If you’re shopping for a full-size SUV, Ford offers two excellent options: the standard Expedition and the bigger Expedition MAX. While they have the same engines, technology, and toughness, they differ in size, storage space, and how comfortable your passengers will be. Let’s break down what sets them apart so you can figure out which one best fits your family’s needs.
Key Dimensions and Size Differences
The difference in length is what you’ll notice first. The regular 2025 Expedition stretches 209.9 inches with a wheelbase of 122.5 inches. The 2025 MAX is longer at 221.7 inches with a wheelbase of 131.5 inches. That’s almost an extra foot, giving you more room for cargo and more legroom for passengers, especially those sitting in the back row.
At 94.6 inches wide and between 77.9 and 78.9 inches tall (depending on the trim), both SUVs have the same approximate width and height. That means choosing the MAX won’t make a difference to garage clearance, though the extra length will still make a difference when parking. The 2025 MAX has a turning diameter of 43.3 feet, which means you’ll feel it when navigating tight Philadelphia parking lots or city streets.
Seating Configurations and Passenger Capacity
Both SUVs can carry eight people in three rows, or seven if you go with captain’s chairs instead of a bench in the second row. Both also offer the option of power-folding captain’s chairs that tip and slide forward, making it much easier to climb into the back.
The MAX’s longer wheelbase gives second- and third-row passengers extra legroom, though, which makes a real difference on those long trips to the Jersey Shore or weekend drives up to the Poconos. Adults can sit comfortably in the third row without feeling like they drew the short straw, so if you’ve got teenagers or regularly drive extra passengers around Pennsylvania, the MAX might be the better choice.
Cargo Capacity
The impressive cargo size is what makes the MAX stand out for many drivers. The standard Expedition gives you 21.6 cubic feet behind the third row, 60.8 behind the second, and 108.5 with all back seats folded. Meanwhile, the MAX offers 36.1 cubic feet behind row three, 75.4 behind row two, and 123.1 with everything folded flat. That’s 14.6 extra cubic feet overall.
In everyday terms, the standard model fits four or five carry-on suitcases or a week’s worth of groceries behind the third row. With all the seats folded, you could haul a taken-apart bed frame. The MAX, though, can handle several big suitcases while still seating everyone, and it can fit a couple of bikes (with front wheels removed) with the liftgate closed. For Pennsylvania families who need a spacious SUV for weekend camping trips at Fort Washington State Park or moving kids to college at Villanova University, this extra room means fewer trips and less stress.
Fuel Economy
Both SUVs are reasonably fuel-efficient for their size, though the MAX consumes slightly more fuel per gallon. The standard Expedition with base 3.5L EcoBoost engine and rear-wheel drive achieves approximately 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway according to EPA estimates. The MAX sees a slight drop to approximately 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Opting for the high-output version of the engine lowers fuel economy to an estimated 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.
In real-world driving terms, the difference feels minimal. Both SUVs handle highway trips just fine, and that small fuel advantage in the standard model might not matter much if you regularly need the extra space the MAX provides. Going with four-wheel drive in either model will cost you one or two mpg compared to rear-wheel drive, but you’ll appreciate the improved traction during Pennsylvania winters when the roads get slick.
Towing and Payload Capacity
Another notable difference between the standard Expedition and the MAX is in towing power. The standard Expedition with four-wheel drive and the Heavy-Duty Tow Package can pull up to 9,600 pounds, while the MAX tops out at 9,000. Payload capacity varies, too. The regular model can handle up to 1,758 pounds, slightly beating the MAX’s 1,400 to 1,600-pound range. When comparing the 2025 Ford Expedition vs. the Expedition MAX for your needs, consider if you value extra space or additional towing and payload capacity.
Pricing Structure
Depending on the model, trim, and how you outfit your vehicle, you can expect to pay between $60,000 and $90,000 for a 2025 Ford Expedition or Expedition MAX. For the MAX’s extra space, you’ll pay about $3,000 more across similar trims. The Expedition Active starts at $62,400, while the MAX Active begins at $65,400.
The standard Expedition also offers the Platinum, Tremor, and King Ranch trims, with a MAX option available for the Platinum and King Ranch versions. At the top end, a King Ranch runs $84,000 for the standard size and $87,000 for the MAX. That extra $3,000 buys you enhanced passenger comfort and additional cargo space, things you can’t easily add later or duplicate in the standard model.
Maintenance and Ownership Costs
These SUVs share engines and major parts, so maintenance schedules and costs run about the same. You’ll spend between $800 and $1,000 yearly on routine upkeep, while major repairs, such as a transmission replacement, could cost up to $5,000.
The good news is that the Expedition family scores 4 out of 5 stars from J.D. Power, with a 75 out of 100 reliability rating. With proper care, some Expeditions can reach 200,000 miles. Importantly, Ford’s warranty covers you for three years or 36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper and five years or 60,000 miles on the powertrain.
Annual insurance costs run from $1,422 for basic coverage to about $2,590 for full coverage, depending on your driving history and coverage choices. The MAX might cost slightly more to insure due to its higher value, but the difference is usually small.
Find Your Perfect Ford Expedition at John Kennedy Ford Conshohocken
Your choice boils down to what matters most for your family. Both SUVs deliver the same solid performance and technology that families count on, but if you want better gas mileage, higher towing limits, and a lower price tag, then the standard Expedition makes sense. If you need more cargo room and comfier passenger seating, then the MAX might be the better option. Contact us at John Kennedy Ford Ford of Conshohocken or schedule a test drive and find the right mix of features for your lifestyle.
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