Choosing the right three-row SUV for your family comes down to understanding how you'll actually use the vehicle. Both the 2025 Ford Explorer and Expedition offer seven-passenger seating and the capability to handle Ontario family life, but they serve different purposes and priorities.
The decision between these two Ford SUVs isn't about which one is better overall – it's about which one aligns with your specific family's needs, from weekend boat towing at Wasaga Beach to daily school runs through Alliston. Here's how to determine which Ford SUV will serve your Ontario family best.
At a Glance: Explorer vs. Expedition Comparison
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Feature
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Ford Explorer
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Ford Expedition
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Third-Row Use
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Best for kids and occasional adult use
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Comfortable for regular adult passengers
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Towing Capacity
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Up to 5,600 lbs
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Up to 9,600 lbs
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Cargo Behind Third Row
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462 litres
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612 litres
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Daily Driving
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Easier parking and manoeuvring
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More commanding road presence
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Ideal Family Size
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2-4 kids, occasional extra passengers
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Large families or frequent group transport
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Third-Row Usability: How Often Will You Really Use It?
The Explorer's third row works well for children and occasional adult passengers on shorter trips around central Ontario. It's perfect for carpooling duties to hockey practice or taking friends along to Blue Mountain for a ski day. However, adults will find it cramped for longer journeys like a family road trip to Ottawa or Montreal.
The Expedition's third row provides genuine adult comfort with more legroom and headroom. If you regularly transport grandparents, have teenage children, or frequently take family friends on longer trips, the Expedition's third-row space makes a significant difference. The extra room becomes valuable on those two-hour drives to cottage country or when visiting family in Toronto.
Towing Power: Weekend Adventures and Work Needs
Towing capacity represents one of the clearest distinctions between these vehicles. The Explorer's 5,600-pound capacity handles most family trailers, small boats, and utility trailers for home projects. This works well for families with a smaller fishing boat for Georgian Bay trips or a utility trailer for cottage maintenance.
The Expedition's 9,600-pound towing capacity opens up possibilities for larger boats, travel trailers, and work equipment. If you own a cabin cruiser for Lake Simcoe, plan to buy a travel trailer for cross-country adventures, or need to tow construction equipment for work, the Expedition provides the muscle you need.
Daily Drivability: Size Matters in Different Ways
The Explorer offers easier handling for everyday Ontario family life. Parking at Alliston's Canadian Tire or navigating tight shopping areas becomes simpler with the Explorer's manageable size. The Expedition provides excellent highway stability and commanding road presence, but can be challenging in crowded parking lots.
Cargo Flexibility: Real-World Storage Solutions
The Explorer provides 462 litres behind the third row – sufficient for groceries, sports equipment, and daily family gear. The Expedition starts with 612 litres behind the third row and expands to massive cargo capacity with seats folded, valuable for extended camping trips or moving large items.
Which Model Is Right for You?
Choose the Explorer if you have 2-4 children, primarily use the third row for kids, tow smaller recreational items, and value easier daily driving and parking. The Explorer works well for families who prioritize fuel efficiency and manoeuvrability while still needing occasional seven-passenger capacity.
Choose the Expedition if you have a larger family, regularly transport adults in the third row, need substantial towing capacity, or frequently haul large cargo loads. The Expedition suits families who view their SUV as a true family command centre for all activities and adventures.
Consider your most common use cases: Are you typically dropping kids at school and picking up groceries, or are you regularly loading up seven people and their gear for cottage weekends? The answer should guide your decision.
Trim-by-Trim Breakdown
Explorer Active
Entry point with 2.3L 4-cylinder engine and essential family features.
- Best for first-time three-row buyers
- Standard Co-Pilot360, 13.2-inch touchscreen, wireless charging
Explorer ST-Line
Sporty styling with premium interior materials and practical 2.3L engine.
- Perfect for style-conscious families
- 20-inch wheels, sport interior, enhanced exterior styling
Explorer Platinum
Premium luxury with available 3.0L V6 producing around 400 hp.
- Maximum comfort and convenience features
- Leather seating, premium audio, enhanced materials
Expedition Active
Well-equipped base with 3.5L V6 producing 400 hp.
- Essential family and towing capability
- Standard towing package, 24-inch display, split tailgate
Expedition Platinum
Luxury-focused with advanced technology and available 440 hp engine.
- Premium leather, advanced safety tech, superior towing capacity
Comparing the Ford SUV Trims
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Feature
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Explorer Active
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Explorer ST-Line
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Explorer Platinum
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Expedition Active
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Expedition Platinum
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Engine
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2.3L 4-cylinder
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2.3L 4-cylinder
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2.3L standard, 3.0L V6 available
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3.5L V6 400hp
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3.5L V6 400hp, 440hp available
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Best For
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Budget-conscious families
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Style + practicality
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Luxury seekers
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Maximum capability
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Premium luxury
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Key Advantage
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Value pricing
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Sporty appearance
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Premium materials
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Towing and space
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Ultimate comfort
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Your New Ford SUV Is Waiting
The choice between the 2025 Ford Explorer and Expedition comes down to your family's specific needs and priorities. Both deliver the reliability, safety, and capability that Ontario families depend on, but each serves different lifestyles and requirements.
Contact our sales team at Trillium Ford in Alliston to experience both vehicles and determine which one aligns with your family's needs. Our team understands the unique requirements of central Ontario families and can help you configure the perfect SUV for your lifestyle.
