How the 2025 Expedition's Ford Split Gate Simplifies Family Life in Rural Nova Scotia

The 2025 Ford Expedition brings a new feature that solves a problem you didn't know you had until you tried it. The Ford Split Gate is the first tailgate in its class that works like both a traditional SUV liftgate and a pickup truck tailgate. Three-quarters of the gate lifts like a standard liftgate, while the lower quarter folds down like a truck's tailgate. This gives you easier loading access, a flat surface to work on, and more flexibility than a full liftgate design.

For busy families in Kings County juggling sports gear, grocery hauls, and weekend trips, the Split Gate transforms how you use the back of your Expedition. Load heavy items without lifting them over the bumper. Set up a tailgate picnic at a soccer field. Use the drop-down section as a bench or a serving table. The Split Gate supports up to 226 kg (500 lbs), so it's sturdy enough for serious use.

The Expedition seats up to eight passengers across three rows and delivers 400 horsepower from its 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine. The standard model offers 122.5-inch wheelbase, while Expedition MAX extends that to 131.5 inches for even more cargo space. Both versions include the 24-inch panoramic display, advanced towing features, and the versatility that makes the Expedition work for families who need a full-size SUV.

Active: The Starting Point

The Active trim is where the Expedition lineup begins. It includes the 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 engine with 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, rear-wheel drive as standard, and four-wheel drive as an option. The 10-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and keeps the engine in the right power band whether you're cruising on the 101 or towing a camper.

Standard equipment includes:

• Ford Split Gate with multifunction operation
• 24-inch panoramic display (driver display + centre touchscreen)
• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 (includes 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping system, BLIS with cross-traffic alert, and more)
• 18-inch Dark Alloy-painted aluminum wheels
• Seating for up to eight passengers
• Three-zone climate control
• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• FordPass Connect with 5G Wi-Fi hotspot
• Pro Trailer Hitch Assist and Pro Trailer Backup Assist

The Active trim is designed for families who need full-size SUV capability without extra features they won't use. It's the base trim, but it's far from basic. The Ford Split Gate, advanced safety tech, and towing features come standard across the lineup.

Platinum: Premium Comfort and Tech

The Platinum trim adds luxury materials, upgraded technology, and more powerful engine options. The standard 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 produces 400 horsepower, but you can upgrade to the High-Output version with 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Four-wheel drive is standard on Platinum.

Platinum upgrades include:

• Available High-Output 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 (440 hp, 510 lb-ft torque)
• 20-inch Ebony bright-machined aluminum wheels (20-inch, 22-inch, or 24-inch wheels available)
• Premium leather-trimmed seating with heating and cooling
• Power-deployable running boards
• Hands-free power liftgate (opens and closes with foot motion)
• B&O Sound System with premium speakers
• Head-up display
• Massaging front seats
• Wireless charging pad
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Adaptive suspension (continuously controlled damping)

The Platinum trim is for families who want the Expedition's capability wrapped in upscale finishes. Materials feel premium, technology is easy to use, and the cabin is quiet even at highway speeds. The adaptive suspension adjusts damping based on road conditions, improving ride comfort without sacrificing handling.

King Ranch: Western-Inspired Luxury

The King Ranch trim brings Texas ranch heritage to the Expedition with unique styling, exclusive materials, and premium features. Like Platinum, King Ranch includes the standard 400 horsepower EcoBoost V6 with the option to upgrade to the High-Output version. Four-wheel drive is standard.

King Ranch features include:

• Available High-Output 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 (440 hp, 510 lb-ft torque)
• 22-inch Sinister Bronze with diamond-cut machined-face aluminum wheels
• King Ranch leather-trimmed seating with unique stitching and branded headrests
• Mesquite wood-tone interior accents
• King Ranch badging and exterior styling
• All Platinum features (head-up display, massaging seats, B&O Sound System, adaptive suspension)

The King Ranch isn't just a different colour scheme—it's a distinct aesthetic. The interior uses rich leather, unique stitching patterns, and wood accents that set it apart from Platinum. If you want an Expedition that looks different from every other one on the road, King Ranch delivers.

Tremor: Off-Road Capability

The Tremor trim is the most off-road-capable Expedition ever built. It's designed for families who venture beyond pavement—whether that's logging roads, beach access trails, or backcountry camping spots. Tremor includes the High-Output 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 as standard, producing 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Four-wheel drive with ControlTrac and an electronic locking rear differential is standard.

Tremor off-road features include:

• High-Output 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 (440 hp, 510 lb-ft torque)
• 270 mm (10.6 inches) of ground clearance (highest in class)
• 33-inch General Grabber all-terrain tires on 18-inch Dark Carbonized Gray-painted aluminum wheels
• Raptor-inspired running boards
• Steel front skid plate
• Embedded off-road auxiliary lights behind the grille
• Underbody protection for front axle, transfer case, and fuel tank
• Re-tuned suspension and Electric Power-Assisted Steering
• Rock Crawl Mode and Trail Turn Assist
• Trail 1-Pedal driving mode

The Tremor sits 270 mm off the ground—higher than any other vehicle in its class. The 33-inch all-terrain tires grip loose surfaces and provide extra cushioning over rough terrain. Rock Crawl Mode adjusts throttle, transmission, and stability control for slow-speed rock climbing. Trail 1-Pedal mode lets you control speed using only the accelerator pedal, with the brakes automatically applied when you lift off.

The Tremor isn't a hardcore rock crawler—it's a family SUV with serious off-road hardware. You can take it on logging roads, sand dunes, or muddy trails without worrying about getting stuck. When you're back on pavement, it rides and drives like a regular Expedition.

Comparing the Expedition Trims

Ford Split Gate: How It Works

The Ford Split Gate operates in three modes: liftgate, tailgate, or combination.

Liftgate Mode: Press the button on the key fob, the tailgate itself, or inside the cab, and the upper three-quarters of the gate lift like a traditional SUV liftgate. Use this mode for loading large items that need full clearance, or when you want the protection of a covered cargo area.

Tailgate Mode: The lower quarter drops down independently, giving you a flat work surface or loading platform. This mode works well for heavy items that you'd rather slide in rather than lift over the bumper. The drop-down section supports up to 226 kg (500 lbs), so you can sit on it, stack gear on it, or use it as a prep surface.

Combination Mode: Both sections can be open at the same time. The upper section provides overhead clearance, while the lower section gives you a flat surface to work on. This mode is useful for loading awkward items like bikes, lawn equipment, or furniture that you need to slide in horizontally.

The Split Gate includes the available Cargo Tailgate Manager, which adds a fold-down seatback to the tailgate. When deployed, it turns the tailgate into a bench for two people. Fold it flat and it becomes a serving table, complete with power outlets in the cargo area for plugging in a cooler, lights, or other accessories.

Towing and Cargo Capacity

The 2025 Expedition tows up to 4,354 kg (9,600 lbs) when properly equipped with four-wheel drive and a weight-distributing hitch. That's enough for a large travel trailer, a boat on a heavy-duty trailer, or multiple ATVs. The Active and Tremor trims offer the highest towing capacity, while Platinum and King Ranch top out at 4,082 kg (9,000 lbs) due to additional weight from luxury features.

Pro Trailer Hitch Assist uses the rear camera and corner radars to align the hitch with the trailer coupler automatically. The system controls speed, steering, and braking to back the Expedition up and stop at the right position—no more awkward back-and-forth adjustments. Pro Trailer Backup Assist lets you steer the trailer using a knob on the dashboard while the Expedition handles the steering wheel. These features are standard across all trims.

Cargo space varies depending on wheelbase and seating configuration:

• Standard Expedition: 613 litres behind the third row, 1,722 litres behind the second row, 3,070 litres behind the first row
• Expedition MAX: 1,022 litres behind the third row, 2,136 litres behind the second row, 3,485 litres behind the first row

The available 40/20/40 split-folding third row lets you carry eight passengers or fold sections of the third row for extra cargo flexibility. The second row slides forward or back to balance legroom and cargo space, and both rows fold flat for maximum cargo capacity.

Technology and Safety Features

The 24-inch panoramic display combines a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch centre touchscreen into a single continuous screen. The layout is clean and the graphics are easy to read. The centre touchscreen handles navigation, audio, climate control, and vehicle settings. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with Amazon Alexa Built-In.

Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 is standard on all Expedition trims and includes:

• 360-degree camera with split-view display
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go
• Lane-Keeping System with Lane Centering
• BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with Trailer Coverage
• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
• Evasive Steering Assist
• Intersection Assist
• Reverse Brake Assist
• Post-collision braking

BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is available on Platinum, King Ranch, and Tremor trims. The system uses cameras and sensors to keep the Expedition centered in its lane and maintain a set following distance on mapped highways. You can take your hands off the wheel, but you must keep your eyes on the road. BlueCruise is available with a 90-day trial, one-year subscription, or one-time purchase.

Which Expedition is Right for You?

Choose Active if you need full-size SUV capability, towing features, and the Ford Split Gate without luxury add-ons. This trim includes everything most families need—seating for eight, advanced safety tech, and the same towing capacity as higher trims (with 4WD). It's the best value in the lineup.

Choose Platinum if you want premium materials, upgraded technology, and the option for the High-Output engine. Platinum adds features like massaging seats, a head-up display, and adaptive suspension. It's designed for families who want the Expedition to feel upscale.

Choose King Ranch if you want the same luxury as Platinum but with unique styling and materials. The King Ranch leather, wood accents, and exclusive badging set it apart. This trim is for buyers who want their Expedition to stand out.

Choose Tremor if you need serious off-road capability. The 270 mm ground clearance, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and off-road hardware make it the most capable Expedition ever. Tremor is for families who venture beyond pavement regularly.

Your New Expedition is Waiting

The 2025 Expedition combines full-size SUV capability, advanced towing technology, and the unique Ford Split Gate that makes family life easier. Contact our sales team at Valley Ford in Kentville to explore the Expedition lineup, test the Split Gate in person, and secure yours today.