Car buying for families is nuanced and personal. How many kids do you have? How old are they? Do you need daily third-row access or just extra cargo space? Those details matter far more than a spec sheet.

We see a lot of vehicles marketed as “family cars,” but the number of seats alone doesn’t tell you how family-friendly a vehicle really is.

Every year, vehicles are becoming more advanced with technology and safety features, which we love to see. But they’re also becoming more functional with car seat flexibility, usable third rows, and thoughtful design make a real difference. That’s exactly why we created the Car Mom Car of the Year award — to recognize the redesigns that truly deliver on both.

If we haven’t met, I’m Kelly Stumpe, also known as The Car Mom. I’m a mom of four kids under six and a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician who reviews cars specifically for families. Through honest reviews, car seat safety expertise, and practical guidance, I help parents find vehicles that truly work for families.

Each year, we award the Car Mom Car of the Year to the most impressive redesign — and we’re thrilled to announce that the 2025 Car Mom Car of the Year is the Ford Expedition.

What We Look For in Car Mom Car of the Year

This award is about functionality that truly supports families. Each year, we begin by evaluating notable redesigns and mid-cycle refreshes that were available for sale in 2025.

From there, we look at how those vehicles actually perform in everyday use. Features like car seat hardware, third-row access, improved technology, and safety updates all play a role in shaping the overall experience. It’s the combination of these elements that helps a redesign truly stand out.

That’s where the Ford Expedition rose above the rest. In my opinion, it’s the most car-seat-flexible SUV on the market right now.

This one is especially personal for me because I drive an Expedition MAX for my own family. It’s the vehicle I rely on every day for my four kids, our car seats, strollers, groceries, and everything that comes with this season of life. Here's why the Ford Expedition earned the top spot:

The Gold Standard for Car Seats

The car seat setup in the Expedition is truly incredible. It’s three-across friendly, has lower anchors in the third row, tether anchors in every seating position, and headrests in every seat. These are details that matter for safety, flexibility, and long-term usability as your kids grow.

Car Seat Tilt (My Absolute Favorite Feature)

If you follow me, you know how much I talk about this. The Expedition’s second-row seats slide and tilt forward even with a rear-facing car seat installed. We call this The Car Seat Tile. For rear-facing kids who still need the third row daily, this feature is a total game changer and hands down one of my favorite family features in any vehicle.

A Third Row You’ll Actually Use

Many SUVs technically have a third row, but the seats are often so small that they’re barely usable. In a lot of cases, it’s difficult to fit passengers comfortably, let alone install a car seat back there. That’s not the case with the Expedition.

The Expedition’s third row offers real legroom, proper ventilation, charging ports, and cup holders that actually make sense. Both kids and adults can ride back there comfortably, which is a big deal for larger families.

Exceptional Cargo Space and Flexibility

Especially in the Expedition MAX, the storage is unmatched. You get generous space behind the third row plus smart features like the split tailgate and modular cargo shelf system that can even double as a bench. These are the kinds of details that tell me this vehicle was designed by people who understand how people actually use their trunks.

Tech That’s Helpful, Not Overwhelming

The tech upgrades are impressive without being distracting. The all-new 24-inch dashboard feels modern and clean, the interface is intuitive, the oval steering wheel improves visibility, and BlueCruise is a big win for long road trips.

The Bottom Line: We Love The Ford Expedition!

If you’re a parent searching for an SUV that can truly keep up with real life, the Ford Expedition sets the gold standard. It’s functional, flexible, and designed for those who actually use every row and every inch of their vehicle.

I couldn’t be happier to give it the 2025 Car Mom Car of the Year honor.

And if you’d like to see it all in action, I invite you to check out my full video tour of the 2025 Ford Expedition on YouTube at The Car Mom. I also share family car content daily over on Instagram at @the_car_mom.