Walking up to the 2025 Ford Expedition Stealth, I could tell that this was a beast of a vehicle. Thankfully it comes with a built in step that slides out as soon as you approach with the key fob. This automatic step stool is a necessity for someone of smaller stature, such as myself.
I did appreciate the amount of room I got sitting in the driver seat, comfort in its excessive space. This includes more cushion on the seats and an arm rest that is double the size of all others. The latter provides ample room for you and your passenger to rest on. And it is adjustable, with the ability to slide the unit forward or backwards, depending on your need.
As easy as that was, I struggled with adjusting the wheel. For the life of me I could not figure out how to move the steering wheel in the same fashion. The typical manual latch was not at the bottom base of the wheel, nor was there a button on the side to slide.
The result was I spent the first two days driving, straining myself forward in order to have my little arms meet the wheel. It was only until I felt it in my upper back and shoulders that I decided to Google the solution; knowing that with all the other mechanical abilities to custom adjust the driver seat, that this too should and would be included.
It turns out that the control for this was on the wheel itself, one of the two non-descript matte square buttons on either ends of the wheel: left and right. This had a chic, minimalistic design. Only its back-lit outline called attention to it, allowing the play on carbon fibre patterning across the control panel to be the only decorative element.
As for what the buttons did, this was the first time I have seen the wheel adjustment control available like this. And on that note, it also included the ability to move the acceleration and brake pedals closer to your feet, in the same way the wheel could be moved forward. Once again, a must for shorter and smaller drivers.
I also had to search for the windshield wipers. Finding them located on the same toggle as the turn signals was also new for me. This was a feature that required getting used to, with the ability to twist multiple rings on the shaft to adjust tempo of said windshield wiping, as well as the head lights and rear view wipers.
As for the way it drove, as a 7 seater that is designed for maximum comfort for its first two rows, the Expedition was a behemoth. I found it slow and heavy with more body to move. There was naturally a steep learning curve, having to get used to its width and size. Sadly, my parking and parallel game suffered, and I had to be more aware of the expected roll back on steep inclines.
I felt my body rock and was encouraged to take turns more controlled purposeful as a result. Similarly, it was hard not to notice every motion and movement under me. I found all the roads rocky and the worst ones through Gastown with it cobblestones. I just wish that the Ford Expedition had massaging seats to help kind of repair and restore all the would be back pain I would get from driving.
I did appreciate the greater vantage point and the better views from atop of my “throne”. Plus larger mirrors and extra cameras ensured minimal blind spots. This was coupled with a fantastic quality cameras and angles that made parking as easy as possible. This was helpful considering that it was larger than most parking stalls and inevitably had its nose sticking out. So the closer I could get to a wall without contact, the better.
Given its size and comfort, this is the type of SUV I would want on a road trip. The second row had its own individual two seats with the same climate control and lumbar adjustment as the front two. Supportive seats with a slight bucket backing, coated in a softer, plush leather. Each person also had their own cup holder that was large enough to fit a Stanley or any other rugged travel mug.
The 2025 Expedition was design to haul not just people, but trailers, with several attachment options to choose from. I definitely felt more powerful as a shorter and smaller woman handling it.
Technology-wise there were two screens, the dash that wrapped around the wheel and extended just behind the infotainment system, and the actual touch screen controlled infotainment system itself.
I liked the wireless chargers set at a slant, with a rubber bottom to keep it in place. And the ability to customize the exterior lighting of the cabin to one colour. And then when you are exiting the car, it switches to another.
I found the design choice of having what seemed like a ledge before the wild shield helpful. A strip of textured faux leather where I could easily store items on, just before the speakers that extended from end to end.
