2025 Ford Explorer: Although the Explorer has been on the market for some time the Ford Explorer’s contribution to the American public’s appetite for sport utility vehicles, also known as SUVs, is enormous. Since its launch in the 1991 model year, the original Explorer has been produced under the bold moniker, and in 2020, the latest iteration will return to rear-wheel drive. While the 2025 Ford Explorer’s platform, powertrain, and most of its body panels remain unchanged, the 2025 Ford Explorer underwent a mid-cycle refresh, as it’s known in the industry.
In addition to a simplified product lineup, Ford’s midsize SUV receives an updated exterior design, redesigned cabin, and substantial electronics advances.
- Although the 2025 Ford Explorer lineup is more compact than its predecessors, each model receives a redesigned exterior, updated interior, and several technology upgrades.
- A fully digital gauge cluster and an upgraded infotainment system, including Google voice assistant and apps for accessing video and playing video games, are now standard on all Explorer models.
- Technically, Ford’s midsize SUV is unchanged; however, it now comes with an expanded list of standard features, which includes, for the first time, the BlueCruise hands-free driving system.
2025 Ford Explorer Reviews
The 2025 Ford Explorer SUV remains the vehicle of choice for suburban families, combining contemporary technology and minor exterior upgrades for added variety. To streamline the portfolio, the Base, Limited, King Ranch, and Timberline trim levels have been dropped. (A new, more rugged off-road variant is rumored to replace the Timberline, which is expected to depart.) Each of the Explorer’s two engine options a turbocharged four-cylinder and a twin-turbo V-6 is mated to a ten-speed automatic gearbox.
The gearbox and choice between rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive remain unchanged. The third row’s flexibility and the Explorer’s family-friendly cabin are key selling factors. While the back row isn’t as comfortable as some of its competitors, the knowledge that it’s available when needed provides some comfort. It provides plenty of cargo space when folded.
However, the midsize SUV segment is rife with competition, and the Explorer currently faces many highly skilled rivals, such as the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and Toyota Grand Highlander, some of which feature more modern aesthetics and more refined designs. modern. improve the overall atmosphere.
2025 Ford Explorer Specs
- MSRP: From $37,860
- Dimensions: 199″ L x 79″ W x 70″ H
- Engine: 2.3 L 4-cylinder, 3.0 L V6
- Horsepower: 300 to 400 hp
- Body style: SUV
- Bore: 3.4″
New Ford Explorer 2025
Four levels of customization have been removed from the lineup: standard Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum. Taillights have been added in place of the grille, headlights, and lower air intakes that have been added to the front fascia. Additionally, buyers of the Platinum, ST, and ST-Line models can now specify a black-painted roof and the BlueCruise hands-free driving system.
We’re very excited about Ford prioritizing comfort and superior materials, the interior has been updated with a new color scheme and soft-touch surfaces on the center console and door panels. Ford Digital Experience, the fancy term for its new software system designed to seamlessly integrate users’ preferred apps while parking and provide native streaming and internet browsing capabilities, debuts on the 2025 Explorer with the best of the nifty features found in a three-row SUV.
2025 Ford Explorer Report
Ford has sold over eight million Explorers since the model debuted in 1990, and it has continuously been one of the best-selling SUVs in the United States. In recent years, following the decline of the traditional car, it has been Ford’s second best-selling vehicle overall, trailing only the F-Series trucks. The current sixth-generation Explorer has been on the road for five years and is due for a redesign. The 2025 model isn’t entirely new, but the revisions address some of the problems of previous versions.
The outward revisions are quite minor, as is common for a mid-cycle refresh. As is all too common these days, the grille has been extended to cover even more of the face, and it now has the octagonal design we saw on the Escape last year and that Ford has been applying to non-truck models in other countries. The headlamps have also been changed, as have the taillights, which now have a bar covering the tailboard. The rest of the sheet metal stays exactly as it was in 2019.
The most significant improvements are on the inside of the 2025 Explorer, where Ford has changed the design to meet the majority of the present model’s criticisms. Among the most notable of these criticisms was the abundance of hard plastic surfaces throughout the cabin. This has been addressed by using new materials with soft-touch textures on all areas that occupants may touch, including the dashboard, door panels, and, especially, the center console. While hard plastics are OK on cheaper vehicles like the Maverick, as prices reach the mid-$60,000 range, they are significantly less attractive.
The dashboard itself has also been revamped, drawing some inspiration from the Mustang Mach-E. The upper half is wrapped in the same sort of fabric used on the EV’s dashboard, and like the Mach-E, it hides speakers behind it, effectively transforming it into a sound bar. The central piece is a textured material that changes color and texture depending on the trim level, with a padded lower portion that dips down above the center console to provide a shelf with a wireless charging pad.
The current Explorer’s primary infotainment touchscreen is one of its less well-integrated components. The dashboard appeared to be created with the base 8-inch landscape screen in mind, as it fit perfectly between the air vents on either side. More expensive trims had a portrait orientation 10.1-inch display, which always appeared to be oriented that way since it fits between those two vent hard points. This was Ford’s only vehicle with this configuration, and the software interface in this position always appeared unfinished, with a lot of wasted space.
For 2025, the central vents have been moved down and to the center, with a 13-inch display above them. SYNC 3 is replaced by the same new Digital Experience infotainment system as the 2017 Lincoln Nautilus but without the full-width display. This is based on Android Automotive, which includes Google Services. That includes the Google Play Store, Maps, and Assistant. As with the Lincoln, Amazon Alexa Voice Services are incorporated, and either Google or Alexa Voice can be used to handle vehicle features including climate control and media playing, as well as to initiate smart home automation.
Ford is not the first automaker to use Android Automotive; Volvo, Polestar, GM, Honda, and Renault are currently available, with Acura, Nissan, and more on the way. However, to utilize all of this capability, the car needs connectivity, and the Explorer includes a built-in 5G modem. Beginning with the Explorer, Ford will only provide one year of complimentary Google services access. After that, owners will have to pay for a connectivity subscription, the price of which has yet to be determined.
Although GM’s decision to discontinue support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its new electric vehicles has sparked considerable controversy, the company is still providing eight years of connectivity with the purchase. While maintaining phone projection support, Ford hopes that a greater number of customers will subscribe so that the built-in features can remain.
Individuals who prefer not to pay for the pre-installed Google services may maintain their existing smartphone. Similar to the in-vehicle system, the map can be projected onto the instrument cluster when using Google or Apple Maps on a connected phone. This raises the inquiry as to why Ford would invest effort in integrating Google services. It is evident that while a portion of proprietors may subscribe, the prevailing trend suggests that the majority of drivers will revert to using their mobile devices beyond the initial year.
Another area in which Ford intends to generate recurring revenue throughout the vehicle’s lifetime is Blue Cruise. With the same subscription price plan as the Mach-E, the hands-off/eyes-on driving assistance technology that made its début on the Mach-E and F-150 will now be accessible on the Explorer ST-Line, ST, and Platinum. Customers may purchase one year of Blue Cruise access for an advance payment of $700 at the time of purchase. Consumers who fail to make payment at the moment of purchase will be granted a 90-day trial, with the option to subscribe for an annual or monthly fee of $800 or $75.
In the future, Ford intends to streamline the manufacturing process of the Explorer, mirroring its approach to other products. At the time of introduction, the 2024 Explorer will offer four customization levels in place of the previous eight: XLT, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum. Each vehicle is equipped with an identical infotainment system, and one powertrain option has been eliminated.
By 2025, retail Explorer models will exclusively be available paired with either a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine mated to a 10-speed automated transmission. Until the Police Interceptor SUV is redesigned to include the hybrid, individuals desiring a hybrid Explorer will have to wait until used police utility vehicles become available for purchase in the future years. The standard power outputs for the non-hybrid models remain at 300 horsepower for the four-cylinder and 365 or 400 horsepower for the V6, with the ST producing the most power.
Beginning in early spring 2024, the 2025 Explorer will be offered in the XLT, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum specification levels. Ford additionally displayed an image of the wheel of a subsequent variant during a meeting in Dearborn. This wheel has a single gold compartment, similar to the wheels on the Maverick Tremor; therefore, the Timberline, which has been available for a few years, could be replaced by an Explorer Tremor with a greater emphasis on off-roading.
By 2025, retail Explorer models will exclusively be available paired with either a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine mated to a 10-speed automated transmission. Until the Police Interceptor SUV is redesigned to include the hybrid, individuals desiring a hybrid Explorer will have to wait until used police utility vehicles become available for purchase in the future years. The standard power outputs for the non-hybrid models remain at 300 horsepower for the four-cylinder and 365 or 400 horsepower for the V6, with the ST producing the most power.
Beginning in early spring 2024, the 2025 Explorer will be offered in the XLT, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum specification levels. Ford additionally displayed an image of the wheel of a subsequent variant during a meeting in Dearborn. This wheel has a single gold compartment, similar to the wheels on the Maverick Tremor; therefore, the Timberline, which has been available for a few years, could be replaced by an Explorer Tremor with a greater emphasis on off-roading.
New Explorer Range
Information we have recently that the Ford company is making the Explorer family smaller by 2025 to reduce complexity which the company believes will help improve quality and consume fewer resources. That means last year’s eight-trim lineup has been reduced to four: Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST.
While we don’t know what’s going on with the off-road-oriented Timberline, a Ford spokesperson told Car and Driver that the company is currently building the “most off-road capable Explorer,” with additional information to be released later this year. We’re anticipating a facelifted Timberline, potentially with more core hardware, while a Raptor version seems unlikely.
Every new Explorer features a larger grille, redesigned headlights, and a front bumper that resembles a skid plate but appears wider and lower than before. To help differentiate the first four trims, Ford provides each with a unique grille, with the Active having a black mesh design with chrome bars, the ST-Line and ST having a high-gloss black honeycomb pattern and unique badging, and the Platinum has a wing design. with black and shiny chrome parts.
The Explorer’s taillights have also been updated for a cooler look, and are now connected by a horizontal element with a partially illuminated “Explorer” script. For the first time, clients can order black-painted roofs from the factory on all models except the base. All versions now come standard with the previously optional towing package; however, the 5,000-pound towing capacity is 300-600 pounds lower than before.
As with almost every mid-cycle refresh, there are new paint options and wheel designs. The beautiful metallic Vapor Blue is a new color available on all trim levels except the luxurious Platinum. The performance-oriented ST gets Magnetite-painted 21-inch wheels, which are also available on the less powerful ST-Line. However, this requires the Street Pack, which contains upgraded brakes with red-painted calipers. Anyone who purchases one of the ST models is also eligible for free admission to Ford’s performance driving schools, located in Park City, Utah, and Asheville, North Carolina.
According to Ford, the 2025 Explorer will not see significant chassis or powertrain upgrades. All variants are equipped with rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The Active, ST-Line, and Platinum models are all equipped with a 300-hp 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The ST offers a 400-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6, which is also available on the Platinum (previously standard). Both engines have a 10-speed automatic gearbox, but only the ST model is equipped with paddle shifters.
2025 Ford Explorer Interior
Here’s what we like. Ford is serious about prioritizing functionality over aesthetics has been the Explorer’s interior design philosophy for decades. However, for 2025, the cabin gets an increased level of comfort, accompanied by the addition of additional soft-touch materials on the center console, door panels, and dashboard.
The new dashboard provides additional space for front passengers. A button-activated mechanism in the second row ejects those seats, making accessing the standard third row a relatively uncomplicated process. Adults and taller children will find the seat too close to the ground.
In the third row, more comfort is provided by competitors such as the Volkswagen Atlas and Chevrolet Traverse. With both rear rows stowed flat, we managed to accommodate four additional pieces of carry-on luggage behind Ford’s third row, bringing the total to 31.
Comfort
Everything seems to be in order from the driver’s perspective. Sufficient space is provided in the front seats, and the operating position can be adjusted. In general, visibility is improved due to sufficient glazing space and mirrors of appropriate dimensions.
However, passengers in the back and middle seats receive less attention. Knee room and legroom in the middle row aren’t up to the standards of their peers, while the third row isn’t likely to appeal to taller-than-average adults.
Access to the rear doors may be awkward if one cannot open them past the initial limit due to the limited space between the prominent rear tire arches and the sizable door map pockets. While the power-folding third row is a convenient feature, passengers must raise the row from the hatch area.
The Explorer comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen, the Sync infotainment system, and smartphone compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Explorer has a variety of driver assistance systems. Automatic high beams, cross-traffic and blind-spot alerts, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist are all standard features on all Explorer models.
Depending on the class, additional features are available as options or as standard equipment. This system is effective. However, the warnings may have a very similar tone, potentially giving rise to false accusations regarding handovers made by the lane centralization system.
The Explorer has comfortable, well-designed front seats. However, we do not recommend the optional massage chair, as turning it off may cause the chair to feel uneven due to the mechanism used. The level of seat cushioning gradually decreases as one rises to the second and third sections.
Although our Explorer Limited test vehicle had a generally comfortable ride, it was a little more sensitive to minor road damage compared to other SUVs.
Operating the automatic climate control system may require more manual adjustments than expected; for example, lowering the temperature may result in the air vent not releasing the desired amount of air.
An additional limitation is that the Explorer’s noise level is lower than ideal. The engine sound is not muffled enough; Even at moderate highway speeds, strong wind noise is still audible.
Entertainment and Connectivity
The technology features are equipped with a standard 13.2 inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system. New standard software called Ford Digital Experience gives drivers access to services and apps like Amazon and Google, in addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on compatible devices.
Customers can surf the internet, play Google Play games, and stream videos from YouTube and other providers while the vehicle is stationary. Two of the eight USB ports are designated for third-row passengers, and the plane also features three 12-volt outlets. Except for the base model, every Active Explorer includes a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo as standard equipment.
2025 Ford Explorer Engine
The Platinum, ST-Line, and Active trim levels are equipped with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 310 pound-feet of torque and 300 horsepower. A turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine produces 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque for the ST. (All power estimates are generated using premium fuel.)
Rear-wheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission are standard. All-wheel drive is an option. While the ride and handling are predictable and controlled, drivers looking for a more exciting experience will find the Explorer ST, a genuine performance SUV with increased power and a firmer suspension, more appealing. When properly equipped, the Explorer has a maximum towing capability of 5,000 pounds.
2025 Ford Explorer 0-60 MPH
The Explorer’s standard 2.3-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine is quite powerful. The Explorer we evaluated in 2022 with the four-cylinder engine in the discontinued Timberline trim level accelerated to 60 mph in 6.0 seconds.
Driven at high speeds, the ST model’s 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine will be a treat.
2025 Ford Explorer MPG
With a rear-wheel drive system and a turbocharged four-cylinder, the most fuel-efficient 2025 model gets 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. All-wheel drive lowers that figure by one mpg. Rear-wheel-drive models of the V-6 twin-turbo Explorer are rated up to 26 mpg interstate and 18 mpg city, while all-wheel-drive models get 24 mpg city and 18 mpg highway.
Topping the EPA rating by one mpg, the 400 hp Explorer ST averaged 25 mpg on our 75 mph highway route. Additionally, we evaluated the four-cylinder Explorer’s fuel economy with all-wheel drive at 75 mph on the highway and achieved 28 mpg, one mpg better than the EPA estimate.
2025 Ford Explorer Trim
We predict there will be four levels of customization available for the 2025 Platinum, ST, ST-Line, and Active lineup. Ford Performance’s exclusive ST is the most powerful model in the lineup, with a 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine that’s been specially modified to produce 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
Among the standard features of the range are:
- Heated 10-way power driver’s seat.
- Four-way motorized passenger seat with heating.
- Ford’s Digital Experience infotainment system
- 13.2″ LCD user interface.
- 12.3-inch digital color LCD array
- Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay® both offer wireless connectivity.
- There are eight USB connections, two of which are intended for third-row passengers and include Alexa.
- Three electrical outlets at 12 volts
Integrated modem for Ford Co-Pilot 360™ Assist+ FordPass Connect™. - Plus: Class III Trailer Towing Package
Four-wheel drive is offered as an option
- Customized 10-speed automatic transmission
- Electric tailgate LED lighting
- The Explorer ST-Line, ST, and Platinum models will be the first to feature Ford’s Blue Cruise hands-free highway driving system.
2025 Ford Explorer Colors
Ford Explorer Exterior Colors
Are you seeking an eye-catching shade of red that will distinguish you from the crowd? Are you a fan of the color deep green? Brandon Ford will offer an extensive selection of exterior color options for the 2024 Ford Explorer. In Tampa, Florida, you can order a 2024 Ford Explorer in a color that complements your taste.
- Agate Black
- Iconic Silver
- Forged Green
- Carbonized Gray
- Atlas Blue
- Rapid Red
- Star White
- Stone Blue
- Jewel Red
Ford Explorer Interior Colors
Although we adore the athletic design of the 2024 Ford Explorer, the roomy, family-oriented interior, which is offered in cloth, Ford ActiveX Synthetic Leather, or premium leather upholstery, maybe even more remarkable. The Ford Explorer features a variety of interior colors to choose from – Ebony, Light Slate, Sandstone, Deep Cypress, and Java.
2025 Ford Explorer Price
The 2025 Ford Explorer costs between $41,220 and $56,800, with variations based on specifications and options.
Given the mid-level Limited model’s discontinuation in 2025, we’d argue that the ST-Line presents the most rational choice. It retains the standard 300-horsepower turbo four-cylinder engine and the ST’s aggressive exterior styling but costs about $11,000 less.
It weighs the same as V-6-equipped Explorers comes with 20-inch painted wheels as standard equipment (the Active has 18-inch wheels), and gives access to the optional BlueCruise and black-painted roof, neither of which is available on the base Active.
Additionally, power-folding mirrors, heated second-row seating, a flat-bottom ST steering wheel, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system are also included. An additional $2000 would also be all-wheel drive.
- Active $42,220
- ST-Line $46,980
- Platinum $54,120
- ST $57,800
2025 Ford Explorer Release Date
Apart from all that, we predict that production of the 2025 Ford Explorer is scheduled to start next year in January.
Verdict
The Ford 2025 Lineup Explorer has been on the market for some time with the best of the good features found in a three-row SUV. The Ford Explorer’s handling is remarkably excellent for a three-row midsize SUV. Its technological features are also advantageous. It is hampered by a scarcity of space and substandard materials.
We’ll be back soon with more on the 2025 Ford Explorer, so make sure you bookmark our website to stay up to date with the latest Ford news, Ford Explorer, and information on other Ford models on the road.
FAQs: People also ask Ford Explorer
Q: Will the Ford Explorer be redesigned in 2024?
A: Drivers anticipate the 2024 Ford Explorer to deliver the sort of remarkable functionality, luxury, and power that they anticipate from this durable seven-seat Ford SUV. Although a few modifications were made to the vehicle for the 2024 model year, it did not undergo the significant redesign that some experts had anticipated.
Q: What are the 2024 Ford Explorer colors?
A:
- Agate Black.
- Stone Blue (Extra Cost)
- Carbonized Gray.
- Forged Green.
- Iconic Silver.
- Rapid Red Metallic (Extra Cost)
- Star White Metallic (Extra Cost)
Q: Is the 2024 Ford Explorer reliable?
A: The 2024 Explorer is anticipated to be less dependable than the norm for new vehicles. The data for this forecast is derived from the 2021, 2022, and 2023 models, in addition to the Ford brand scores.
Q: Will the 2025 Explorer be redesigned?
A: Although its platform, powertrains, and the majority of body panels remain unchanged, the 2025 Ford Explorer is slated to receive a mid-cycle refresh, as it is known in the industry. In addition to a streamlined inventory, the midsize SUV from Ford receives a redesign of its exterior and interior, as well as substantial technological advancements.
Video Discovery: Ford Explorer 2025
In this last session, we also presented a short video with a duration of 18:21 seconds with the title “Is the 2025 Ford Explorer ST the BEST new performance midsize SUV to BUY?” where is Raiti’s Rides
in the video explains that Ford is planning significant changes to the Explorer for 2025.
The ST’s exterior features a new grille and front fascia, as well as large 21-inch rims and brakes. A 13.2-inch infotainment system screen, sports seats, and a panoramic sunroof are located inside. The 400 horsepower is produced by a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox. Is the 2025 Ford Explorer ST the most profitable new midsize performance SUV to buy?
