2025 Ford Explorer

2025 Ford Explorer Highlights

Ford's reimagining of America's best-selling SUV brings many updates to the Explorer. The 2025 model year introduces a cabin makeover, cutting-edge tech, and a bolder exterior. This three-row family hauler is fresh and familiar at the same time. Notably, the trim range has been reduced to four grades, and the hybrid powerplant is only available to fleet customers.

Although the automotive industry is expanding EV models, especially with crossover and SUV options, that’s not the case for the Explorer for this model year. The idea of an electric Ford Explorer may have to wait until the Blue Oval launches the seventh generation.

2025 Ford Explorer Specs/Key Details

• Mid-size SUV body style
• Three-row, seven-passenger seating
• Two turbocharged “EcoBoost” engines: four-cylinder and V6
• Standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) and available all-wheel drive (AWD)
• Recalibrated ten-speed automatic transmission
• Revamped interior featuring premium materials and tactile surfaces
• The debut of the Ford Digital Experience infotainment system
• BlueCruise hands-free driving tech is available on select trims

Benefits

• Elevated interior comfort with upscale materials and fresh color palettes
• Cutting-edge connectivity and entertainment options
• Diverse performance choices, including a muscular 400-hp ST variant
• Generous three-row seating capacity

Related: 2025 Ford Explorer Release Date: Everything You Need To Know

2025 Ford Explorer Overview

Performance

The 2025 Explorer's powertrain lineup caters to different driving preferences:

2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder (Active, ST-Line, Platinum):

• 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque
• Standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive

3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 (ST, available on Platinum):

• 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque
• Standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive

Both engines are rated to tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds.

Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn’t yet evaluated the 2025 Ford Explorer. Standard safety features across the range include:

• Multiple airbags
• Vehicle stability control with traction control
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Rearview camera
• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+
  • Forward collision warning
  • Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
  • Lane keeps alert/assist
  • Blind-spot monitoring
  • Cross-traffic alert
  • Rear cross-traffic braking
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Automatic high beams
  • Driver alert
  • Rear parking sensors
• Available surround-view monitor

Driving

With its updated chassis, the 2025 Explorer delivers a refined on-road experience. The Explorer's rear-wheel-drive architecture, with optional all-wheel drive, continues to provide a satisfying blend of on-road poise and light off-road capability. For those seeking a more engaging drive, the ST trim’s 400-horsepower EcoBoost engine offers an unusual performance-oriented experience in this class of vehicles. The powerplant is optional in the Platinum.

The recalibrated ten-speed automatic transmission maximizes performance while providing smoother gear changes. BlueCruise, available on select trims, introduces hands-free highway driving to the Explorer lineup. This system eases the stress of long highway stretches and stop-and-go traffic.

Interior

The 2025 Ford Explorer interior transforms, focusing on premium feel and comfort. Key interior features include:

• Soft-touch, wrap-and-stitch surfaces on the center console, door panels, and dashboard
• ActiveX synthetic seating material option
• Silver mesh accents for an upscale touch
• Redesigned dashboard for enhanced spaciousness
• Integrated tray beneath the touchscreen, featuring wireless charging capability
• Unique interior color schemes for each trim

Interior highlights by trim

• Platinum: Mojave Dusk leather with coordinated accent stitching
• ST: Black Onyx ActiveX seats featuring Miko suede inserts and red accent stitching
• ST-Line: Black Onyx ActiveX seats with cloth inserts and red accent stitching
• Active: Dark Gray soft-touch seats with Black Onyx inserts and Harvest Bronze accent stitching

Higher trims offer customizable ambient lighting with seven color options to set the mood.

Technology

The 2025 Explorer debuts the Ford Digital Experience infotainment system, offering advanced connectivity and personalization:

• 13.2-inch central touchscreen
• 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
• Integration with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and Alexa Built-In
• Access to entertainment apps via Google Play
• Parked vehicle streaming video and web browsing capabilities
• Gaming functionality with Bluetooth controller support
• 5G connectivity
• Over-the-air update capability

Additional tech features include:

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Wi-Fi hotspot supporting up to ten devices

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy for the 2025 Explorer varies by powertrain. Here are the EPA estimates:

2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine:

• RWD (mpg): 20 city / 29 highway / 24 combined
• RWD (mpg): 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined

3.0-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine:

• RWD (mpg): 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined
• AWD (mpg): 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined

2025 Ford Explorer Reviews

Due to the recent launch of the 2025 Ford Explorer, there aren’t enough consumer reviews to gather a clear picture of this SUV yet.

Reasons to Buy It

• Thoroughly updated interior with premium materials
• State-of-the-art Ford Digital Experience infotainment system
• BlueCruise hands-free highway driving on select trims
• Three-row seating flexibility
• Potent available twin-turbo V6

Potential Drawbacks

As the 2025 Explorer is newly released, specific issues aren't yet known. Potential buyers should consider:

• Premium features and higher trims may significantly increase the price
• Some advanced features are exclusive to pricier trims
• New technology might require an adjustment period for some users

Explorer: Ford Explorer Top Speed: How Fast Is It?

CoPilot's Take

The 2025 Ford Explorer represents a logical leap forward for this iconic nameplate. The extensive interior overhaul, focusing on premium materials and comfort, should elevate the overall experience. Introducing the Ford Digital Experience infotainment system positions the Explorer at the cutting edge of in-car technology, offering several connectivity and entertainment options.

BlueCruise hands-free driving, available on higher trims, is a standout feature that could be a game-changer for those who frequently tackle long highway journeys. The continuation of the high-performance ST model ensures that driving enthusiasts aren't left out of the Explorer's evolution.

However, prospective buyers should know that many of the most advanced features are reserved for higher trims, potentially pushing the price into luxury territory. And, of course, the 2025 Explorer's long-term reliability remains an unanswered question.

2025 Ford Explorer FAQs

What are the key changes in the Ford Explorer for 2025?

The 2025 Ford Explorer introduces several updates:

• Completely redesigned interior with premium materials and new color schemes
• Introduction of the Ford Digital Experience infotainment system
• Available BlueCruise hands-free highway driving on select trims
• Refreshed exterior styling with a bolder appearance via a new front end and revamped front and rear lighting
• Streamlined trim lineup: Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum
• New ambient lighting options on higher trims
• Recalibrated 10-speed automatic transmission

What's the expected wait time for a 2025 Ford Explorer?

Ford dealers currently carry the 2025 Explorer. Actual availability may vary based on demand, trim level, and individual dealer inventories.

What color options are available for the 2025 Explorer?

The color range for the 2025 Ford Explorer includes:

• Star White Metallic Tri-Coat
• Vapor Blue Metallic
• Agate Black Metallic
• Iconic Silver Metallic
• Carbonized Gray Metallic
• Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat

Color availability may vary by trim.

What are the trims for the 2025 Ford Explorer?

There are four versions of the 2025 Explorer:

• 2025 Ford Explorer Active
• 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line
• 2025 Ford Explorer ST
• 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum

Check Out: Ford Explorer Pros and Cons: What To Know