2025 Ford Explorer Model Review with Prices, Photos, & Specs
Ford Explorer
Key Features
- Starting at $39,625 MSRP*
- Standard 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 (300 horsepower / 310 lb-ft of torque) or available 3.0L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 (400 horsepower / 415 lb-ft of torque)
- 10-speed transmission and optional Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System™
- Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ suite of driver-assist technologies
- Optional B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen
- Standard 13.2-inch digital touch screen with Ford Digital Experience and FordPass Connect™ Wi-Fi service
- Available PowerFold® third-row seats and E-Z entry second-row seats
- Available Ford BlueCruise Equipped Hands-Free Highway Driving
About the Ford Explorer
As the all-time best-selling SUV in America, the iconic Ford Explorer continues to build on its already stellar reputation. Both stronger and lighter than the prior generation, today’s Explorer now delivers the most comprehensive trim lineup in this model’s history. Combining efficiency with muscle, EcoBoost® engine options help you and your loved ones create long-lasting memories. Thoughtfully engineered from the ground up, its rear-wheel drive architecture helps add even more capability to the Explorer. Drivers can relax and get comfortable inside its luxurious interior that’s loaded with extra space and clever connectivity features. Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ allows you to hit the road with confidence by providing you with an extra layer of defense against the unknown. Eye-catching styling features help you stand out from the crowd and make a memorable first impression. Ranging from the capable Active to the upscale Platinum, buyers will have virtually limitless ways to find an Explorer that perfectly fits their lifestyle.
What the Critics Say
“The switch back to traditional rear-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is optional) makes sense on many levels. Handling and overall balance improve dramatically when you stop trying to steer and power a vehicle from the same end. Towing stability and powertrain selection also benefit. Indeed, the Explorer is one of the better choices in the midsize three-row SUV class for towing.” — Edmunds
“Although certainly spacious and family friendly, the latest Explorer is for those who want their SUV to have guts. The standard 2.3-liter turbo engine pumps out more power and torque than its competitors' V6 engines, while bettering their fuel economy as well. The optional V6 engines, meanwhile, are turbocharged and obliterate everything else in the segment, topping out at 400 horsepower in the Explorer ST.” — Autoblog
What's New for 2025
2025 brings an extensive refresh to the iconic Ford Explorer with changes both inside and out. Trim levels have been reduced down to four, streamlining the choices for SUV shoppers. Exterior updates include a refreshed front and rear fascia, new LED headlights, new wheel designs, and a new black roof option. Perhaps even more significant are the revisions to the interior of the 2025 Explorer. Shoppers will notice a wide range of new upholstery materials and color combinations that offer a more premium look and feel. The Explorer also has the honor of being the very first Ford model to launch with the all-new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system. Lastly, optional BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is now an option on the Ford Explorer for the 2025 model year.
Ford Explorer Features
Inspired Performance
When you drive a Ford Explorer, no obstacle will stand in your way thanks to its robust rear-wheel drive platform that helps magnify both on- and off-road capabilities. Its proven 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine cranks out 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, with enhanced performance in comparison to the outgoing Explorer equipped with the same engine. Acting as the foundation of the ST and Platinum powertrains, the available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine delivers a muscular 400 horsepower. All Explorer models come paired with an advanced 10-speed automatic transmission for responsive gear changes. With the available 4WD with Terrain Management System™, the Explorer is prepared for anything Mother Nature has in store for you. Standard trailer sway control selectively brakes and modulates engine power to regulate trailer control, perfect for hauling your biggest toys along for your next weekend vacation.
Versatile Interior
Placing emphasis on even the smallest details, the interior of the Ford Explorer is engineered to provide the flexibility you need to make the most of your weekend. Since big adventures require additional room, the Explorer features up to 85.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the first row. Optional multicontour seats with Active Motion® offer superior comfort for the driver and front passenger. Creating room for up to 7 passengers, the optional third-row PowerFold® seats make it easy to carry both passengers and cargo. The evocative exterior of the Explorer is not only distinctive, but it also helps create additional rear-seat headroom for one of the most spaciously-sized cabins in its segment. An available 980-watt 14-speaker B&O premium audio system is sure to be a hit with music fans both young and old.
Cutting-Edge Tech & Safety Features
Every Ford Explorer comes equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+, a standard collection of driver-assist technologies. These features include Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert, a rearview camera with built-in lens cleaner, Lane-Keeping System, and auto headlamps with auto high-beams. Optional Active Park Assist 2.0 is a class-exclusive feature that allows drivers to park in a parallel or perpendicular spot with the touch of a button. Standard Ford Digital Experience and FordPass Connect™ Wi-Fi service deliver an unrivaled infotainment experience, viewed on a standard 13.2-inch capacitive portrait touchscreen. A 12.3-inch customizable gauge cluster on all trims lets you personalize the look and operation of key drive information.
Trims & Specs
Active
- Starting at $39,625 MSRP*
- 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine
- Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane-Centering
- First Row Heated Seats
- 5G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot
ST-Line
- Starting at $44,385 MSRP*
- Unique Blackout Treatment on Exterior Accents
- ST-Line Exclusive Badling
- Ford BlueCruise Equipped Hands-Free Highway Driving
- Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist 2.0
- B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen
Platinum
- Starting at $51,525 MSRP*
- Premium Branded Seats with Leather Seating Surfaces and Heating/Ventilation
- Twin Panel Moonroof
- Heated, Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel with Paddle Shifters
- Wireless Charging Pad
- Class III Trailer Tow Package
ST
- Starting at $55,205 MSRP*
- 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 Engine with Sport Tuned Suspension
- Performance Brakes with Red-Painted Front Brake Calipers
- ST Interior with PowerFold® third row
- Intelligent 4WD with Terrain Management System™
- 21-inch machined aluminum wheels
*Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (also referred to as “MSRP”, “Base MSRP”, “Base Price” or the “Starting At” price), excludes destination/delivery charge, taxes, title, license, and registration and/or electronic filing fees, dealer fees, and total of options.