Update: All sections revised.
The Ford Expedition, last fully redesigned in 2017 and given a facelift in 2021, is the biggest and heaviest passenger model wearing the Blue Oval badge. While rumors of a Ford Expedition Hybrid have persisted for years, there was no concrete evidence to support the existence of such a model in Dearborn. That is, until recently.
UAW Ford agreement lists the Expedition Hybrid
The UAW Ford Agreement (Oct 2023), published on UAW’s official website, lays out the future plans for Ford’s factories in the United States. As per the agreement booklet, the “Expedition will continue, including HEV” which is to be produced at the Kentucky Truck Plant.
The assembly facility is located in Louisville, and currently makes the gas-powered Expedition. The table does not list release dates, but it is clear that Ford intends to bring electrification to its largest SUV in the next step.
Ford plans to quadruple hybrid sales
Another strong indicator of the Expedition Hybrid’s arrival in the short-term is based on what Jim Farley, Ford’s CEO, said during the company’s Q2 2023 earnings call in July 2023. Farley said that Ford expects to 4X hybrid vehicle sales in the next 5 years. He announced that Ford would add hybrid variants “across our ICE lineup” on the back of encouraging hybrid model demand, as is the case with the Maverick and F-150.
So, all I’m saying is you’re going to see a lot more hybrid systems from us, but don’t think of them in the traditional sense of an Escape hybrid or Prius.
Jim Farley, President & CEO of Ford, during the company’s Q2 2023 earnings call
During the company’s Q2 2024 earnings call a year later, Farley said that Ford was now No.3 for Hybrid vehicles in the U.S., and that sales were up 34% during the quarter.
Renewed Design
Engineers in Dearborn are currently testing prototypes of a refreshed Expedition, expected to also debut the model’s hybrid version. YouTube channel ‘BlakeCars2’ has uploaded a clip of a test mule that’s hitched to a trailer on the highway providing a glimpse of the changes in store.
Video: YouTube/BlakeCars2
The 2025 Expedition introduces a completely redesigned front fascia that offers a cleaner and more streamlined appearance. It replaces the previous C-bracket lights with more compact units that integrate into the grille, and features tapered daytime running lights forming a sharp ‘C’ around the new lamps, adding a crisp edge to the vehicle’s design.
At the rear, expect new taillamps featuring updated graphics, along with a redesigned bumper. Notably, the tailgate appears slightly altered, likely indicating a new split-opening design. Additionally, updates to the available paint colors and wheel designs should also be part of the changes.
Updated Interior
Major changes are in store for the cabins of the 2025 Expedition and Hybrid models. Similar to the 2024 Nautilus, we anticipate a large screen spanning the dashboard, complemented by a smaller touchscreen in the center for infotainment controls.
Test prototypes have also revealed a row of buttons, including a rotary shifter dial next to what appears to be the media volume knob, integrated beneath this screen. This layout could free up space between the seats for a redesigned center console and additional storage solutions.
Powertrain
It’s a mystery as to what will feature under the hood of the Ford Expedition Hybrid, but for a vehicle of this size, it can’t do with what’s powering the Maverick or Escape. It’s interesting that Farley brought up EREV (Extended Range Electric Vehicle) during the Q2 2024 earnings call, stating that he wanted to be the “first adopter” of this technology. In his prepared remarks, Farley said “we see a lot more openness to hybrids and extended range electric vehicles we call E-REVs,” which we believe would be the right fit for both the F-150 and the Expedition.
If not an E-REV, Ford could revise the 3.5-liter PowerBoost Full Hybrid V6 system from the F-150 for SUV application. In the hybrid truck, this system develops 430 hp @ 6,000 rpm, and 570 lb.-ft @ 3,000 rpm.
Price & Release Date
Given the price of the current vehicle, the Ford Expedition Hybrid is expected to start slightly north of USD 60,000. While Ford hasn’t confirmed, our expectation is that the Hybrid model would be part of the MY2026 or MY2026 family, and is set to compete with the Toyota Sequoia.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 16 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading CEOs and vehicle developers from around the world.
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