Bird Kultgen Ford – 2025 Explorer vs. Expedition: Choosing the Right Family SUV for Waco, TX Roads

2025 Explorer vs. Expedition: Choosing the Right Family SUV for Waco, Texas, Roads

Shopping for a family SUV in Central Texas? Two models consistently make the shortlist: the 2025 Ford Explorer and Expedition. Both offer significant advantages for Waco families but serve different needs and budgets. In this Ford SUV comparison, we’ll help you decide which vehicle fits your family’s requirements — whether you’re doing daily school runs downtown or heading out for weekend adventures at Lake Waco.

Why Waco Families Are Choosing Ford SUVs

Texas terrain is varied: hills, flatlands, city streets, and rough country roads. This reality affects your car-buying decision. Whether you’re commuting or taking weekend trips to Meridian State Park, you need something that’s comfortable, capable, and reliable.

Ford SUVs meet these demands with space for passengers and cargo, plus the towing power you need for boating, camping, and other outdoor activities. Their larger frames also provide greater safety in collisions, protecting your loved ones on

busy highways such as I-35 or during sudden Texas thunderstorms. Both the Explorer and Expedition are equipped to handle these challenges, backed by Ford’s rock-solid reliability.

2025 Ford Explorer: The Balanced Family Choice

The Explorer works well for families who want capability and value. It’s perfect for parents with two to three kids who occasionally tow smaller boats or trailers. The 2025 Ford Explorer comes in four trims: Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST. The base 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 supplies 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0L EcoBoost V-6 — available on the Platinum and standard on the ST — produces 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer accelerates quickly, hitting 60 mph in just 6 seconds (the ST does it in 5.1 seconds). This makes highway merges feel effortless.

Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds with the standard Class III Trailer Tow Package, which is just right for light hauling. Intelligent four-wheel drive (4WD) is an available option for all trims. Fuel economy looks good too — the rear-wheel-drive 2.3L model gets 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. The flexible cargo space gives you 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second row, and a massive 85.8 cubic feet behind the first row.

With the upgraded Sync 4A system, you benefit from faster processing and better voice commands for music, calls, and GPS navigation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. Seven passengers fit comfortably, with front legroom reaching 43 inches. Pricing starts at $40,050 for the base Active model and tops out at $54,770 for the high-performance ST. The Explorer offers solid value for growing families.

2025 Ford Expedition: The Full-Size Family Hauler

Four 2025 Ford Expedition trims are available — Active, Tremor, Platinum, and King Ranch — along with MAX (extended wheelbase) versions of all but the Tremor. Each targets different lifestyle preferences. Ford’s 3.5L EcoBoost V-6 powers both the Expedition and Expedition MAX models, with a high-output version standard in the Tremor and available in both Platinum trims. This engine means business, especially when serious towing and hauling tasks are on the agenda.

Maximum towing capacity reaches 9,600 pounds when properly equipped, making it perfect for hauling large boats, RVs, or horse trailers around Central Texas. Eight passengers fit comfortably across three rows, giving larger families the space they need for long-distance travel. The Expedition’s massive 24-inch dashboard display anchors the new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system. BlueCruise hands-free driving capability comes with a 90-day trial.

If off-road capability is important to you, you’ll appreciate this model’s standard Intelligent 4WD system, which includes seven driver-selectable terrain modes — even Rock Crawl Mode for extreme terrain. Ground clearance varies from 8.7 inches on the base Active model to 10.6 inches on the Tremor. The Tremor also comes with 33-inch all-terrain tires on 18-inch Dark Carbonized Gray wheels. Its standard 3.73 electronic locking differential engages when a wheel loses traction — crucial for muddy ranch roads or creek crossings common in rural Central Texas.

You can get into an Expedition Active for $62,400, while the MAX King Ranch starts at $87,000. This top trim offers distinctive styling, Del Rio leather seats, and 22-inch Sinister Bronze wheels. The Platinum, starting at $74,850, focuses on luxury with high-end materials, advanced technology, and a B&O sound system.

Head-To-Head Comparison: Expedition vs. Explorer

Let’s compare these two SUVs on a few points that may matter to you and your family.

Explorer

Here’s what you can expect from the Explorer:

• Power: max 400 hp with the 3.0L EcoBoost V-6
• Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
• Fuel economy: 20 mpg city, 29 highway, and 24 combined
• Maximum cargo space: 85.8 cubic feet
• Reliability score: 87 out of 100 from J.D. Power
• Safety rating: 9.7 out of 10 from U.S. News & World Report
• Pricing: $40,050-$54,770

Expedition

These are the comparable stats for the Expedition:

• Power: 440 hp with a High-Output 3.5L V-6
• Towing capacity: 9,300 pounds
• Fuel economy: 16 city, 24 highway, and 19 combined
• Maximum cargo space: 108.5 cubic feet (123.1 cubic feet in MAX trims)
• Reliability score: 85 out of 100 from J.D. Power
• Safety rating: 8.7 out of 10 from U.S. News & World Report
• Pricing: $62,400-$87,000

Safety is strong for the 2025 Explorer and Expedition, with both SUVs earning five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Both models include the Ford Co-Pilot360 safety suite with Pre-Collision Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Lane-Keeping System, and Adaptive Cruise Control as standard.

Experience Your Perfect Ford SUV at Bird Kultgen Ford

If you’re still deciding between the Ford Expedition and Explorer, the right choice depends on your family’s needs. The Expedition may be your pick if you have a larger family or significant towing needs, as it offers maximum space and capability.

It’s time to test-drive. You need to feel the differences in size, handling, and features yourself. At Bird Kultgen Ford, our knowledgeable team understands what Waco families need and can guide you through your decision with personalized recommendations. Visit us today to schedule your test-drives and find out which Ford SUV will serve your family best for years to come.

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