2025 Ford Explorer Review

2025 Ford Explorer – Overview

The 2025 Ford Explorer continues to serve as a practical and capable midsize SUV, ideal for suburban families. While it receives only subtle cosmetic updates, it gains upgraded tech features to remain competitive. Ford has streamlined the lineup by discontinuing the Base, Limited, King Ranch, and Timberline trims—though whispers suggest the rugged Timberline may return with enhancements in the near future.

Under the hood, the Explorer retains its tried-and-true powertrains: a turbocharged four-cylinder and a more potent twin-turbo V6, both paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive remains standard, with optional all-wheel drive for those seeking added traction.

Inside, the Explorer’s strength lies in its family-friendly cabin and usable third-row seating. While that third row may not be the most spacious in the class, it offers valuable flexibility. Fold it flat, and you’re rewarded with ample cargo space for road trips, sports gear, or big shopping hauls.

However, in today’s fiercely competitive SUV segment, the Explorer is up against polished contenders like the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Toyota Grand Highlander, and Jeep Grand Cherokee L—all of which bring modern designs, premium interiors, and smoother overall refinement to the table. Despite this, the 2025 Explorer still earns its place with strong performance, solid tech, and proven versatility.

When Is the 2025 Ford Explorer Coming Out?

The 2025 Ford Explorer is expected to arrive at dealerships in late summer 2024, with pre-orders already open in select markets. Depending on your region, some trims may become available earlier than others, particularly the high-demand ST-Line and Platinum trims.

What’s New for 2025 Ford Explorer?

For 2025, the Ford Explorer sees a strategic refresh aimed at streamlining its lineup and modernizing its tech. The trim selection has been pared down to four core models at launch: Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum. A rugged Tremor trim is confirmed to join later, bringing off-road enhancements for adventure-focused buyers.

Visually, the Explorer receives a mild exterior facelift, including a reshaped front grille, slimmer headlights, and revised lower air intakes. Around back, new taillights give the SUV a fresher rear profile. For a sportier appearance, trims like the Platinum, ST-Line, and ST can now be optioned with a black-painted roof.

On the tech front, a major addition is Ford BlueCruise, the brand’s hands-free highway driving system, now available for the first time on the Explorer. Interior improvements emphasize comfort and quality, with new soft-touch materials on the center console and doors, along with updated color schemes to elevate the overall feel.

The 2025 Explorer also debuts the Ford Digital Experience—a new infotainment platform that offers seamless app integration, native video streaming, and internet browsing when parked, making downtime more connected and entertaining than ever.

In all, the 2025 Explorer’s updates may appear modest at a glance, but they bring meaningful enhancements to style, comfort, and driver-assist tech that help keep it relevant in a crowded field.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2025 Ford Explorer starts at $41,745 for the base Active trim and stretches up to $56,465 for the range-topping Platinum, depending on configuration and options.

Our Pick: ST-Line

With the mid-tier Limited trim discontinued, the ST-Line emerges as the smartest buy in the lineup. It blends bold, sporty design cues with the standard 300-hp turbocharged four-cylinder engine, making it significantly more affordable than the ST’s V6-powered performance—at nearly $11,000 less.

Key reasons to choose the ST-Line:

• 20-inch painted alloy wheels (versus 18s on the Active)

• Same 5,000-pound towing capacity as V6 models

• Eligible for optional BlueCruise hands-free driving

• Available black-painted roof for extra visual flair

• Premium touches like a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, flat-bottom ST steering wheel, heated second-row seats, and power-folding mirrors

We’d also recommend adding all-wheel drive for an additional $2,000, especially if you live in an area with snowy or wet driving conditions. It boosts capability without compromising the ST-Line’s excellent value.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2025 Ford Explorer continues with its proven powertrain lineup, offering a choice between a strong turbocharged four-cylinder and a performance-oriented V6.

• 2.3-liter EcoBoost I4 (Active, ST-Line, Platinum)

  • 300 horsepower, 310 lb-ft of torque

  • Provides smooth, confident acceleration for daily driving

• 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 (standard on ST, optional on Platinum)

  • 400 horsepower, 415 lb-ft of torque

  • Delivers serious performance, especially when paired with ST-specific tuning

Both engines are paired with a responsive 10-speed automatic transmission, which shifts cleanly and efficiently in both city and highway conditions. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, while all-wheel drive is available across all trims for added traction and control.

In testing, the 2025 Explorer drives much like its predecessor: balanced, composed, and confidence-inspiring. The base engine offers ample grunt for most buyers, while the ST’s twin-turbo V6 transforms the SUV into a genuinely quick performer. Ride quality is smooth over rough pavement, and handling remains predictable—a welcome trait for families and long-distance travelers alike.

0–60-MPH Times

The 2025 Ford Explorer delivers respectable acceleration across its engine lineup, offering both practical and performance-oriented options.

Equipped with the 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder, the Explorer provides solid everyday performance. In a previous test of a similarly equipped model (2022 Timberline), it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.0 seconds—a competitive figure in the midsize SUV class.

For those who crave more power, the Explorer ST steps things up with a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. In our testing, it launched from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds, putting it among the quickest non-luxury three-row SUVs on the market.

Whether you’re looking for confident highway merging or a bit of excitement on back roads, the Explorer’s powertrains deliver.

Towing and Payload Capacity

The 2025 Ford Explorer offers a respectable maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, making it well-suited for hauling small boats, trailers, or campers.

All Explorer trims come equipped with the Class III Towing Package as standard. This package includes essential features such as:

• A factory-installed trailer hitch

• A trailer wiring harness for easy connection of lights and brakes

• Trailer sway control system to enhance stability and safety while towing

Whether you’re planning weekend adventures or practical hauling tasks, the Explorer provides reliable towing capability for a midsize SUV.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The most fuel-efficient 2025 Ford Explorer models feature rear-wheel drive paired with the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering an EPA rating of 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. Opting for all-wheel drive reduces these figures slightly by 1 mpg in both city and highway driving.

With the more powerful twin-turbo V6, the Explorer achieves up to 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway in rear-wheel-drive form, while all-wheel drive drops the highway rating to 24 mpg, keeping the city rating steady at 18 mpg.

In real-world testing at a steady 75 mph highway pace, the 400-hp Explorer ST exceeded expectations, achieving 25 mpg, one mile per gallon better than its EPA estimate. Similarly, a four-cylinder Explorer equipped with all-wheel drive returned 28 mpg on the same route—again beating its official EPA rating by 1 mpg.

For detailed and up-to-date fuel economy information, you can visit the EPA’s official website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The 2025 Ford Explorer maintains its reputation for a practical and family-friendly interior, prioritizing function while receiving some well-needed refinements for comfort and style. New interior color schemes and additional soft-touch materials on the center console, door panels, and dashboard elevate the cabin’s overall feel, giving it a more polished and inviting atmosphere.

The redesigned dashboard is thoughtfully shaped to create more space for front-seat occupants, enhancing the sense of openness and comfort.

Access to the standard third-row seats is made easier by an intuitive power-release mechanism that slides the second-row seats forward with the push of a button. However, once inside, taller passengers may find the third row less comfortable due to its low seating position and limited legroom. Competitors like the Chevrolet Traverse and Volkswagen Atlas offer more spacious and accommodating third-row seating.

In terms of cargo capacity, the Explorer impresses with room for four carry-on suitcases behind the third row and a total of 31 carry-on bags with both the second and third rows folded flat, providing ample space for family gear, groceries, or luggage on road trips.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2025 Ford Explorer comes standard with a striking 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen that serves as the centerpiece of its updated infotainment system. Introducing the Ford Digital Experience, this new software platform enhances connectivity by seamlessly integrating apps and services from Google and Amazon, alongside full compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on supported devices.

When the vehicle is parked, the system unlocks additional entertainment options, allowing users to stream videos from YouTube and other providers, browse the internet, and even play games via Google Play, making downtime more enjoyable for passengers.

Connectivity is further bolstered by eight USB ports, including two specifically for third-row passengers, as well as three 12-volt power outlets, ensuring devices stay charged no matter where you sit.

Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, which is standard on all trims except the base Active, delivering rich and immersive sound quality throughout the cabin.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2025 Ford Explorer comes well-equipped with a comprehensive suite of standard driver-assistance technologies, designed to enhance safety and confidence on the road. Available upgrades add convenience features such as automatic self-parking assist for easier maneuvering in tight spaces.

Key standard safety features include:

• Forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking

• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert

• Lane-departure warning paired with lane-keeping assist

These systems help detect potential hazards early and assist drivers in maintaining safe lane positioning.

For detailed crash-test ratings and safety performance, visit the official sites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Ford offers standard warranty coverage for the 2025 Explorer that aligns with typical midsize SUV competitors, but it falls short in terms of complimentary maintenance.

• Limited Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

• Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

• Scheduled Maintenance: Not included (no complimentary maintenance program)

Unlike some rivals such as Toyota and Chevrolet, Ford does not provide free scheduled maintenance with the Explorer, which may add to the long-term ownership costs.

2025 Ford Explorer Specifications

Final Verdict

The 2025 Ford Explorer remains a top contender in the three-row midsize SUV segment, thanks to a thoughtful refresh that modernizes its look and feel. While its warranty coverage could be more generous, the Explorer’s blend of power, practicality, and now-improved tech make it a compelling buy—especially in ST-Line or ST trim.

2025 Ford Explorer Videos