Introduced in 1966 as the very first SUV model developed and marketed by the Ford Motor Company, the original Bronco had a dedicated platform between model years 1966 and 1977. After that, during the second to fifth generations, it morphed into an F-Series truck-based full-size three-door SUV to better fight the Chevrolet K5 Blazer and Dodge Ramcharger, among others.
As such, it is no wonder that Ford can boast two different spiritual successors that are direct descendants of the vintage Ford Bronco line that was produced until 1996. The revived sixth-generation Ford Bronco takes after the original interpretation and is now a compact or mid-size two- or four-door off-road SUV twinned with the Ford Ranger mid-size pickup truck. Meanwhile, the Expedition full-size three-row SUV, introduced for the 1997 model year, is the successor to the F-Series-based Ford Bronco.
The Expedition, in turn, was Ford's first full-size SUV marketed with a four-door body style. As per the norm, this nameplate was derived directly from the corresponding F-150 generation in production for its entire production life. It has reached its fourth iteration back in 2018, features a lot of trim levels and packages (XLT, SSV, Limited, Platinum, King Ranch, FX4, XL STX), and also had model year changes in 2019, 2020, and 2022. As such, while some might feel it's about time for a new generation, others will also think the recent 2024 F-150 revamp is a clear indication of what will happen next with the Expedition, too.
Well, the good folks at the AutomagzTV channel on YouTube are hitting the middle ground between an all-new generation and a simple refresh by thinking about disrupting the full-size SUV order with the new Expedition Hybrid variant. As such, their resident pixel master – possibly aided by some AI software magic – not only presents a thoroughly revamped yet familiar look for the hypothetical 2025 Ford Expedition Hybrid, but the host also discusses the potential powertrain change or upgrade.
You see, while the real-world Expedition is quite extensive in terms of trim options and packs, there is just one engine option – the ubiquitous 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 linked to a ten-speed 10R80 SelectShift automatic transmission and 2WD or 4WD. But according to this unofficial presentation, Ford could easily expand the reach of the 3.5-liter V6 PowerBoost hybrid powertrain outside the F-150 model. That way, the Expedition could boast enhanced fuel economy ratings and better overall performance. So, do you think Ford will premiere an all-new Expedition soon or refresh the full-size SUV as it did with the 2024 F-150 pickup truck series? And will they make it a hybrid SUV?
Aurel has aimed high all his life (literally, at 16 he was flying gliders all by himself) so in 2006 he switched careers and got hired as a writer at his favorite magazine. Since then, his work has been published both by print and online outlets, most recently right here, on autoevolution. Full profile
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