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Discover how the latest Explorer blends power, technology, and practicality to redefine the midsize SUV experience.
- 1.Key Highlights of the 2025 Ford Explorer
- 2.A Striking New Look and a Luxurious Interior Experience
- 3.Power and Efficiency: Engine Options and Performance
- 4.Fuel Economy and Impressive Towing Capabilities
- 5.Cutting-Edge Technology and Advanced Safety Features
- 6.2025 Ford Explorer Trim Levels and Pricing Overview
- 7.Deep Dive: The 2025 Ford Explorer ST
- 8.Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Ford Explorer
- 9.Conclusion: The Evolving Legacy of the Ford Explorer
Key Highlights of the 2025 Ford Explorer
- Enhanced Design and Modern Interior: The 2025 Explorer boasts a refreshed exterior with a bolder presence and a significantly upgraded cabin featuring premium materials and the innovative Ford Digital Experience infotainment system.
- Diverse Powertrain Options: Catering to various needs, the Explorer offers a capable 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine (300 hp) for balanced performance and a potent 3.0L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V6 (400 hp) for exhilarating power, both paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission.
- Advanced Technology and Safety: Equipped with SYNC® 4, wireless connectivity, BlueCruise hands-free driving, and a comprehensive suite of Ford Co-Pilot360™ safety features, the 2025 Explorer prioritizes convenience and peace of mind on every journey.
The 2025 Ford Explorer stands as a testament to evolution, bringing significant updates to a long-standing favorite in the midsize SUV segment. This refreshed model maintains its core appeal as a versatile, family-friendly vehicle while pushing boundaries in design, technology, and performance. Whether you're a loyal Ford enthusiast, a prospective buyer, or simply curious about the latest automotive innovations, this comprehensive review will delve into the nuances of the 2025 Explorer, offering a detailed look at what makes it a compelling choice in today's competitive market.
A Striking New Look and a Luxurious Interior Experience
Redefining Presence: Exterior and Interior Enhancements
The 2025 Ford Explorer receives a notable refresh, with exterior styling cues that project a more modern and assertive character. A redesigned grille, updated LED headlights, and refreshed taillights contribute to a bolder presence on the road. This aesthetic upgrade ensures the Explorer stands out, reflecting its blend of rugged capability and sophisticated appeal.
The refreshed exterior of the 2025 Ford Explorer showcases a more assertive and modern design.
Step inside the 2025 Explorer, and you're greeted by a significantly revamped cabin. Ford has focused on elevating the interior experience, introducing softer materials, new color schemes, and a more cohesive control layout. The emphasis on comfort and modern aesthetics is evident, with higher trims, particularly the Platinum, offering enhanced upholstery options and refined trim materials for a truly premium feel. While some might argue that competitors offer more radical interior designs, the Explorer prioritizes practicality and user-friendfriendliness, ensuring a comfortable and intuitive experience for all occupants.
The redesigned interior of the 2025 Ford Explorer, featuring enhanced materials and a focus on comfort.
Spaciousness and Versatility: Seating and Cargo
The Explorer continues to be a go-to choice for families, offering seating for up to seven occupants across three rows. The interior design emphasizes functionality, with easy access to the third row facilitated by a powered second-row seat that moves at the touch of a button. For those needing to haul gear, the Explorer boasts impressive cargo capacity, providing up to 85.5 cubic feet of space when the second and third rows are folded flat. This ample room makes it highly capable for groceries, sports equipment, luggage, or even camping gear, solidifying its reputation as a practical family hauler.
Power and Efficiency: Engine Options and Performance
Tailored Performance for Every Driver
The 2025 Ford Explorer offers a compelling selection of powertrains, ensuring there's an option to suit various driving preferences and needs. Both engines are paired with a smooth and responsive 10-speed automatic transmission, delivering a balanced blend of power and efficiency.
The Balanced Performer: 2.3L EcoBoost Inline-4
Standard on most models, the 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost inline-4 engine is a workhorse, delivering a robust 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine is ideal for everyday commuting, offering sufficient power for highway merging and responsive acceleration around town. It comes with rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard on base trims, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available across the lineup for enhanced traction and stability in various conditions. This configuration provides a commendable balance of performance and fuel efficiency.
The Thrill Seeker: 3.0L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V6
For those craving more spirited driving, the performance-focused ST trim, and optionally the Platinum trim, come equipped with a potent 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6. This powerhouse generates an impressive 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Paired with standard all-wheel drive, this engine transforms the Explorer into a surprisingly agile and engaging SUV, perfect for enthusiasts who desire both practicality and exhilarating performance. The ST model, in particular, offers a more dynamic driving experience without sacrificing the Explorer's functional footprint.
Fuel Economy and Impressive Towing Capabilities
Balancing Efficiency with Robust Utility
Fuel efficiency in the 2025 Explorer varies based on the chosen engine and drivetrain configuration. The 2.3L turbocharged engine, when equipped with rear-wheel drive, achieves approximately 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. Opting for all-wheel drive with this engine will see a slight reduction of around 1 mpg for both city and highway ratings. The more powerful 3.0L V6 twin-turbo engine yields about 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with rear-wheel drive, with similar slight reductions for its all-wheel-drive counterpart.
One of the enduring strengths of the Ford Explorer is its formidable towing capacity. When equipped with the Class III towing package, which is standard across all trims, the 2025 Explorer can tow an impressive up to 5,000 pounds. This capability, coupled with features like trailer sway control and a dedicated wiring harness, makes the Explorer an excellent choice for hauling boats, campers, or utility trailers, ensuring that your weekend adventures are always within reach.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Advanced Safety Features
A Seamless Blend of Connectivity and Peace of Mind
The 2025 Explorer makes a significant leap forward in technological integration, centered around the innovative Ford Digital Experience. This new software system revolutionizes the cabin interface, providing streamlined access to navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings through a large 13.2-inch infotainment display. This intuitive system supports wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, allowing for seamless smartphone integration. Additionally, it offers native streaming capabilities and internet browsing while parked, ensuring occupants remain connected and entertained on the go.
The advanced 13.2-inch touchscreen featuring the new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system.
Driver-Assist Technologies and BlueCruise
Safety remains a paramount concern for the Explorer, which comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of Ford Co-Pilot360™ driver-assist technologies. Standard features include automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, lane-keeping assist, and a rearview camera with parking sensors. These systems work in concert to enhance driver awareness and reduce the risk of accidents.
For enhanced convenience on long highway journeys, select trims offer Ford's advanced BlueCruise Hands-Free Highway Driving system. This semi-autonomous driving technology allows for hands-free operation on pre-mapped highways, reducing driver fatigue and increasing comfort. It's important to remember that while advanced, these systems require driver attentiveness and supervision.
Versatile Driving Modes
The 2025 Explorer also offers up to seven selectable driving modes, including Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Trail, and Deep Snow/Sand (for AWD models). These modes fine-tune the vehicle's stability, traction, and powertrain systems to optimize performance and handling across various terrains and driving conditions, further enhancing its versatility.
2025 Ford Explorer Trim Levels and Pricing Overview
Finding Your Perfect Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer streamlines its lineup into four core trims, each designed to cater to different priorities, from essential practicality to performance-oriented luxury. A rugged Tremor variant is also planned for later release, expanding the Explorer's off-road capabilities.
Here’s a snapshot of the primary trim levels and their approximate starting MSRPs:
| Trim Level | Engine Options | Drivetrain | Seating Capacity | Approximate Starting MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | RWD / AWD | 7 | ~$39,755 - $41,745 |
| ST-Line | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 | RWD / AWD | 7 | ~$46,715 |
| ST | 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 | AWD | 6 | ~$56,465 - $70,185 |
| Platinum | 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 or 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 | AWD | 7 | ~$62,335 |
Note: Exact MSRPs can vary based on region, optional packages, and current incentives. The ST's pricing range reflects different configurations, including the 4WD model.
Choosing the Right Trim: Practical Tips for Buyers
- Consider Your Needs: If towing or high-performance driving is a priority, the ST trim with its 3.0L V6 is the ideal choice. For daily commuting with a focus on fuel economy and practicality, the 2.3L engine in the Active or ST-Line trims will suffice.
- Explore Advanced Technology: Features like BlueCruise can significantly enhance highway driving, but understanding their limitations and staying alert is crucial.
- Test Drive Multiple Trims: Experiencing the differences in power delivery, interior comfort, and driving modes firsthand is invaluable before making a decision.
- Check Local Incentives: Ford often offers rebates or special financing options that can impact the total cost of ownership.
Deep Dive: The 2025 Ford Explorer ST
Unleashing the Performance-Oriented Family SUV
The 2025 Ford Explorer ST stands out as the performance-oriented variant, designed for those who seek a thrilling driving experience without sacrificing the practicality of a three-row SUV. This trim is exclusively powered by the 3.0L Twin-Turbo EcoBoost V6 engine, churning out 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, coupled with standard all-wheel drive. The ST trim isn't just about raw power; it also features a sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and unique styling elements that underscore its athletic character.
The 2025 Ford Explorer ST, the performance-oriented trim with a powerful V6 engine and aggressive styling.
The following video provides an in-depth review of the 2025 Ford Explorer ST, highlighting its performance, technological features, and overall appeal as a family hauler. It offers a comprehensive look at what makes this specific trim a compelling option for drivers who value both power and practicality. The video covers aspects from its spirited acceleration to its comfortable interior, demonstrating how the ST balances its sporty credentials with everyday usability.
A comprehensive review of the 2025 Ford Explorer ST, detailing its features and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 Ford Explorer
Conclusion: The Evolving Legacy of the Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer reinforces its position as a highly versatile and well-equipped midsize SUV. With its refreshed design, significantly upgraded interior, and advanced technological features, it continues to balance power, comfort, and practicality. The choice between the efficient 2.3L EcoBoost and the potent 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 engines, coupled with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, ensures that a suitable Explorer exists for a wide array of drivers, from families prioritizing space and safety to enthusiasts seeking a performance-oriented ride. The introduction of the Ford Digital Experience and BlueCruise underscores Ford's commitment to modern connectivity and driver convenience. While the competitive landscape of the midsize SUV segment is fierce, the 2025 Explorer's blend of established reliability, robust capabilities, and cutting-edge innovations makes it a compelling contender worth serious consideration for your next vehicle.