FYI: Ford’s 2025 Explorer brings evolutionary changes to both design and tech, making it more competitive in the SUV segment.
The 2025 Ford Explorer: A Sophisticated Refresh Inside and Out
Exterior Enhancements
From the outside, the 2025 Ford Explorer seems to maintain its familiar handsome silhouette, but subtle updates elevate its overall aesthetic. The front greets you with a new, larger grille—a prevalent trend in today’s SUV market—and each trim sports a unique grille design for differentiation. Redesigned LED headlights and larger air curtains positioned lower on the fascia lend the vehicle a strong and stable stance. At the rear, the liftgate now seamlessly integrates with LED taillights and a nameplate that bridges the corners to the center. These refinements refresh an already attractive design, ensuring the Explorer remains unmistakably Ford.
Interior Improvements
The most significant changes lie within the cabin. Ford has addressed one of the primary criticisms of the Explorer: a cheap and uninspiring interior. The 2025 model now boasts an elegant, lounge-like atmosphere with a much more competitive interior design. Gone is the sea of rough black plastic, replaced by soft-touch materials and innovative designs at every glance. The cockpit features soundbar-style speakers adjacent to two digital screens, hidden behind fabric that spans the dashboard. A practical shelf below the center screen offers space for two phones, with an optional wireless charger included.
Advanced Tech Features
Ford introduces the "Ford Digital Experience" with the 2025 Explorer’s 13.2-inch touchscreen, which merges in-car features with popular apps found on smartphones and TVs. The system includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, and Google Built-In with Google Assistant. The Google Play app provides access to music and video streaming platforms like YouTube, Peacock, and Prime Video. Impressively, you can even play the racing game "Asphalt Nitro 2" with a Bluetooth game controller, fostering a true lounge-like vibe within the car. For professionals, the vehicle also incorporates the Webex app for conference calls—video-enabled when stationary and audio-only while driving. HVAC controls are integrated into the touchscreen, remaining docked at the bottom of the screen for easy access.
Comfort and Seating
Designed to accommodate seven passengers across its three rows (or six with optional captain’s chairs), the Explorer offers ample space. The redesign also adds more shoulder room up front, and the pass-through with the captain’s chair option allows third-row passengers to stretch their legs comfortably. Second-row passengers will appreciate the ability to slide their seats forward, providing even more legroom. Headroom remains generous across all seating areas, making long journeys with a full load of adults more enjoyable.
Performance and Driving Experience
Under the hood, the base engine for the Explorer is the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost, delivering 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, paired with a retuned 10-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy is respectable, with rear-wheel drive models achieving 24 mpg and all-wheel drive models getting 23 mpg. For those seeking more power, the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine offers 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This engine is standard on the ST trim and optional on the Platinum trim. Both engines can tow up to 5,000 pounds, and the fuel economy difference between them is minimal.
During our test, we drove the Explorer Platinum with the 2.3-liter engine and AWD. It echoed the Mustang’s EcoBoost sound, delivering ample power and a spirited driving experience in Sport mode. The vehicle remains pleasant to drive across various conditions, from smooth highways to rugged dirt roads, fulfilling its role as a practical and attractive family SUV.
Off-Road Capabilities
While off-roading might not be a priority for most Explorer owners, we tested the ST-Line trim on a slippery, muddy trail through the woods. Despite the challenging conditions, the Explorer handled the path competently, showcasing its versatility in recreational environments.
Enhanced Driver Assistance
Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driver assistance system is available from the ST-Line trim and above, now featuring the improved BlueCruise 1.2. This updated version allows for automatic lane changes and safer lane positioning near trucks. Although it’s not as robust as GM’s Super Cruise, it provides a stress-free highway driving experience. The system is subscription-based, costing $800 per year or $75 per month, with a discounted first-year prepaid option at $700.
Performance-Oriented ST Model
For enthusiasts, the Explorer ST offers a thrilling driving experience with its standard 400-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 engine, sport-tuned suspension, and upgraded brakes. The ST also includes many of the luxury features found in the Platinum trim, making it a high-performance family vehicle.
Pricing and Value
The 2025 Explorer lineup starts with the Active trim at $41,350 for RWD and $43,350 for AWD. The ST-Line begins at $46,110 for RWD and $49,105 for AWD, while the ST is priced at $57,100 for RWD and $60,795 for AWD. The Platinum trim ranges from $53,250 to $59,865, depending on the engine and drivetrain. Despite being slightly pricier than its competition, the Explorer justifies its cost with a significantly improved interior and advanced tech features.
Conclusion
The 2025 Ford Explorer brings fresh enhancements to an already popular SUV, offering improved aesthetics, a refined interior, and cutting-edge technology. While it comes at a premium, the Explorer’s upgrades make it a strong contender in the competitive SUV market. For more insights and updates, visit Automotive.fyi, follow us on X @automotivefyi, or email us at tips@automotive.fyi.
Jack Carney, Editor of Automotive.fyi
