2025 Ford Explorer Review

From original exterior accents to unique interiors, every Explorer trim level is truly distinctive. Available packages provide favorite amenities and perhaps a bit of excitement.

2025 Explorer Active models contrast an ultra dark space gray instrument panel with Dark Gray soft touch seats. Space gray dresses the door panels and consoles with softness and Harvest Bronze accent stitching. That same accent stitch dresses up the seats which wear Black Onyx inserts.

If you choose the Active Comfort Package, it adds ActiveX upholstery to the interior and signature lighting to the exterior. Other aspects include LED fog lamps and a heated steering wheel.

Achieving a sporty look, the ST-Line uses red accent stitching to dress up the Black Onyx ActiveX upholstery. Cloth inserts provide a texture contrast to the richness of the manmade leather. Door panels, console and instrument panel are dressed in Black Onyx as well.

With the ST-Line Premium Package, Ford adds heated second-row seats, power-fold 3rd-row seats, and power-fold mirrors. It also adds special ambient lighting and a wireless charging pad.

Adding to the ST-Line’s sporty nature, the ST-Line Street Pack includes red-painted performance calipers and performance brakes. It wears 21-inch Magnetite-painted alloy wheels.The best way to find out about Explorer prices is to ask for a quick quote of your favorite model.

The Explorer ST dresses up in a Black Onyx and red accent color scheme like the ST-Line. However, it trades fabric for super-soft Miko suede inserts. At night, the ambient lighting lets you choose Ice blue, Soft Blue or regular Blue -- or you can go for Orange, Purple, Green or Red.

If you want the most unique look, the ST offers a Vapor Blue Metallic paint. It’s the perfect pairing with a black-painted roof. On the other hand, if you want the ST without its high-performance engine, you can opt for the ST-Line special edition.

As the top trim, Explorer Platinum models wear Mojave Dusk leather upholstery with a matching accent stitch. This rich leather extends Mojave Dusk hues to the leather instrument panel. Other soft leather touches include the console and door panels.

If you want something luxurious but different, the Platinum Lux Leather Package is another new aspect for 2025. Tri-diamond micro-perforated inserts are part of Premium Sanctuary Leather seating. Chairs are further decorated with piping, quilting and an accent stitch. This includes leather door panels and other elements. A Salt Crystal Gray interior color scheme is available as an alternative to Mojave Dusk.

The 2025 Explorer Active comes packed with the things that matter most to owners. This includes a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s chair and a 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat.

Dual screens stretch for 25 inches, providing ample space for digital instrumentation, navigation, entertainment apps and more.There are multiple USB ports on every row.

A Class III Trailer Tow Package means this ride is ready to pull a big load. The cargo hold has a power liftgate for easy access. Ford CoPilot360 Assist includes all the driver assistance that modern car shoppers expect.

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With a 12.3-inch digital cluster, drivers will feel like they have a true cockpit. Next to it, there’s a 13.2-inch touchscreen with new connectivity tools.

The new Ford Digital Experience is all about making things easy and familiar to users. For starters, the driver can use built-in Google Assistant to interact with the system. However, Alexa Built-in is another choice .Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are on board to interface with your smartphone.

Google Play lets you download your favorite music apps where you have a subscription. This includes Audible and Amazon Music. It works with Spotify and iHeartRadio as well. If parked, you may want to have Prime Video and YouTube apps for entertainment.

Other aspects include a Vivaldi Browser app, Ford exclusive games, and more. The WiFi hotspot supports 5G wireless and can be used on up to ten smart devices.

For the first time, Ford BlueCruise capability is available on the Explorer. This semi-autonomous aid allows the driver to use a hands-free setting in certain situations. It can handle so much more than the standard adaptive cruise control.

It can brake, accelerate, and steer. Plus it adds a Lane Change Assist and In-Lane Repositioning, handling these maneuvers as expertly as a driver.

Of course, the Ford SUV is packed with driver assistance, such as forward collision watch, a related autobrake, lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, and more.

As one of the best engines in the class, the standard 2.3-liter engine continues for 2025. It produces a remarkable 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.

Although it produces like a V6, it is an intercooled turbo I-4 with all the Ecoboost technology that ensures pure power. Another reason this engine is such a steady performer is its 10-speed automatic transmission

If you want top performance, the 2025 Ford Explorer ST has a specially tuned Ecoboost engine that creates 400 horsepower. As a turbo, it promises 415 lb-ft of torque. This engine is a faovrite of Explorer Platinum drivers as well.

All models are rear-wheel drive with Ford four-wheel drive on the menu. When you choose the ST or ST-Line, the purchase entitles you to the ST Driving Experience at one of two Ford Performance Racing Schools. One is located in nearby Park City, Utah, and the other is in Asheville NC.

>Of course it all starts with a visit to Earnhardt Ford dealer Phoenix. We invite you to schedule a test drive.