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Ford has revealed a new and improved 2025 Explorer, freshening up the current-generation SUV that first debuted for 2020. As part of its big refresh, the three-row SUV gains a new look, a simplified trim lineup, major updates to the cabin, and a new infotainment system.
While last year's model offered no fewer than eight different trim levels, we're now down to four––Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST. As a result, the hybrid model is no more, though we're sure the rugged Timberline model will be renewed somewhat soon.
All 2025 Explorer models get a new face, which comprises a squarer grille, updated headlights, and wider bumpers. Around back, there's also a fresh set of taillights, which are now connected via a horizontal strip that's adorned with illuminated Explorer lettering. Ford is also offering a black contrast roof as factory equipment for the first time ever, though the base Active trim misses out. The towing package also comes standard on all models, though towing capacity as a whole has decreased by between 300 and 600 pounds.
To set each trim level apart, Ford has given every model its own unique grille design. There are also some new colors and wheel options, including a new shade of Vapor Blue metallic for all but the Platinum trim, along with a set of 21-inch wheels in Magnetite for the sportier ST-Line and ST models. In order to get these wheels on the ST-Line, however, you must opt for the Street Pack with its stronger brakes and red calipers.
As before, all Explorers come standard with rear-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive remains an option. Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.3 liter four-cylinder making 300 hp, though the top-of-the-line ST gets a more powerful 3.0 liter twin-turbo V6 that raises it up to 400 hp. The latter engine is also optional on the Platinum, whereas it was standard before. Both powertrains are linked to a 10-speed automatic, and paddle shifters are reserved for the ST.
Stepping inside reveals vast improvements to the cabin, with a totally redesigned dashboard that has been moved forward slightly to make things feel roomier for front passengers. A useful new storage tray now sticks out from under the center stack, housing a new set of dual wireless chargers. Ford says the materials inside have been reworked, and the seats on cheaper models are said to be more comfortable. Lower trims also get a new matte finish for the interior accents, though the Platinum sticks with the dreaded piano black texture. Another cool touch is a mesh-like slab that runs across the top of the dashboard, concealing the SUV's speakers. More expensive trims feature an impressive Bang & Olufsen sound system.
The Explorer also features a new set of displays, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system marked as standard. The infotainment display is a huge improvement compared to last year's vertically-oriented unit, and it houses a completely new operating system based on Android Automotive. Aside from the Google-sourced software as a foundation, Ford developed the system completely in-house, and all screens now run on a single processor. The infotainment system bakes in Google's voice assistant as default, though Amazon Alexa is available as well. There's also support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, a WiFi hotspot, and a 5G connection. The latter requires the driver to subscribe to the Ford Premium Plan.
The Explorer's new infotainment system also incorporates the Google Play Store, which allows the driver to access apps such as YouTube, Amazon Prime, Google Chrome, and Vivaldi when the vehicle is parked. There's also an assortment of video games that can be played via a Bluetooth controller.
Continuing with the improved tech, the Explorer now comes with BlueCruise hands-free driving on all models except for the base Active. The feature can be activated through a 90-day free trial or a $700 fee when the vehicle is purchased, followed by a $75 monthly or $800 annual subscription.
The 2025 Explorer will begin arriving at dealers sometime around late spring, though eager customers can order one now. With so few trim levels to choose from, pricing for this model is quite steep. The Active opens up at $41,220, followed by $45,980 for the ST-Line, $53,120 for the Platinum, and $56,800 for the range-topping ST. Opting for all-wheel drive is expected to tack on an extra $2,000.
Image Credits: Ford
Revealed
Feb 17, 2024
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2025 Ford Explorer Debuts With Fewer Trims And A Revamped Interior
Pricing for the updated SUV begins at a rather steep $41,220.
Ford has revealed a new and improved 2025 Explorer, freshening up the current-generation SUV that first debuted for 2020. As part of its big refresh, the three-row SUV gains a new look, a simplified trim lineup, major updates to the cabin, and a new infotainment system.
While last year's model offered no fewer than eight different trim levels, we're now down to four––Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST. As a result, the hybrid model is no more, though we're sure the rugged Timberline model will be renewed somewhat soon.
All 2025 Explorer models get a new face, which comprises a squarer grille, updated headlights, and wider bumpers. Around back, there's also a fresh set of taillights, which are now connected via a horizontal strip that's adorned with illuminated Explorer lettering. Ford is also offering a black contrast roof as factory equipment for the first time ever, though the base Active trim misses out. The towing package also comes standard on all models, though towing capacity as a whole has decreased by between 300 and 600 pounds.
To set each trim level apart, Ford has given every model its own unique grille design. There are also some new colors and wheel options, including a new shade of Vapor Blue metallic for all but the Platinum trim, along with a set of 21-inch wheels in Magnetite for the sportier ST-Line and ST models. In order to get these wheels on the ST-Line, however, you must opt for the Street Pack with its stronger brakes and red calipers.
As before, all Explorers come standard with rear-wheel drive, while all-wheel drive remains an option. Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.3 liter four-cylinder making 300 hp, though the top-of-the-line ST gets a more powerful 3.0 liter twin-turbo V6 that raises it up to 400 hp. The latter engine is also optional on the Platinum, whereas it was standard before. Both powertrains are linked to a 10-speed automatic, and paddle shifters are reserved for the ST.
Stepping inside reveals vast improvements to the cabin, with a totally redesigned dashboard that has been moved forward slightly to make things feel roomier for front passengers. A useful new storage tray now sticks out from under the center stack, housing a new set of dual wireless chargers. Ford says the materials inside have been reworked, and the seats on cheaper models are said to be more comfortable. Lower trims also get a new matte finish for the interior accents, though the Platinum sticks with the dreaded piano black texture. Another cool touch is a mesh-like slab that runs across the top of the dashboard, concealing the SUV's speakers. More expensive trims feature an impressive Bang & Olufsen sound system.
The Explorer also features a new set of displays, with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system marked as standard. The infotainment display is a huge improvement compared to last year's vertically-oriented unit, and it houses a completely new operating system based on Android Automotive. Aside from the Google-sourced software as a foundation, Ford developed the system completely in-house, and all screens now run on a single processor. The infotainment system bakes in Google's voice assistant as default, though Amazon Alexa is available as well. There's also support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, a WiFi hotspot, and a 5G connection. The latter requires the driver to subscribe to the Ford Premium Plan.
The Explorer's new infotainment system also incorporates the Google Play Store, which allows the driver to access apps such as YouTube, Amazon Prime, Google Chrome, and Vivaldi when the vehicle is parked. There's also an assortment of video games that can be played via a Bluetooth controller.
Continuing with the improved tech, the Explorer now comes with BlueCruise hands-free driving on all models except for the base Active. The feature can be activated through a 90-day free trial or a $700 fee when the vehicle is purchased, followed by a $75 monthly or $800 annual subscription.
The 2025 Explorer will begin arriving at dealers sometime around late spring, though eager customers can order one now. With so few trim levels to choose from, pricing for this model is quite steep. The Active opens up at $41,220, followed by $45,980 for the ST-Line, $53,120 for the Platinum, and $56,800 for the range-topping ST. Opting for all-wheel drive is expected to tack on an extra $2,000.
Image Credits: Ford
