What is the most expensive expedition?
The Apollo program is widely regarded as the most expensive single expedition in history, with about $25.4 billion spent in 1960s dollars (roughly $150–160 billion in today’s money). By contrast, the International Space Station has accumulated even larger totals over decades as a multinational, long-running project.
Cost leaders in exploration
Two figures are most often cited when discussing the price tag of exploration. Here are the two that appear most frequently in official tallies and independent assessments.
- Apollo program (1961–1972): About $25.4 billion in 1960s dollars. Adjusted for inflation, commonly estimated at roughly $150–160 billion in today’s money, depending on the inflation metric used.
- International Space Station (ISS) construction and early operations: Estimates commonly place total costs in the range of $150–200 billion over the lifetime of the program, reflecting construction, launches, maintenance, and research activities across multiple nations.
Taken together, the Apollo program represents the peak of a single-expedition price tag, while the ISS embodies the most expensive long-running, multinational exploration effort to date.
Definitions, inflation, and how costs are counted
Accounting nuances behind headline figures
Cost figures depend on what is included (hardware, launches, ground support, research, infrastructure) and how inflation is applied. The Apollo total comes from 1960s dollars, commonly converted to present-day dollars using inflation measures. ISS figures accumulate over decades and include construction, operations, crew, and program management, making direct apples-to-apples comparisons challenging.
The bottom line is that the number you cite for "the most expensive expedition" can shift depending on whether you count a single mission, a sequence of missions, or an ongoing program, and which costs you include in the tally.
Summary
When asked to name the most expensive expedition, most historians point to the Apollo program as the single most costly mission. If you widen the lens to include long-running campaigns and infrastructure, the International Space Station edges ahead in total expenditure. Definitions matter, and the record can change with the accounting method used.
What is the highest priced Ford Expedition?
The price of the 2025 Ford Expedition / Expedition Max starts at $64,995 and goes up to $86,595 depending on the trim and options.
Is Ford Expedition Limited or Platinum better?
The primary differences between the Expedition Limited and Platinum are the Platinum trim's inclusion of luxury and tech upgrades, such as more powerful engine options (on some model years), Continuously Controlled Damping suspension, power-deployable running boards, and a 22-speaker B&O sound system. While the Limited is a well-equipped trim with a good mix of features, the Platinum adds premium touches like massaging, multi-contour front seats and higher-end interior and exterior styling.
You can watch this video for a visual comparison of the Expedition Active and Platinum trims: 59sCTech-reviewYouTube · Jul 25, 2025
Key differences
| Feature | Limited | Platinum |
|---|---|---|
| Engine Power | Standard 3.5L EcoBoost V6 | Standard 3.5L EcoBoost V6 with a slight horsepower bump (400 hp on some models), with a 440 hp High Output option available |
| Suspension | Standard suspension | Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) suspension with road preview |
| Seats | Heated front and second-row seats | Multi-contour front seats with Active Motion® massage, plus heated and ventilated front seats |
| Audio | 10- or 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen (B&O) system | 22-speaker B&O Unleashed Sound System with subwoofer |
| Wheels | Typically 20-inch wheels | 22-inch polished aluminum wheels |
| Running Boards | Standard running boards | Power-deployable running boards |
| Interior Accents | Standard interior | Satin aluminum and woodgrain appliques |
| Infotainment | SYNC 3 or 4 system with a 12-inch touchscreen | SYNC 4A with a 15.5-inch touchscreen and a 12.4-inch digital gauge cluster |
| Exterior | Standard exterior styling | Higher-end exterior accents and finishes, with elements like brushed aluminum front door scuff plates and unique grille designs |
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This video explains the different trim levels of the Expedition: 43sLeif Johnson FordYouTube · May 14, 2025
Which one should you choose?
- Choose the Limited if: You want a well-equipped SUV with many of the most-wanted features but don't need the absolute top-tier luxury and advanced tech of the Platinum.
- Choose the Platinum if: You want the most luxurious and feature-rich Expedition available, with premium materials, advanced technology like the massage seats and larger screens, and a higher-performance engine option.
How much is a Ford Expedition Platinum Max?
Trims
| XL | |
|---|---|
| Platinum | |
| MSRP1 | $77,850 |
| Engine | 400 HP / 3.5 L / 6 cyl |
| Transmission | 10-spd auto |
What is the top of the line Ford Expedition?
The top-of-the-line Ford Expedition is the Platinum and Tremor trims, with the Platinum focusing on luxury and the Tremor focusing on off-road capability. The Platinum offers luxurious features like massaging front seats, leather upholstery, and a panoramic sunroof, while the Tremor comes with a high-output engine, all-terrain tires, an electronic locking rear differential, and special off-road tech like Trail Control™. For 2025, both trims share updated interior technology, including a large digital display and a new infotainment system.
This video provides a detailed overview of the 2025 Ford Expedition Tremor, highlighting its off-road features and performance: 1mRaiti's RidesYouTube · Oct 28, 2025
Ford Expedition Platinum
- Focus: Luxury and comfort
- Key features:
- Heated and ventilated multicontour front seats with Active Motion® massage
- Heated second-row power-folding captain's chairs
- Panoramic Vista Roof®
- Leather-trimmed and perforated seats
- 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen® sound system
- Power-deployable running boards
- 360-degree zone lighting
- Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System™
- Available High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost® V6 engine (on the Platinum Ultimate Package)
You can watch this video to explore the interior and exterior of the 2025 Ford Expedition Platinum Max: 1mTheStraightPipesYouTube · Aug 25, 2025
Ford Expedition Tremor
- Focus: Off-road performance
- Key features:
- High-Output 3.5L EcoBoost® engine (440 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque)
- 33-inch all-terrain tires
- Electronic locking rear differential
- Re-tuned suspension system
- Standard Trail Control™ (low-speed cruise control for off-roading)
- Underbody shielding
- Best-in-class ground clearance
- Raptor-inspired running boards
This video reviews the 2025 Ford Expedition Tremor and discusses whether it's the best trim to buy for luxury and off-road capability: 1mCar ConfectionsYouTube · Aug 2, 2025
Shared 2025 updates for both top trims
- Completely redesigned interior and exterior
- Ford Digital Experience with a 24-inch instrument panel display
- 13.2-inch center touchscreen
- Redesigned steering wheel
- Ford BlueCruise for hands-free highway driving is available
- Manual climate control buttons are now integrated into the infotainment system, a change some reviewers disliked
- Split tailgate feature remains
