The 2025 Ford Explorer should be one of the top choices in the three-row midsize SUV market. Amidst stiffer competition, the Explorer continues to stand tall.
The Explorer is one of the best-selling SUVs of all time. It has a strong reputation for bringing value and features that fit into nearly every budget. There might be fewer trim levels than before, but that doesn’t stop it from providing some incredible options for nearly every driver to have a great SUV to enjoy. This Ford SUV is unapologetic about being a muscular vehicle with impressive towing capability and three rows of seats for your family.
What’s been added for 2025?
The trim lineup reduction brings four options for drivers to start building their Explorer. This impressive Ford SUV also receives a slight refresh with a new face and interior improvements. You’ll find more standard and optional equipment than before, including the Ford BlueCruise system, which allows drivers to travel hands-free for several miles on mapped highways. There’s also a new software program called Ford Digital Experience that allows video streaming and internet access when the Explorer is parked.
How much power does the Explorer provide?
Most versions of the new Ford Explorer use the base powertrain. This is a 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain comes standard in RWD, but AWD is available. At this base level, the Explorer has 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque.
The upgraded powertrain is standard for the ST model and optional in the Platinum trim. This powertrain gives you a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that sends 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque to the wheels.
Both powertrains can tow up to 5,000 pounds, giving you ample power to pull a small boat or trailer to your favorite destination.
What does each trim include?
Ford gives us four trims of this venerable midsize SUV; each model has an impressive package of features to give drives what they desire.
Explorer Active
The base trim is no longer the XLT model but the Active trim. This version gets things started with good power and lots of features, including:
- Tow Package
- Class III hitch
- Rear privacy glass
- Power liftgate
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Heated power exterior mirrors
- Intelligent Access keyless entry
- Wiper-activated LED headlights
- Tri-zone automatic climate controls
- Tilt/telescoping steering wheel
- Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Cloth upholstery
- 10-way power driver’s seat
- 4-way power passenger seat
- 35/30/35 split second-row bench
- 50/50 split third-row
- Eight USB charge ports
- 6-speaker audio system
- SiriusXM satellite radio
- 13.2-inch color touchscreen
- FordPass Connect
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Ford Co-Pilot360
- Adaptive cruise control with stop/go
- Lane Centering
- Intersection assist
- Evasive steering assist
- Forward collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Lane departure warning
- Lane-keeping assist
- Blind-spot monitor
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Automatic high beam headlights
- Driver attention monitor
- Rearview camera
- Rear parking sensors
Explorer ST-Line
Moving up to the Ford Explorer ST-Line gives you more features for a better ride. This trim includes:
- Remote engine starting
- LED fog lights
- Heated steering wheel
- Active X seat upholstery
- Second-row captain’s chair seating
- 8-way power front passenger seat
- Black mesh grille
- ST-Line exterior styling elements
- 20-inch ebony machined painted aluminum wheels
- Dual chrome exhaust tips
- Ambient lighting
- Ebony and gloss-black interior accents
- Leather-wrapped heated steering wheel
- Miko seat inserts with red stitching
- 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system
- Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0
- 360-degree camera with split-screen capability
- 90-day trial to Ford’s BlueCruise
Explorer Platinum
The Platinum model has the most premium features in the Explorer lineup. This trim gives you:
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- Adaptive LED headlights
- Twin-panel power moonroof
- Satin-finished door handles, grille, and roof rack
- 20-inch Luster-Nickle painted alloy wheels
Ambient interior lighting
- Heated, ventilated, massaging front seats
- Heated second-row captain’s chairs
- Leather upholstery
- Leather-wrapped power tilt/telescoping heated steering wheel
- Auto-folding power side mirrors
- 360-degree camera with split-view
- Bang & Olufsen 14-speaker audio system
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Second-row window shades
- 110-volt outlet
- Front and side parking sensors
- Wireless charging pad
- Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0 upgrades
- 360-degree monitor
- Front parking sensors
- Intersection Assist 2.2
Explorer ST
The Ford Explorer ST is the most dynamic and powerful version available. This trim gives you:
- 21-inch alloy wheels
- Blackout treatments for the headlights and taillights
- ActiveX heated and ventilated massaging front sport seats
- Power tilt/telescoping heated sport steering wheel
- Wireless charging pad
- Second-row heated captain’s chairs
- Power-folding third-row seat
- Power-folding side mirrors
- Sport suspension
- Performance brakes
- Red painted brake calipers
Which version of the Ford Explorer will be the one you want to take home and enjoy every day?
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