The 2025 Ford Explorer delivers a much-needed refresh to this family-favorite SUV. It upgrades both its exterior and interior aesthetics, adds robust tech, and sharpens its driving experience—bringing it closer to current segment leaders.
Design & Trims
Visually, the refreshed Explorer looks wider and more confident thanks to a modern grille, squared-off LED headlights, and sculpted contouring that updates the profile without a full redesign. Available black-painted roof options add a dash of style to the ST-Line, ST, and Platinum trims.
Ford has simplified the trim lineup to four: Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum—streamlining choice while offering distinct styling and feature tiers.
Performance & Capability
Under the hood, the Explorer retains familiar yet potent powertrains: a standard 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 300 hp, and an optional 3.0L twin-turbo V6 with 400 hp—standard on the ST and available on the Platinum.
Fuel economy is competitive: rear-wheel drive yields an estimated 20/29 mpg (city/highway) with the four-cylinder, dropping to 18/25 mpg for the V6. Performance is strong—0–60 mph in around 6.8 seconds for the base engine and as quick as 5.2 seconds in the ST model.
Towing is practical, too, with a 5,000-pound capacity standard across trims thanks to a Class III hitch.
Cabin, Comfort & Tech
The headline of the 2025 update is inside: a completely revamped interior with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, anchored by the new Ford Digital Experience system, based on Android Automotive.
This system introduces Google Maps, Google Assistant, the Google Play Store, and apps such as YouTube or Zoom for use when parked. Plus, Alexa integration, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
The cabin materials have also taken a step up: soft-touch surfaces, contrast stitching, and a clever “drop zone” tray with wireless charging lend a refined feel across all trims—especially noteworthy in Platinum, which shows off quilted leather with piping.
Space-wise, the Explorer offers generous legroom in the first two rows; the third row remains tight, better suited for kids, a common trait in this class. Cargo capacity is solid, with 16.3 cu-ft behind the third row, growing to 46 cu-ft behind row two and topping out around 85–88 cu-ft with rear seats folded down.
Technology & Safety
Along with infotainment, Ford packs in advanced safety and driver-assist features. The standard Co-Pilot360 Assist+ includes emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping tech, and more.
Higher trims—ST-Line, ST, and Platinum—offer the hands-free BlueCruise 1.2 system, complete with a 90-day trial. Subscription rates hover around $700/year or $75/month. Safety also scores highly, with a five-star overall NHTSA rating.
Real-World Impressions
In a head-to-head comparison with the Honda Pilot, Edmunds gave the Explorer the edge for its sharper performance and tech-rich interior, though the Pilot offered a smoother ride, more cargo storage, and better rear comfort.
What’s Not Perfect?
Despite big strides, not everything hits the mark:
- The third row remains cramped and less comfortable for adults.
- Cabin quality, while improved, still trails behind more upscale competitors.
- Ride can feel firmer than rivals, especially on bumpy roads.
- Cargo space, while adequate, doesn’t match the very best in class.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Ford Explorer marks a meaningful reset for a long-standing icon. It blends bold styling, powerful engines, trailer-ready capability, and a tech-forward cabin that finally rivals the competition. With its more refined interior, futuristic infotainment, and available hands-free driving, it’s a strong contender in the three-row SUV segment.
That said, if maximum cargo volume or third-row comfort are your top priorities, or if you crave a luxury-level cabin, you may still find better fits elsewhere. But for families and tech lovers craving sportier driving dynamics and modern flair, the new Explorer is undeniably a step up—and a stylish, connected choice for today’s SUV buyers.
