The 2025 Ford Explorer has seen major updates, improving both performance and interior quality. With these changes, it stands out in the competitive mid-size SUV market. Here’s a closer look at what the latest Explorer has to offer.
Performance and Powertrains
The Explorer offers a range of powerful engines:
- Base Engine: A 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- Upgraded Engine: The Platinum and ST trims come with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, generating 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
Buyers can choose between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (AWD) depending on the model and market needs, ensuring performance adaptability for various terrains.
Interior and Technology Upgrades
Inside, the 2025 Explorer shifts to premium materials, moving away from the hard plastics of past models:
- Touchscreen Display: All trims now include a 13.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital driver display.
- Multimedia System: The Ford Digital Experience system integrates wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, boosting connectivity.
- Comfort Features: Heated front seats and a power liftgate are standard, while the Platinum trim offers a massage feature for the front seats.
Sleeker Exterior Design
The 2025 Explorer also sports a refined exterior:
- Redesigned Grille and Headlamps: New grille styles and LED headlamps enhance its road presence.
- Wheel Options: Buyers can select wheels up to 21 inches, adding to the SUV’s stylish appeal.
- Three-Row Seating: It retains its three-row configuration, seating up to seven passengers. The rear seats fold down to increase cargo space as needed.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Ford packs the 2025 Explorer with advanced safety technology:
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+: Standard features include adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and blind-spot monitoring.
- BlueCruise Technology: Certain trims also feature Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving system, which allows for highway driving without hands on the wheel (subscription required).
Pricing
The 2025 Ford Explorer is available across several trims, with prices starting around $39,755 and climbing up to $59,200 for top-tier models, depending on selected options.
Differences Between the 2025 Explorer Base Model and ST-Line
When comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer Active (base model) and ST-Line trims, several distinctions arise:
- Engine Performance: Both trims use the 2.3L EcoBoost engine, producing 300 horsepower. However, the ST-Line emphasizes sportier driving dynamics.
- Wheel Size and Exterior: The Active model features 18-inch wheels, while the ST-Line boasts larger 20-inch ebony machined aluminum wheels with black accents.
- Interior and Tech: The ST-Line includes premium features like ActiveX® seat upholstery with red stitching, a 10-speaker B&O Sound System, and heated second-row seats — not standard on the base model.
- Driver Assistance: Both trims feature Ford Co-Pilot360, but the ST-Line adds a 360-degree camera and more advanced driver assistance technologies.
Comparison with the Honda Pilot
When comparing the 2025 Ford Explorer and the Honda Pilot, a few differences stand out:
- Performance: The Explorer offers a more powerful engine with the available 3.0L twin-turbo V6, producing 400 horsepower. The Pilot’s V6 produces 280 horsepower.
- Interior Space and Materials: Both SUVs feature three-row seating, but the Explorer stands out with more luxurious materials and larger tech interfaces.
- Towing Capacity: The Explorer’s 5,000-pound towing capacity surpasses the Pilot’s 3,500-pound limit.
- Technology: The Explorer’s infotainment system features wireless connectivity, whereas the Pilot focuses on simplicity and user-friendliness.
2025 Ford Explorer Platinum: The Luxury Experience
The Platinum trim offers a premium driving experience with features like:
- Leather Upholstery: High-quality leather with ventilation for front seats and heated second-row seating.
- Advanced Sound System: A B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen ensures a rich audio experience.
- Moonroof: The twin-panel moonroof creates a spacious, airy cabin feel.
- Enhanced Technology: Includes the latest infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Performance: The 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine is available for drivers seeking both luxury and power.
Interior and Technology Upgrades in the 2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer brings notable changes to its interior design:
- Material Quality: Ford has replaced hard plastics with soft-touch surfaces and leather, improving the cabin’s look and feel.
- Technology Integration: The 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital driver display enhance usability and modernize the SUV’s cabin.
- Comfort Enhancements: With options like heated and ventilated seats, passengers enjoy a more comfortable ride.
- Cargo Space: The redesigned layout maintains ample cargo space, even with the third-row seats in use.
Performance and Driving Dynamics of the 2025 Explorer ST
For those who crave performance, the ST trim delivers:
- Engine Power: The 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine delivers an impressive 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
- Sport-Tuned Suspension: This trim offers enhanced stability and handling, perfect for spirited driving.
- Paddle Shifters: Drivers can enjoy manual control over the 10-speed automatic transmission using paddle shifters.
- Upgraded Brakes and Wheels: The 21-inch wheels and performance brakes provide better road grip and stopping power.
For more information, checkout the official Ford page.