review: 2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch 4×4

Ford, Reviews Comments Off

Dec 012025

When Ford first introduced the King Ranch trim in 2021, many industry insiders considered it a bit over the top.

Slathered in Castaño leather, from the dash, to the center console, to door trim, and even the saddlebag-style seatback pockets. Bearing the Running W brand from the legendary King ranch in Kingsville, Texas, the F-150 Super Crew took luxury on a truck to a whole new level. At the time, Ford limited the trim’s availability to Texas, assuming it only had appeal for buyers in this state, but it turned out there was a greater demand for premium trucks and this trim, across the lineup. It appeared on the Expedition in 2005.

Latino Traffic Report (LTR) recently tested the 2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch 4×4. All these years later, the trim hasn’t lost any of its luster but the Expedition has evolved.

All-new for 2025, the redesigned fifth-generation Expedition reflects the requests from customers after 1,100 hours of interviews with the intent of making life easier for families. Available in a standard or extended wheelbase, LTR drove the former with seating for seven but the Expedition can be outfitted to fit eight. The turning radius was impressive on such a large vehicle.

The test model came with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine rated at 400 horsepower and 480 pound-feet of torque. Matched to a ten-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, it can tow up to 9,000-pounds. Oh yeah, it can also go off-road using the terrain management system with selectable drive modes, from normal to off-road.

Fuel economy may not be worth mentioning but for the curious, the test model averaged up to 19.3 miles per gallon during the test drive, a little better than the EPA estimated average of 18 mpg.

As a top-of-the-line trim, the King Ranch includes the available Flex Powered Console that slides back with the press of a button to access the wireless phone charger and flips to reveal a hidden cubby for added safety. The second-row captain’s chairs and the 40/20/40-split rear bench are power operated, making entry and exit a lot easier.

A 24-inch panoramic display that replaces the instrument cluster is standard. Customers can either select Google Assistant or Alexa for in-vehicle controls. There’s a smaller 13.2-inch touch screen for engaging the infotainment system. The King Ranch comes with the Bang & Olufsen stereo with 22 speakers, a subwoofer, and 30 presets.

Steering wheel control functions have been modified to include two buttons with options shown in the panoramic display which can be a little distracting. Sometimes when designers choose form over function it works, sometimes it takes practice.

It also came with the panoramic sunroof, heated and cooled front seats, heated second-row seats—the original Castaño leather has been replaced with Del Rio leather. Lighting strips that change color depending on the SUVs status, e.g. park vs drive, further accent the interior. A blind spot monitor and pre-collision assist are standard but the test model added Ford Co-Pilot 360 2.0 with reverse brake and lane keeping assist.

Pricing for the 2025 Expedition starts at $65,295 with destination fees. The as-tested pricing, with a few extras like 22-inch Sinister Bronze aluminum wheels, came to $85,650.

Sí: The 2025 Ford Expedition King Ranch 4×4 delivers luxury and versatility in the spirit of the original version but with added convenience.

No: The two-button steering wheel controls system is a little distracting and will take getting used to.

SUV Review: Ford Expedition

Ford, Reviews Comments Off

Sep 222021

As sport utility vehicles (SUVs) grow, so do their price tags so that even the base model of a full-size SUV can produce a bit of sticker shock. With a starting price above $50,000, the Ford Expedition is no exception.

Redesigned in 2018 (it’ll be refreshed for 2022), the Expedition continues to serve buyers with the need for transporting multiple passengers, lots of cargo, and towing. Latino Traffic Report recently tested the two highest end models of this fancy workaholic, the Expedition Platinum and extended length Max.

The Expedition

Regardless of trim level, all Expeditions benefitted from a new exterior design that gave them a more refined look in 2018. Three years later, the fourth generation Expedition still showcases a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine and ten-speed automatic transmission that produce up to 375 horsepower and 470 ft.–lbs. of torque with best-in-class maximum towing capability of 9,300 pounds.

It has an EPA estimated fuel economy of 17 miles per gallon (mpg) in the city and 23 on the highway. The aluminum-alloy body, redesigned high-strength steel frame, and stop-start technology help stretch fuel further. The extended version adds 11.9 inches in length but loses a couple mpgs with a city/highway EPA estimated fuel economy of 16/21 mpg.

Flexible seating and storage solutions include second-row tip-and-slide seating, standard on all models, that provide easy access to the third row.

Improved utility on the all-new Expedition comes with the class-exclusive Pro Trailer Backup Assist camera that helps drivers maneuver with confidence when backing up to a trailer.

Standard safety features include a perimeter alarm, the SOS post-crash alert, traction control, and a blind spot monitor with cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, pre-collision warning, and automatic high beams as part of Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 technology suite.

Platinum 4X2

Fully loaded with technology and otherwise optional features, the Platinum trim level also improves on aesthetics with satin chrome scuff plates, ivory leather seats, and body color door handles.

As a 4×2 configuration, the test model was meant to stay on the road and as such, provided a comfy, quiet ride ensconced in a plush interior. Ford sets the bar regarding seating comfort, in LTR’s experience.

Not only were the front seats heated but so were the second row. The front seats, however, were also cooled or ventilated. The rear seats deployed easily with the push of a button as did the hands free liftgate. Both test models offered seating for seven with captain’s chairs in the second row rather than a bench.

Maneuvering such a large vehicle requires extra technology like a 360-degree camera when in reverse with sensors to make sure to avoid people and objects. For the smaller statured, power running boards make getting in and out of the vehicle much smoother and adjustable pedals improved driver confidence and safety.

A panoramic sunroof on the test model and a hotspot with wireless phone charging included on both, added luxury and convenience.

The Premium averaged 20.4 mpg on the weeklong test drive.

Built at Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, pricing on the 2021 Expedition starts at $52,290 with destination fees. The as-tested price came to $75,925 with 22-inch wheels and second-row buckets seats adding $595.

King Ranch 4×4

Not only is the Expedition Max longer than other Expeditions, the test model came in one of the most successful and plush trims that Ford offers, the King Ranch. Named for the famed ranch in Kingsville, Texas, purchasing this trim rewards the buyer with Del Rio leather seating and accents that bear the King Ranch logo.

The test model swapped a panoramic roof for the roof rack found on the Premium and added a ten-way driver and passenger memory seat.

While max towing on the King Ranch can reach 9,000 lbs., a little less than its shorter sibling, its added length expanded cargo room for a maximum of 121.5 cubic feet.

The test modal also lost a bit of fuel efficiency due to its size, it averaging 17.9 mpg.

The main feature on the King Ranch that sets apart, however, really boils down to its interior. There’s more plastic included than in the past but the leather seating, with saddlebags on the seat backs for added storage, achieves quite a high standard in the segment.