2025 Ford Explorer buyer's guide, pricing, and specs

Overview of the 2025 Ford Explorer

Ford’s most popular three-row, mid-sized SUV looks a little different this year. The Explorer, which has been a staple in Ford’s lineup since 1991, offers seating for up to seven passengers and remains a go-to option for families.

This year, it’s received a bit of a facelift, with redesigned tail lights as well, but in terms of driving experience, it’s very similar to previous years. The exception is the transmission, which seems to have improved slightly when you switch the vehicle into "sport mode." It’s beyond the driving experience where you’ll notice the real changes.

Trim levels and pricing breakdown

Active

“Active” is the name Ford has chosen for the standard trim on the 2025 Explorer. While you get a similar level of performance to most of the other trims, and a good amount of tech packed into it, you will be missing out on things like BlueCruise capability should you choose to go basic. The Active is priced from $39,855.

ST-Line

The ST-Line (not to be confused with the ST) is a step up from the basic model but still a bit behind Platinum and ST when it comes to comfort features and capability. Still, you get a very solid set of Bang & Olufsen speakers, BlueCruise capability, and more customization options with this trim. Feel free to jazz it up with a street or premium package. The ST-Line is priced from $44,615.

Platinum

The Platinum is the comfort trim. Expect premium materials and features as standard, as well as some extra tech and driver aids, should you opt for this particular Explorer. While it comes with the four-cylinder EcoBoost standard, it’s actually the only Explorer outside of the ST that has the option of a turbocharged V6. The Platinum trim starts at $52,250.

ST

The ST or “Sports Technologies” trim is the fastest and most expensive Ford Explorer variant. It comes with the 3.0-liter V6 as standard, has a few visual quirks which let people know you’ve stumped up for an ST, and will outperform any other Explorer when you get your foot down. The ST starts at $54,260.

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Performance details

When it comes to the Ford Explorer, there are two powertrain options. You can choose between a 2.3-liter, four-cylinder EcoBoost or a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6. The V6 comes standard in the ST trim and is available as an option in the Platinum trim.

The I-4 delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb.-ft of torque, while the V6 offers 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft of torque at its peak.

Fuel economy depends on how you drive it. The ST in sport mode will quickly burn through fuel, but if you drive more conservatively, you can expect between 20 and 25 MPG in most situations.

EPA estimates range from 21 to 23 MPG combined, with the 2.3-liter I-4 providing the best fuel efficiency. It’s also worth noting that all trims come with rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard, while all-wheel drive (AWD) is available for an additional cost.

0–60-MPH Times

When it comes to 0-60 times, the Ford Explorer ST is clearly the standout. While Ford hasn’t released official figures, testing from other outlets has shown 0-60 times ranging from just under 5.5 seconds to around 7.5 seconds.

The quicker 5.5-second time comes courtesy of the turbocharged EcoBoost V6, while the slower 7.5-second time is from the inline-4. These aren’t lightning-fast numbers by modern standards, but they’re quite respectable for a mid-sized SUV at this price point. Considering the Explorer has a curb weight of 4,303 pounds (4,631 pounds in the ST’s case), the pace at which it moves is fairly impressive.

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Towing capabilities

If you own a boat or have a use for a trailer, you may be wondering about the Ford Explorer’s towing capability. Whether you’re thinking about towing the boat to the lake for a weekend getaway or packing up the camper for a family road trip, the Explorer has you covered. Despite the difference in torque between powertrain options, Ford claims the Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds — no matter which trim or powertrain you choose.Infotainment and technology

Infotainment and technology

Infotainment and technology are two areas where the 2025 Ford Explorer sees significant upgrades. It’s the first Ford vehicle to feature the company’s new Android-based infotainment system — the “Ford Digital Experience.”

At the heart of this system is a 13.2-inch touchscreen, giving users access to a variety of apps, including YouTube and Zoom. While these apps can’t be used while driving (for obvious safety reasons), they’re handy for passing the time when you’re parked or waiting to pick someone up. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available for those who prefer their familiar setups.

Interior, comfort, and cargo

The interior is another area where the 2025 Ford Explorer has seen a bit of a shakeup. Exact comfort features depend on the trim level — for instance, you’ll get heated seats with the Active trim, but if you want ventilated seats, you’ll need to upgrade. Materials range from the synthetic “ActiveX Seating Material” to premium leather.

As for what’s new, Ford has added “wrap-and-stitch soft-touch surfaces” to the center console, doors, and dash. The dash itself has been redesigned and shifted forward, and there’s now a new tray for your phone below the 13.2-inch touchscreen. You’ll also find a USB port for charging in each row.

In terms of legroom, there’s up to 43 inches in the front, 39 inches in the second row, and 32.2 inches in the third row. Cargo capacity maxes out at 85.8 cu.-ft. with everything behind the front row folded down, and a generous 46 cu.-ft. if you fold the third row. However, with all seats up, “trunk space” is limited to a somewhat tight 16.3 cu.-ft.

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Safety and driver-assistance features

The Ford Explorer goes all out with safety and driver assistance features, many of which come standard even on the base trim. Standard features include Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+, which adds Adaptive Cruise Control, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert, Exit Warning, and Trailer Coverage. You also get the Lane-Keeping System, hill start assist, rearview camera, auto headlamps with auto high beams, Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking (including Pedestrian Detection), forward collision warning with dynamic brake support, post-collision braking, Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist 2.0, Rear Cross-Traffic Braking, and Reverse Parking Assist.

Optional extras include BlueCruise (subscription required, and available on all but the base trim), Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0, Hill Descent Control, and rain-sensing wipers.

Warranty and maintenance coverage

The warranty on the 2025 Explorer is fairly standard. Most issues are covered by a three-year or 36,000-mile warranty (whichever comes first), and the powertrain is covered for five years or 60,000 miles. Extended warranties are available through FordProtect and vary based on your budget and coverage needs.

Ford doesn’t offer free maintenance for the 2025 Explorer, although individual dealerships might include it as part of a deal to sweeten the offer.

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Competitors

The midsize “premium” SUV market is one of the most crowded automotive sectors, especially in the United States. Ford’s competitors include old rival GM, which offers the Chevy Traverse and GMC Acadia. Another domestic rival is Dodge, which offers the Durango in this segment. Jeep also competes with the Grand Cherokee.

Then you have competition from Asia in the form of the Honda Pilot, Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander, Nissan Pathfinder, and Hyundai Santa Fe. From Europe, the Volkswagen Atlas offers a similar experience at a comparable price point.

Final thoughts

Despite some stiff competition, Ford offers good value with the Explorer. It’s a sensibly priced and practical vehicle, ideal for a large family. The seven seats across three rows are great if you need to transport half a soccer team, and when you fold down the back seats, there’s plenty of room for moving furniture or other large items.

The 5,000-pound towing capacity is sufficient to meet most people’s needs. The vehicle also comes packed with a lot of tech. While it’s notably less comfortable than its Lincoln equivalent, it more than gets the job done.

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