2025 vs. 2026 Ford Expedition: Compare, What's New in Kilgore, TX
If you’re shopping for a full-size, three-row SUV that can handle family life, road trips, and real towing capability, the Ford Expedition belongs at the top of your list. For many East Texas drivers, the biggest question right now is simple: Should you buy a 2025 Ford Expedition now, or wait for the 2026 Ford Expedition?
Here’s the honest takeaway: 2025 introduced meaningful updates, and 2026 is expected to be more of a continuation than a major overhaul, so your decision often comes down to timing, availability, and incentives.
At All Star Ford Kilgore, we help drivers compare options every day—whether you’re in Kilgore, Longview, Tyler, Henderson, or Gladewater, Texas.
What’s the Same Between the 2025 and 2026 Expedition?
Both model years are built around what Expedition shoppers want most:
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3-row seating with room for up to eight passengers
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A large cargo area for strollers, sports gear, and luggage
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A big central touchscreen plus a large digital gauge display designed to keep key driving info front and center
If you’re upgrading from a smaller SUV—or moving into a family hauler that still feels confident on the highway—either year can be a strong pick.
Exterior Changes: 2025 Brought the Noticeable Updates, 2026 Looks to Continue Them
If you’re expecting the 2026 Expedition to look completely different, most signs point to “not a huge redesign.” The bigger exterior updates were already rolled into the 2025 refresh, including a new front-end look that modernized the SUV’s presence.
The split liftgate people actually talk about
One of the most practical updates that arrived recently is Ford’s Split Gate rear design—think “part liftgate, part tailgate.” The top opens upward like a traditional liftgate, while the lower portion folds down more like a tailgate, which can be handy for loading, tailgating, or organizing gear at camp.
Lighting upgrades that make life easier
Recent updates also expanded exterior lighting functionality, including features that help illuminate areas around the vehicle from different angles—useful when you’re loading kids at night or working around the SUV after dark.
Interior Comfort and Cargo: Why 2025 Is a Big Deal for Cabin Feel
If the cabin experience matters most to you, 2025 is the year that introduced the more noticeable interior refinement, including updated materials and a more modern design direction that puts an emphasis on big screens and a cleaner layout.
Common comfort and space highlights you can expect across both years include:
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Standard cloth seating with power-adjustable front seats available by configuration
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Available upgraded upholstery options and added comfort features in higher trims/packages
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Available panoramic roof for an open, airy cabin feel
Cargo room that fits real life in East Texas
Behind the third row, you’re looking at just over 20 cubic feet of cargo space, with substantially more available depending on configuration. If you want more room without constantly playing “Tetris” with bags, the longer-wheelbase model is worth a close look.
Infotainment and Tech: Big Screens, Modern Connectivity
Both the 2025 and 2026 Expedition are described as using the same core infotainment setup, centered around a 13-inch touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, plus an available Wi-Fi hotspot for staying connected on the go.
Other available tech highlights include:
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Available premium audio upgrade (10-speaker system referenced)
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Available wireless device charging for easier day-to-day convenience
For drivers commuting from Longview to Tyler, hauling the family to weekend tournaments in Henderson, or taking trips out of town, the Expedition’s tech and screen-forward layout is a big part of why it’s so easy to live with.
Engine Performance and Towing: Expedition Strength Still Shows Up Big
When people buy an Expedition in Texas, capability matters. The comparison highlights two 3.5L turbocharged V6 engine outputs:
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A standard version listed at 400 hp / 480 lb-ft of torque
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An upgraded version listed at 440 hp / 510 lb-ft of torque
Towing capacity: built for boats, campers, and trailers
The Expedition is referenced with towing capability up to 9,600 lbs when properly equipped, while the longer-wheelbase model is referenced at 9,000 lbs.
If you’re towing a camper to the lake or hauling equipment around Gladewater and Kilgore, that difference may matter—especially if you’re choosing between standard wheelbase and the longer model for passenger/cargo needs.
Safety and Driver Assist: What to Know for 2025–2026
Safety tech is a big part of why families cross-shop the Expedition. The comparison notes continued availability of key driver-assist features like:
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Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
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Surround-view camera for maneuvering and parking
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Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
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Available rain-sensing wipers
What about Ford BlueCruise?
The comparison also points to expanded availability of Ford BlueCruise in the 2025 lineup and expects that availability to carry into 2026.
(Availability can vary by trim/package—our team at All Star Ford Kilgore can confirm what’s on a specific SUV you’re looking at.)
Here’s the practical way we suggest thinking about it in Kilgore, Longview, Tyler, Henderson, and Gladewater:
Buy a 2025 Ford Expedition if…
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You want the updated design and interior improvements now
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You’d rather shop current inventory and potentially find strong value depending on availability and offers
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Your timing matters (new baby, new job commute, current SUV not cutting it)
Wait for a 2026 Ford Expedition if…
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You specifically want the newest model year on the title
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You’re not in a rush and prefer to shop as 2026 inventory arrives
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You’re comparing equipment availability and want the latest run of builds
Because the expectation is no major redesign for 2026, many customers decide based on how soon they need the SUVand which year has the best overall value at the moment.
FAQ: 2025 vs. 2026 Ford Expedition
Is the 2026 Ford Expedition a full redesign?
The comparison indicates a major redesign isn’t expected for 2026, because the bigger refresh happened for 2025.
Do both model years have a large touchscreen?
Yes—both years are described as featuring a large central touchscreen, with infotainment centered around a 13-inch screen in the comparison.
What’s the towing capacity for the Expedition?
The comparison references towing up to 9,600 lbs, with the longer-wheelbase model referenced at 9,000 lbs.
Does the Expedition offer hands-free driving?
The comparison notes expanded availability of Ford BlueCruise in 2025 and expects it to carry over to 2026.
Test Drive the Ford Expedition at All Star Ford Kilgore
If you’re ready to compare the 2025 vs. 2026 Ford Expedition in person, come see us at All Star Ford Kilgore. We’ll help you:
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Compare trims and configurations (including longer-wheelbase options)
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Review towing needs and equipment
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Explore finance options and monthly payment estimates
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Check current availability for drivers in Longview, Tyler, Henderson, and Gladewater, TX
Contact All Star Ford Kilgore today to check current Expedition inventory, schedule a test drive, and ask about current offers.
*Image from Ford.com