2025 Ford Explorer Model Review with Prices, Photos, & Specs
Key Features
- Starting at $39,625 MSRP*
- 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, or available 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque
- Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist+
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane-Centering
- Standard First Row Heated Seats
- 5G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Ford Digital Experience with 13.2-inch center touchscreen
- Up to 7 selectable drive modes
- Available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®, 980 Watt, 14 Speakers including Subwoofer
- Available Twin Panel Moonroof
About The Ford Explorer
The Explorer is the vehicle that first brought SUVs into the mainstream. A vehicle so capable, so practical, and so enjoyable to drive that it changed the automotive market forever. Today, the Explorer continues to set the bar for its segment, and as such remains an incredibly popular choice of midsize SUV. The standard 4-cylinder engine balances impressive power with fuel economy, but those wanting more power can opt for the available V6. The interior offers impressive versatility, complete with a third row of seats that can also fold down to offer impressive cargo space. The Explorer features the Ford Digital Experience, the absolute cutting edge of Ford’s infotainment technology, and the available B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® will make even the most discerning of audiophiles happy.
What the Critics Say
"We like the Ford Explorer’s unapologetic commitment to providing a muscular platform for hard work, superior towing, and enough capability to tackle just about anything you might expect a midsize SUV to do." — Kelley Blue Book
"Beyond the tech, the Explorer’s interior is a good bit more airy and open feeling thanks to the dash being pushed forward. More soft-touch materials are used throughout, and new colors/trims join the party to give it a fresh look." — Autoblog
What’s New For 2025
The Explorer gets a refresh for 2025. For the exterior, the big changes have been a bigger grille and redesigned LED headlights. Inside, the whole dash has been redesigned, and even pushed forward to give front-seat occupants more space. There is a new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, along with a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen. The 2025 Explorer is also the first model to get the Ford Digital Experience, a new Android-based operating system that includes built-in Google functionality, and replaces the old SYNC software. And unlike some competitors that are switching to built-in Google systems, Ford has kept Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality for this new operating system.
Ford Explorer Features
Capable Performance
Even in base form, the Explorer has a major advantage over its rivals. Not only is the standard 300-horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost® four-cylinder engine more powerful than even some of the V6 options under the hoods of some competitors, the Explorer also comes with standard rear-wheel drive, offering a more balanced and enjoyable driving experience than the front-wheel drive competition. This is helped by the 10-speed automatic transmission, which gives you smooth application of power, and is standard on all trims. Available all-wheel drive gives you additional confidence in bad weather. For those who want a bit more excitement, there is an available 3.0-liter EcoBoost® V6 which bumps up the horsepower to 400, and also comes with 415 lb-ft of torque. This engine is standard with the ST trim, which also features sport-tuned suspension and quite a few unique styling features.
Unmatched Versatility
A highly functional interior has always been a major selling point of the Explorer, and that’s more true than ever with the current generation. The comfortable and spacious interior can convert to cargo-carrying duty easily, with seats that fold down at the push of a button. Or leave the seats up and take advantage of the Explorer’s 5,000-pound towing capacity and standard Class III Towing package to tow your cargo instead of loading it into the 7-seat interior. Settle into the standard heated front seats and turn on the available 14-speaker, 980-watt B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen® for absolutely incredible sound, all while you enjoy the natural light that fills the cabin thanks to the available twin-panel moonroof. The Explorer can handle whatever you throw at it, and if you need a little extra excitement to go with it, the Explorer ST is on hand to provide you with that adrenaline boost you’re craving.
Cutting Edge Technology
The Explorer is the first Ford vehicle to get the new Ford Digital Experience infotainment operating system. This runs on the standard 13.2-inch center touchscreen, and introduces a lot of new features that were never available on the older SYNC systems. The Android-based system includes quite a few built-in Google apps, as well as Amazon Alexa voice capability. You can watch YouTube or streaming video from other sources while parked, and you can even pair video game controllers for use with games from the Google Play store. Or if you prefer, you can use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for phone mirroring, an option that is unfortunately being dropped by some of Ford’s competitors. In addition to the driver’s aides that give the sixth-gen Explorer such an outstanding safety record, the Explorer is also available with BlueCruise, which gives you hands-free highway driving, for a relaxing road trip.
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*
- 2.3L EcoBoost® I-4 engine
- Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist 2.0
- Ford BlueCruise Equipped Hands-Free Highway Driving
- Available Street Package
- Available Premium Package
ST
- Starting at $55,205 MSRP*
- 400 HP 3.0L EcoBoost® V6 engine
- Sport-tuned Suspension
- Ford BlueCruise Equipped Hands-Free Highway Driving
- Available Black Painted Roof
- Available Twin Panel Moonroof
Platinum
- Starting at $51,525 MSRP*
- Platinum Branded Seats: Leather Seating Surfaces, Front Heated and Ventilated
- B&O® Sound System by Bang & Olufsen®, 980 Watt, 14 Speakers including Subwoofer
- Ford Co-Pilot360® Assist 2.0
- Twin Panel Moonroof
- Ford BlueCruise Equipped Hands-Free Highway Driving
*Current Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (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. All Mustang Shelby GT350® and Shelby® GT350R prices exclude gas guzzler tax.