Ford's brand-new family-oriented Explorer has been renewed. It looks a bit more contemporary and ferocious than before, boasts better onboard technology, and comes in reimagined trims, making choosing the ideal spec much easier. Here's what you can expect from this SUV.
Ford sold nearly 400,000 Explorers in the last two years. That's impressive, but the figures entered a downtrend since 2020. It became clear that it was time for a comprehensive update. So, here we are – the 2025 Ford Explorer, which just so happens to be America's best-selling SUV, wants to convince you to stay with the Blue Oval. And you might want to do that!
I will be one of the first to say that the redesign immediately reminded me of Jeep's fourth-generation Grand Cherokee. The headlights' shape, with that slight curvature at the bottom of the housing, quickly fired up some synapses that associated the new Ford's appearance with what the glorious Trackhawk used to look like.
Depending on your experience with cars, that may or may not be a good thing. Fortunately, the enlarged, rectangular grille took my mind off of that association pretty pronto.
Before we dive into the specifics, let's see what prices you should expect to see. The all-new Explorer comes in four trims at launch. They are as follows:
Active - $39,625; [2.3-liter inline four-cylinder engine]
Platinum - $51,525; [2.3-liter inline four-cylinder engine is standard, but you can pay $4,615 more to get the 3.0-liter V6 Ecoboost]
ST - $55,205. [3.0-liter V6 Ecoboost]
Photo: Ford
2025 Ford Explorer ST
The six-cylinder is the ideal choice if you tow often or have a large family. It puts out 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque.
More numbers and distinguishable levels of equipment
The above MSRPs do not include charges, taxes, fees, or potential dealer add-ons. Even though Ford recently launched its haggle-free digital store, you'll still have to deal with a middleman to get the all-new Explorer because it's not all-electric – yet. Its engine could soon be replaced with a motor and the gas tank with a battery.
All the abovementioned powertrains are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and send their power to the rear wheels only unless the buyer ticks the box for the $2,000 four-wheel drive system.
All trims, except Active, can enjoy Ford's hands-free eyes-on driving system on vetted roads for 90 days after taking delivery. If they wish to continue, subscribing monthly or yearly for the SAE J3016 Level 2 autonomous driving system is possible. Having access to this software, which Consumer Reports praised as being the best they tested, costs $75 per month or $800 per year.
Keep in mind that this is not similar to Tesla's FSD Beta. It won't work in cities or on roads that are not prequalified highways. Suppose you don't drive often on high-speed roads. In that case, the Co-Pilot360 Assist+ system (intelligent adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist, evasive steering assist, and auto high-beam headlamps) should be more than enough to enhance safety and help you drive more comfortably.
Photo: Ford
2025 Ford Explorer Platinum
The all-new three-row Explorer also has better-looking standard interiors. Depending on the version you're picking, the seats can be wrapped in cloth, faux leather, or real micro-perforated leather. The dashboard will look different, too!
Similar to the BlueCruise situation, all trims except Active get a seven-color ambient lighting system as standard. It can be set up through the 13.2-inch infotainment screen.
You'll be able to distinguish between trims based on the look of the grille and the size of the standard wheels:
Active: Saw-tooth design, black mesh grille with chrome bars, and 18-inch silver rims;
ST-Line: Honeycomb gloss black grille with black mesh insert, and 20-inch ebony-machined rims
Platinum: Wing design, satin chrome and Ebony grille, and 20-inch nickel-painted rims;
ST: Honeycomb gloss black grille with black mesh insert and ST badging, and 21-inch magnetite-painted aluminum rims.
Ford also understood that people like to choose the information they're seeing. Now, the integrated Google Maps app with voice control (Google Assistant) can also appear on the 12.3-inch driver screen.
Photo: Ford
2025 Ford Explorer Platinum
Completely ready for the connected era
Interestingly, Amazon's Alexa Built In is also available, but only for a year. Afterward, you'll have to pay for it.
Besides controlling the Maps app, Google Assistant or Alexa can be used to change various settings, search for things, make calls, and send texts. Using these features after a year will only be possible if the customer chooses a Premium Connectivity plan or can connect to a Wi-Fi network.
The 2025 Ford Explorer is also treating owners to an improved digital experience because they will be able to surf the web through the Vivaldi or the Chrome browsers, download apps via Google Play, watch YouTube or Amazon Prime videos, listen to Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, or SiriusXM, without the need of a smartphone inside the car.
Photo: Ford
2025 Ford Explorer Platinum
Don't worry about internet speeds. The vehicle has 5G AT&T connectivity. It can also transform into a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 mobile devices. Working on the go won't be an issue.
If you're stuck in a traffic jam or simply taking a break, the SUV allows you to play games. There's a special version of Asphalt Nitro 2 available. All you need is a Bluetooth controller.
As expected, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also available.
The Explorer comes as standard with 10-way power adjustable and heated driver's seat, four-way power adjustable and heated passenger seat, eight USB ports, three 12V sockets, a class III trailer tow pack (good for up to 8,000 lb), a power liftgate, and LED headlamps.
Finally, the 2025 Ford Explorer can already be configured and ordered. Deliveries should start sometime between April and June.
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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