Starting at $41.220
HIGHSBrawny broad-shouldered styling, available hearty V-6, new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and software.
LOWSBase engine drones, tight third-row, interior quality still trails competitors.
VERDICTLong a segment mainstay, the Explorer delivers the basics but lacks the upscale touches and refined execution of the best three-row SUVs.
Overview
The 2025 Ford Explorer SUV continues its role as a suburban family shuttle with a few minor cosmetic updates and some new tech to keep things fresh. The lineup has been culled, with the Base, Limited, King Ranch, and Timberline trims exiled. (Rumor is a new, more rugged off-road oriented version is on the way to fill the void left by the departed Timberline.) Both of the Explorer's powertrains-a turbocharged four-cylinder and a twin-turbo V-6, each with a 10-speed automatic transmission-remain in place, as does the choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. The Explorer's strong point is its family-friendly interior and third-row functionality. While that back row is not as comfortable as in some rivals, just knowing that it's there for when you need it buys some peace of mind. Fold it down, and it reveals a reasonable amount of cargo space. The competition in the mid-size SUV space is intense, though, and the Explorer is now facing off against a legion of highly talented rivals, including the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and Toyota Grand Highlander-many of which offer more contemporary styling and overall refinement.
What's New for 2025?
The lineup has been reduced to just four trims: the base Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum. The front fascia is mildly reworked with a new grille, headlamps, and lower air inlets, while the rear gets new taillamps. Platinum, ST, and ST-Line buyers can spec a new black-painted roof option, and, more significantly, can for the first time add the BlueCruise hands-free driving feature. Interior updates are focused on comfort and upgraded materials and incorporate new soft-touch surfaces on the center console and door panels, and new color schemes. The 2025 Explorer is the first Ford to implement the Ford Digital Experience, a fancy name for its new software system that is designed to easily integrate a user's favorite apps and provide native streaming and internet browsing while parked.
The price of the 2025 Ford Explorer starts at $41.220 and goes up to $56.800 depending on the trim and options.
Active$41,220
ST-Line $45,980
Platinum $53,120
ST $56,800
With the mid-level Limited model gone for 2025, we think the ST-Line makes the most sense. It has the sporty cosmetic features of the ST and keeps the standard 300-hp turbo four-cylinder, but it's also nearly $11K less expensive. It also rolls on standard 20-inch painted alloy wheels (the Active has 18s), tows the same 5000 pounds as the V-6-equipped Explorers, and opens the door to the optional BlueCruise and black painted roof, which aren't available on the base Active. It also includes a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a flat-bottom ST steering wheel, heated second-row seats, and power folding mirrors. We'd also add all-wheel drive for $2000.