2025 Ford Explorer
The Popular Three-Row Utility Sees Some Much Needed Updates
The 6th-generation Ford Explorer has been on sale since 2019. But the three-row SUV segment is a competitive one so for 2025, Ford is ready to give the Explorer a refresh. We recently hit the roads in the suburbs of Detroit for a First Drive to see what this revised Explorer is all about.
Ford has streamlined the Explorer lineup, going from 8 to only 4 available trims: Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum.
Styling is much the same but the front fascia sees some updates along with a new tail light design. An 18-inch wheel is standard with available 20s and 21s. Plus a two-tone roof is also available.
Active, ST-Line, and Platinum models come standard with the same 2.3-liter turbo-4 that cranks out 310 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. ST models are still all about performance and are equipped with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 for 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. All models have an updated 10-speed automatic transmission, the option of all-wheel drive, and a max towing capacity of 5,000-lbs.
“There’s no real powertrain changes here in the 2025 Ford Explorer, but that’s not a bad thing. I love the fact that you still have an optional V6 powertrain available. I mean, we’ve got 400 horsepower. Obviously it comes standard in the ST, and it’s available here in this Platinum trim that I’m driving. But gosh, is it nice to just be able to put down some power? That sounds good too.”
And while we do enjoy the V6, the turbo-4 powertrain is still plenty potent. Potent enough to easily handle an off-road course with the “Off-Road” mode. And on the road in “Normal” mode, things are very comfortable and quiet.
You’ll also notice the addition of BlueCruise 1.2, the latest version of Ford’s hands-free driver assistance system, which will be available in the Explorer for the first time.
The interior also sees some meaningful updates with a simplified and more functional dashboard configuration. There’s a standard 13.2-inch center display and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster running the New Ford Digital Experience. Yes, say goodbye to SYNC and hello to a very impressive new infotainment system.
“The big news here in this SUV is, of course, the interior, specifically the new infotainment setup that we have. I’m loving the new horizontal dash compared to the old profile one that they used to have, the new infotainment is simple. It’s modern. It’s also very fast. And while the climate controls being down at the bottom of the touchscreen might not be what everyone prefers, they’re super precise and very easy to access in the driver’s seat. So I feel really comfortable if I need to adjust anything.”
Heated front seats, wireless smartphone integration, and CoPilot 360 Assist+ are standard.
Bump up to the Platinum for heated and ventilated front seats with massage, a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, and moonroof.
The 2025 Ford Explorer will arrive in dealers this summer with a starting price of $41,220.
We’ll have more on the updated Explorer coming soon, so keep it locked…right here, on MotorWeek!