2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer continues its impressive tenure as one of America's most versatile and family-friendly SUVs, bringing together the capability, comfort, and modern technology that today's drivers expect and deserve. Whether you're running errands in town, managing your weekday commute, or venturing beyond the city limits for a weekend adventure, the 2025 Explorer is built to keep up with your lifestyle.
With three rows of seating, ample cargo space, and a range of advanced features, the Explorer adapts seamlessly. Ford capitalizes on these characteristics in 2025 by introducing more modern styling, powerful performance options, and cutting-edge driver assistance technologies. It's an incredible combination guaranteed to exceed expectations and deliver far more value than expected from its affordable starting price of $40,050.[a]
From efficient EcoBoost engines to Ford's Intelligent 4WD, the 2025 Explorer provides all-season confidence whether you're navigating winter conditions or towing weekend gear. Inside, its cabin is thoughtfully designed with intuitive technologies, premium materials, and conveniences that make every journey enjoyable. Are you ready to explore Ford's finest? At LaFontaine Ford Grand Blanc, we're proud to kickstart that journey. Here's a closer look at the 2025 Explorer, America's favorite SUV.
MSRP: $40,050[a]
Horsepower: 400
Torque: 415 lb-ft
Cargo Space: 85.8 cu.ft.
Trim Levels
The 2025 Explorer continues its legacy as one of the most popular SUVs in its class, renowned for offering exceptional value in a well-rounded package. With a starting MSRP of $40,050, the 2025 Explorer is accessible and remarkably well-equipped.[a] So, what can you expect from the trim lineup in 2025, especially with Ford streamlining the family to the Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum?
The 2025 Explorer's Lineup
The 2025 Explorer returns with a smaller lineup after Ford discontinued the Base, XLT, Timberland, Limited, and King Ranch trims. While drivers appreciate having plenty of options, the 2024 Explorer lineup felt oversaturated with minimal distinction between the trim levels. Ford remedies that in 2025 by offering four uniquely styled and packaged trims: the Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum.
The 2025 Explorer Active starts the lineup and sets an impressive benchmark. The SUV is powered by a 300-hp engine and has the brand's Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assistance technologies, along with Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go and Lane-Centering. Its heated front seats provide all-season comfort, while its expansive 13.2-inch center touchscreen is a notable upgrade from the 8-inch or 10.1-inch display found on the 2024 model.
The Explorer's ST-branded trims have a penchant for performance, and it shows in every detail. The Explorer ST-Line serves as the gateway into the ST family, and it is instantly recognizable by its 20-inch wheels. Inside, the cabin has heated second-row seats and unique cloth upholstery with red stitching accents.
The Explorer Platinum appeals to those looking for more luxuries, erring on the side of opulence rather than sporty performance. The Platinum's interior is draped in premium leather seating, with heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row leather seats. Its panoramic sunroof adds to the cabin's aesthetic, letting natural light permeate the area to deliver an extraordinary experience wherever the road leads.
The top-tier Explorer ST upgrades the interior with ActiveX seating with Miko inserts, red stitching, and the ST logo. It also has heated and ventilated front seats and second-row captain's chairs. Most notably, the ST exchanges Ford's 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 for a 400-hp 3.0L EcoBoost V6 that makes the SUV more agile, responsive, and fun to drive.
Performance
As a three-row SUV, the 2025 Explorer defies expectations because it doesn't handle like its rivals. Rather than feeling sluggish or underpowered, the 2025 Explorer showcases Ford's ingenuity and success in building an SUV that's surprisingly agile for its size. What's the secret to the Explorer's impressive performance?
Powertrain Options
The 2025 Explorer has two exceptional powertrain options, giving drivers the opportunity to find the perfect configuration for their needs. That lineup starts with Ford's proven 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 engine. This turbocharged inline-four works with a quick-shifting ten-speed automatic transmission to produce 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, making the Explorer responsive and competent at any speed.
For those looking for more power, skip the Explorer Active and ST-Line with the 2.3L EcoBoost and head straight into mid-tier and top-tier territory with the ST and Platinum. Why?
Ford exchanges the 2.3L I-4 for a turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost V6 that makes 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. The output dramatically improves the Explorer's agility and responsiveness, with smoother acceleration and handling that defy every expectation of how a three-row SUV should handle. Then, the ST's sport-tuned suspension takes that experience to the next level.
Driving Experience
Ford gives drivers more control over the Explorer's performance via its Terrain Management System and selectable drive modes. The 2025 Explorer's drive modes calibrate the throttle, steering, and other elements to reflect the situation and instill confidence behind the wheel.
You can switch between Normal and Eco to navigate your commute or put it in Sport to maximize the thrills as you travel down winding backroads. Tow/Haul adds confidence as you take advantage of the Explorer's 5,000-lb towing capacity. Or, by opting for Ford's Intelligent 4WD, you can venture off the pavement and tackle slippery terrain in Off-Road mode.
These selectable drive modes and a choice of rear-wheel and four-wheel drive make it easy to find the perfect configuration for your driving style. Moreover, every powertrain setup is remarkably efficient, guaranteeing your choice doesn't force you to spend more at the pump.
For example, the rear-wheel-drive Explorer with the 2.3L EcoBoost I-4 is the most efficient, with the turbocharged engine averaging an EPA-estimated 24 MPG combined. Opting for Ford's Intelligent 4WD reduces this average to an EPA-estimated 23 MPG combined, which is an impressive number for an SUV that provides all-season and all-terrain confidence.
Design Details
The 2025 Explorer is boldly styled to stand out in the crowd. Ford ensures as much with the Explorer's sleek silhouette, with the ST-Line and ST trims instantly recognizable by their black exterior accents and larger wheels. Yet, these details are only a glimpse into what you'll find inside the Explorer, from its thoughtfully designed cabin that blends comfort and practicality to its advanced technologies that keep you connected, engaged, and aware.
Cabin Comfort
The 2025 Explorer Active sets an impressive baseline because, unlike most entry-level trims, it's packed with value and features that maximize your comfort. Its standard configuration includes premium cloth upholstery, heated front row seats, a heated steering wheel, and a ten-way power driver's seat. Its three-row layout is spacious, with 16.3 cu.ft. of cargo space behind the third row, 46 cu.ft. behind the second, and 85.8 cu.ft. total.
The Explorer ST-Line, Platinum, and ST build on these standard features by treating drivers to more conveniences and luxuries. The ST-Line has higher-quality cloth seating with red stitching accents and a premium Bang & Olufsen ten-speaker sound system. It's an impressive combination that transforms the Explorer into a sporty SUV.
The Platinum exudes luxury with its premium leather seats. The front seats are upgraded to Ford's Multicontour seats, which are heated and ventilated. The second-row seats are also heated, with the Platinum differentiated by its panoramic sunroof.
The ST earns its place at the top of the family tree, rolling off Ford's production line with Miko seating surfaces that reflect its athleticism. The Multicontour front seats are heated and ventilated, a perfect complement to the second-row heated seats and the premium 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system that leaves no question about where this trim sits in the lineup.
Technology
Technology is at the heart of the 2025 Explorer, from its cutting-edge operating system and the intuitive SYNC 4 infotainment system to the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of driver assistance tools. For 2025, Ford replaces the Explorer's standard 8-inch or 10.1-inch display with an expansive 13.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrated into the Ford Digital Experience.
The Ford Digital Experience puts everything within reach, from Google Maps and a Voice Assistant to 5G Connectivity, Alexa Built-In, and SiriusXM. This experience complements the Co-Pilot360 suite and advanced features like BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free driving tool that mitigates fatigue and stress as you cruise at highway speeds.
Test Drive the 2025 Explorer Today
How will the 2025 Explorer complement your life? Will you discover the value-rich packaging of the Explorer Active or treat your family to pure thrills with an unsuspecting powerhouse like the Explorer ST? The opportunities are plentiful.
Ford's ingenuity shines in the 2025 Explorer, an SUV that embodies the automotive legacy that's shaped the American landscape for over a century. Drivers like you reap the rewards of that ingenuity by climbing behind the wheel of an SUV built with you in mind. The Explorer effortlessly blends practicality and sophistication with athleticism, capability, convenience, and innovation.
It's an incredible combination, and it's waiting for you. Experience the 2025 Explorer firsthand by visiting our dealership and meeting the team at LaFontaine Ford Grand Blanc. We share your excitement for Ford's best-selling SUV and can't wait to deliver the extraordinary experience you deserve as you bring your Blue Oval dreams to life.