2025 Ford Explorer Model Review with Prices, Photos, & Specs
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
- 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
- Optional B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen
- Available Ford BlueCruise Equipped Hands-Free Highway Driving
About the Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer was the model that first popularized the SUV in the mainstream automotive market, and over the years it has continued to evolve as the yardstick against which all other midsize SUVs are judged. Today, the Explorer is offered with a choice of two individual engine choices to suit the needs of virtually any type of driver. The Explorer is more fuel efficient than ever thanks to an advanced EcoBoost® base engine as well as a 10-speed automatic transmission. There are three rows of seats and thanks to the available Intelligent 4WD System with Terrain Management, you can get all those people to your destination even if there aren’t roads that go there. Thanks to E-Z Entry second-row captain’s seats and PowerFold® third-row seats, the Explorer is easy to load and unload either people or cargo.
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.” — Edmund | “The latest Explorer can handle lots of power, and Ford takes full advantage. The sturdy turbocharged four-cylinder base engine easily outpaces the competition. And there's a bonkers turbo V6 in the Explorer ST for those who believe too much is never enough. Both are helped along by a 10-speed transmission.” — Edmunds |
What's New for 2025
2025 marks the debut of the recently refreshed Ford Explorer. Updates to its handsome exterior include a new front fascia, new exterior lighting, new wheel options, and a new black-painted roof option available on select trims. Speaking of trims, the model range has been trimmed down to 4 trims compared to 8 offered last year. Inside the cabin, buyers can choose from new upholstery options along with new color combinations that add a more upscale feel to the Explorer. When it comes to technology, the 2025 Explorer is the first Ford to launch with the all-new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system. Rounding out the list of changes is the debut of available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving as a new standalone feature for the 2025 Ford Explorer.
Ford Explorer Features
Powerfully Capable
No matter which powertrain you go for, the Explorer comes with ample power. The base 2.3L EcoBoost® engine produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, providing an excellent mix of power and fuel economy. For those looking for even more power, there is a 3.0-liter EcoBoost® V6 that makes 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Both of these come with an advanced 10-speed automatic transmission, and rear-wheel drive, with intelligent all-wheel drive as an option. Towing capacity is excellent no matter which powertrain option you go with, including a maximum of 5,600 pounds with the EcoBoost® V6.
Superior Comfort
Being a three-row SUV, people carrying is an important part of what the Explorer does and it does it well. The interior is spacious and thanks to standard tri-zone automatic climate control, it stays at a comfortable temperature for everyone. It stays well lit too thanks to available features like a twin-panel moonroof and multi-colored ambient interior lighting. Shoppers can experience unrivaled audio quality via an available B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen. There is an available heated steering wheel as well as heated first- and second-row seats with ventilation available for the first-row. Standard on the Explorer is SYNC® 3 Ford Digital Experience with a 13.2-inch LCD capacitive touchscreen which comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, making the infotainment system powerful and easy to use.
Functional Versatility
The Explorer comes in four different trims which allows you to pick the one that’s right for how you want to use it. There are trims available with 6- or 7-seat configurations as well as varying degrees of luxury. For those looking for a performance SUV, the Explorer ST comes with 400 horsepower and a performance suspension setup that allows for impressive cornering. It even comes with a complimentary trip to the Ford Performance ST SUV Experience Driving School, giving you a chance to try all of this impressive performance on a track. Innovative features like its Power Fold rear seats make it easier to get in and out of the vehicle and make it easier to switch from carrying people to carrying cargo. No matter what you want to do with it, there is a way to outfit your Explorer to make it just right.
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
*Current MSRP for base vehicle. Excludes destination/delivery fee plus government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer processing charge, any electronic filing charge, and any emission testing charge. Optional equipment not included. Starting A, Z and X Plan price is for qualified, eligible customers and excludes document fee, destination/delivery charge, taxes, title and registration. Not all vehicles qualify for A, Z or X Plan.
Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, Doc Fee ($250), and title/license charges ($33.50). ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.
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