A popular choice since its 1991 model-year debut, the Ford Explorer SUV is getting a big revamp for 2025. The latest model sticks with the sporty, spacious and tech-heavy mission of its predecessor, albeit with fresh styling and a bigger touchscreen.
Here’s everything you need to know about the redesigned Explorer.
2025 Ford Explorer Engine, Standard Features, and Competitor Comparisons
For 2025, the Explorer has fresh exterior and interior styling. Its basic shape and underpinnings debuted for 2020, but the new model has different front and rear bumpers plus a clean-sheet interior redesign with little in the way of conventional buttons and knobs.
The Explorer sticks with its winning formula as a turbocharged, three-row SUV capable of hauling a family and their stuff. Stretching nearly 199 inches long, the 2025 Explorer is sized within a handful of inches of top rivals like the Kia Telluride, Honda Pilot and Toyota Grand Highlander. While nearly every major competitor comes standard with front-wheel drive, the Explorer comes with rear-wheel drive. This translates to balanced handling at the expense of some third-row row room. As with competitors, the Explorer is available with all-wheel drive.
The lineup comes in Active, ST-Line, ST and Platinum trim levels, a big consolidation compared to last year’s eight trims. All but the ST have a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder rated at 300 horsepower; the ST has a 400-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, which is optional on the Platinum. Regardless of engine, the Explorer is rated to tow as much as 5,000 pounds.
Every 2025 Explorer comes with:
- Forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- A 13.2-inch touchscreen with the automaker’s new Ford Digital Experience software
- Built-in Google and Alexa functionality
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
Let’s look at each individual trim level.
2025 Ford Explorer Active: Hardly Basic
The hardly-basic base model.
Starting at $41,350 (or $43,450 with all-wheel drive), the base Explorer is no slouch when it comes to features. You’ll find:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- A trailer hitch
- A power liftgate
- Cloth upholstery
- Power-adjustable and heated front seats
- Seating for up to 7 passengers
If you add the available Active Comfort package for $3,360, you’ll get:
- Revised front-end styling
- Easy-to-clean synthetic leather upholstery (Ford calls it ActiveX)
- Remote start
- A garage door opener
- A heated steering wheel
- Second-row captain’s chairs
2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line
For the road trippers that want Level 2 automated driving.
The biggest draw to the mid-level $46,110 ST-Line trim may be access to Ford’s fancy BlueCruise system that allows for extended hands-off driving, or Level 2 tech. Ford includes the system for 90 days, though a $700 one-year subscription is available. Just how Ford prices access to that tech after a year remains to be seen, though.
Otherwise, the ST-Line adds to the Active with:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- Black exterior accents
- Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker audio system
- All of the features included in the Active Comfort package
For $2,470, The ST-Line’s available Premium package adds:
- Memory driver’s seat
- Massaging front seats
- Heated second-row seats
- Power-folding third-row seats
- A wireless charging pad
- A power-adjustable steering column
- Retractable blinds for the second row.
You can also opt for the $995 ST-Line Street package to add 21-inch alloy wheels and performance brakes with red-painted calipers.
Other things you can add include a big two-panel moonroof and a black-painted roof.
2025 Ford Explorer Platinum
For the families that want all the tech and luxury.
The Explorer Platinum is the swankiest trim level coming in at an MSRP of $53,250. It wears some chrome bits outside and comes with:
- All of the Active Comfort package’s features
- A 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system
- A big moonroof
- Synthetic and real leather seats
- Massaging front seats
- Heated second-row captain’s chairs
- Power-folding third-row seats
- BlueCruise
The $1,695 Lux Leather package tosses in nicer quilted leather upholstery. The Ultimate package also includes those fancy leather seats, plus the big turbocharged 3.0-liter V6. It’s practically a Lincoln at that point — and it’s priced like one since the identical under-the-skin Aviator kicks off at around $60,000.
2025 Ford Explorer ST
For the parents who are still cool (and want to go fast).
The Explorer ST is something of its own beast at $57,100. It’s outfitted with:
- A 400-hp V6 engine
- 21-inch alloy wheels
- A unique front end
It’s well-equipped but only available in a small range of colors and with black synthetic leather and suede upholstery.
Perhaps the Explorer ST’s biggest advantage for some shoppers will be that vehicle purchase includes access to a one-day program at the Ford Performance Racing School in either North Carolina or Utah.
Ready to Shop Ford Explorer?
Thinking the Ford Explorer would look good in your driveway? Whether you’re looking for a brand-new 2025 model, or you’d be happy with a pre-loved used model, TrueCar is here to help. Start your search for new and used Ford Explorers today.
All prices shown are MSRP including delivery/destination charges.
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