2025 Ford Explorer
Ford continues to impress drivers with the Explorer decades after its debut. The 2025 model year introduces some long-awaited upgrades, advanced technology, and an all-new, software-driven user experience. All of these exciting changes make the 2025 Ford Explorer a noteworthy entry in the midsize SUV space, giving rivals like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chevy Traverse serious competition.
The most notable new feature is the all-new Ford Digital Experience, a new way to engage with the Explorer, seamlessly connecting to media and social platforms. You can now access your playlists, podcasts, and streaming without having to connect to your smartphone; this includes being able to watch movies, stream TV shows, and use apps such as YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. The Ford Digital Experience also features built-in support for the Vivaldi browser, so you can surf the web using the Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity. You can even connect Bluetooth keyboards and access apps and games from the Google Play Store, making the cabin double as a mobile workstation or living room.
Another big new tech addition is the inclusion of the hands-free, semi-autonomous driving tool, BlueCruise, available for the first time for the Explorer. These changes have also been complemented with an updated front fascia, including a bolder grille, a redesigned lower bumper, and all-new headlights and fog light housings. Inside, the Explorer has also been updated with available premium materials to enhance the comfort and luxury appeal of the SUV. You can get the 2025 Explorer in one of four trim levels: the Active, ST-Line, ST, or Platinum.
MSRP: $40,050[a]
Horsepower: 400
Torque: 415 lb-ft
Cargo Space: 85.8 cu.ft.
Performance
The 2025 Ford Explorer is available in rear- or all-wheel drive, each tailored to different driving preferences. The Explorer is available in two different powertrains, both paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. The base engine is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder delivering 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. You can expect a fuel economy of 20 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.
If you opt for the Explorer ST or Platinum, you have access to the more powerful 3.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged V6, which delivers even more power. This V6 manages 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque, providing a fuel economy of 18 MPG in the city and 25 MPG on the highway. The Explorer also has a max towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs, making it ideal for road trips, outdoor adventures, or towing campers, trailers, and boats.
A Terrain Management System is available with the all-wheel drivetrain, featuring seven different selectable drive modes and Hill Descent Control. These drive modes include Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Trail, and Deep Snow/Sand, giving the Explorer year-round capabilities for braving all sorts of weather and road conditions. Commuters and adventurers alike will appreciate the vehicle's versatility.
On the subject of handling, the availability of the sports-tuned suspension lets you get the most out of the Explorer's traction control, damping, and handling on the road. Standard AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control helps keep the ride steady, even during evasive maneuvers. This electronic system works to ensure that you get a smooth ride, and if you do have to make evasive maneuvers, the vehicle makes the adjustments to ensure that it doesn't tip too far to one side for a potential rollover.
Functionality
The design of the 2025 Explorer balances style with functionality. You have standard LED exterior lights across the trim lineup, but available LED fog lamps (standard on the three highest trims) can help increase the quality of visibility during a drive. Available features include adaptive headlamps and rain-sensing wipers. Roof side rails can be complemented with roof racks, if you're planning on adding a cargo carrier.
Skid plates come standard on the front, but you can add rear skid plates to the base trim (or get them standard on a higher trim) if you plan on taking your Explorer off-road. Manual-folding sideview mirrors come standard, but you can also choose automatic power-folding side mirrors with heated glass and LED turn signals, complete with memory functionality and auto-dimming. These are highly useful for keeping aware of vehicles in your blind spot, no matter what the visibility is outside.
The privacy glass for the second and third rows' windows ensures that those on the outside can't see in. The standard power liftgate makes it convenient to reach the cargo area with ease. When it comes to the cargo capacity, the Explorer's three-row design can seat up to seven passengers, while giving you up to 16.3 cu.ft. of cargo capacity in the rear. However, if you fold down both the second and third rows, you get up to 85.8 cu.ft. of cargo volume.
Technology
Commute to work in style and comfort with the enriched cabin of the 2025 Explorer, thanks to its standard cloth upholstery. For added comfort, ActiveX upholstery gives the Explorer a more sports-infused interior, while available leather upholstery with accent stitching is a prime option for drivers who want more luxury. Up to ten-way power heated and ventilated front seats make the Explorer's cabin comfortable for all seasons.
A leather-heated steering wheel with media controls makes it simple to access all of the Explorer's core functionalities. You can also bask in the luxury elements with a panoramic sunroof with power shade, which is available for three trims and standard on the Platinum. Additionally, the third-row PowerFold seat option makes it convenient to quickly fold down the rear seats and use the extra storage space.
One of the most exciting updates for the 2025 model year is the inclusion of the Ford Digital Experience, which provides plenty of connectivity and media access thanks to the 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot network features that come standard with every Explorer trim. However, if smartphone projection is more your desire, you can use wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Every Explorer also includes a 13.2-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster featuring customizable telemetry.
SiriusXM is standard, which you can make use of with the standard six-speaker audio system, or you can upgrade that to a Bang & Olufsen audio system to enjoy rich surround sound. You can also relax and enjoy long drives thanks to the adaptive cruise control, or you can make use of BlueCruise, which is available for the Ford Explorer for the first time. This semi-autonomous, hands-free driving tool enables you to sit back and let the vehicle travel along hundreds of thousands of miles of highway across North America.
Safety
Safety is always a top priority, especially for families. You want to make sure that everyone in every row is well protected. With the 2025 Explorer, you don't have to worry about the availability of safety features, as the Explorer comes generously packed with both active and passive safety features. This all starts with the basics, such as the first-row airbags for the driver and front passenger, and the safety canopy side-curtain airbags for the second and third rows.
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) comes standard, along with useful reminders like the front row belt-minder. Adjustable headrests, the SecuriLock passive security system, and child-safety door locks also add to your safety and security. But the Explorer also has plenty of automated active safety features in its Ford Co-Pilot360 suite.
Every trim comes standard with robust active driver assistance tech, such as the lane-keeping system, which monitors lane drifting or lane departure to alert the driver. If there is an object in the road and you need to evade, not only do you have front pedestrian detection, but you also have automatic emergency braking and evasive steering, so you can maneuver the Explorer around potential hazards quickly and easily. This works in conjunction with the pre-collision systems to scan the road and attempt to brake to avoid accidents.
Further, there is the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which works with the cross-traffic alert, making sure that you don't merge into a vehicle in your blind spot. BLIS also works with trailer coverage, so if you have a camper, boat, or other towed cargo, the system can help keep you safe by alerting to potential side collisions. Features like the rearview camera also work well for giving you a clear view of what's behind the vehicle to make navigation easier, especially if you have multiple passengers and are having a difficult time using the rearview mirror.
Find Your Own 2025 Explorer Today
Are you ready to experience all of the new features of the 2025 Ford Explorer? Are you looking forward to the new Ford Digital Experience for accessing your favorite media and apps? Then it's time to start shopping for a new Explorer at LaFontaine Ford St. Clair. Browse trims or explore different packages to personalize your Explorer to your liking. Whether you're interested in a daily driver, an adventure vehicle, or a luxury-focused SUV, there is a 2025 Explorer for you. Before making any big decisions, schedule a test-drive so you can get a feel for each trim and determine which one best suits your needs!