The 2025 Ford Explorer keeps up the good work of the past, with power, modern tech, and room inside. One of Ford's top SUVs, the 2025 Explorer gets updates to make it a top dog in the mid-size SUV class. With multiple trims and a bunch of engines to choose from, it's for families and adventure seekers.
Powertrain and Performance
The 2025 Ford Explorer has multiple powertrains to choose from, each for a different kind of driver. At the base is the 2.3L turbocharged inline-four, good for 300 horsepower. This is a solid all-around engine for daily driving and long road trips.
If you want more power, the Explorer has a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 that makes 400 horsepower in the Platinum and ST trims. The extra power in these trims gives a sportier feel, quicker acceleration, and more dynamic driving. The ST trim is the performance model, with sport suspension and unique styling cues that make it look athletic.
For eco-conscious buyers, the 2025 Explorer also has a hybrid powertrain. This hybrid combines a 3.3L V6 engine with an electric motor for 318 horsepower. The hybrid is more fuel efficient and has a longer driving range, perfect for those who travel long distances often.
Towing
The 2025 Explorer continues to be a towing machine. With the right configuration, it can tow up to 5,600 pounds, which is competitive in its class. So if you need an SUV to tow boats, trailers, or recreational gear, the Explorer is an option. The available towing package takes it to the next level with a Class III Trailer Tow Package with trailer sway control and rear-view camera guidelines.
Interior and Passenger Comfort
The 2025 Ford Explorer interior is designed for families and long road trips. It has a three-row seating configuration and can seat up to seven people. The standard second-row bench can be swapped for captain's chairs to improve passenger comfort and access to the third row.
As for materials, Ford has options ranging from cloth in lower trims to leather in higher trims. The Platinum trim is the most premium with leather-wrapped surfaces, ambient lighting, and woodgrain trim. The cabin is designed to feel roomy and airy with plenty of legroom and headroom for all passengers.
Cargo space is another Explorer strong suit. With all seats up, it has 18.2 cubic feet behind the third row. But fold the third row and it's 47.9 cubic feet, fold the second row and it's 87.8 cubic feet. This is perfect for families who need to haul sports equipment, luggage, or groceries.
Technology Suite
Ford has loaded the 2025 Explorer with a wealth of technology features to make life easier and safer. The centerpiece of the cabin is the 10.1-inch vertical touchscreen available on higher trims running Ford's SYNC 4 infotainment system. This system has an intuitive interface and has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.
For audiophiles, the available 14-speaker B&O Sound System by Bang & Olufsen is a premium audio experience with clear and immersive sound throughout the cabin. The available rear-seat entertainment system keeps passengers entertained on long trips with dual screens that can play movies or stream content from connected devices.
Ford's Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assist features is still a big deal in the Explorer lineup. It's standard on all trims and includes blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Higher trims add adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, active park assist, and traffic sign recognition.
Exterior and Styling
The 2025 Ford Explorer has evolved its exterior design to strike a balance between tough and sophisticated. The bold front grille surrounded by sleek LED headlights gives the SUV a strong presence on the road. Depending on the trim, the Explorer has different design elements, blacked-out accents on the ST and chrome on the Platinum.
Ford has multiple wheel designs, from the 18-inch alloys on the base trim to 21-inch wheels on the ST and Platinum trims. This allows you to customize your Explorer to your taste. Add roof rails and an optional panoramic sunroof and the Explorer is even more versatile and premium.
The 2025 color palette includes classic colors like Iconic Silver, Carbonized Gray, and Atlas Blue, plus premium colors on higher trims. So you can choose a color that fits your style, whether you want to make a bold statement or go low-key.
Trim Levels and Options
The 2025 Ford Explorer comes in multiple trims, each for different customers and budgets. The lineup starts with the base and goes XLT, Limited, Timberline, ST, and Platinum. The base has all the essentials so it's a great choice for budget-conscious buyers, higher trims add more luxury and exclusive features.
The Timberline trim, introduced last year, is still for off-roaders with its lifted suspension, underbody skid plates, and all-terrain tires. This trim is for those who get off the beaten path frequently, it adds capability on rough terrain without sacrificing comfort.
The Limited and Platinum trims are for those who want a more premium experience. These trims add ventilated front seats, a hands-free power liftgate, and a 360-degree camera system. The Platinum trim has luxury-focused features like a twin-panel moonroof, premium leather seats, and power-folding third-row seats.
Fuel Efficiency
Despite its size and power, the 2025 Explorer is fuel-efficient. The base 2.3-liter gets an estimated 24 mpg combined, the hybrid gets around 27 mpg combined. This efficiency is thanks to the Explorer's lightweight construction which uses high-strength steel and aluminum to shave weight without sacrificing durability.
For those who want efficiency, the hybrid is a great balance of power and fuel savings. It's perfect for city driving where the electric motor can reduce fuel consumption during stop-and-go traffic. The hybrid also has regenerative braking which recharges the battery when you decelerate, adding to its overall efficiency.
The 2025 Ford Explorer has evolved its formula, power, technology, and comfort. The multiple powertrains including a hybrid give buyers options, the advanced tech package gives you a safe and connected drive. From the base to the top-of-the-line Platinum, the 2025 Explorer is a complete SUV for all drivers.