America’s all-time best-selling SUV – Ford’s Explorer – gets a refresh with the introduction of the 2025 model year’s lineup.
For more than three decades, Explorer has helped define SUV comfort, performance, and functionality. The updated lineup features a redesigned interior, new advanced technology, and bolder exterior styling to create Ford’s best Explorer yet.
My tester, the top-of-the-line Platinum rear-wheel drive trim, was powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline four-cylinder engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The combo delivers 300 horsepower, 310 lb-ft of torque, and a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
The three-row SUV accommodates up to seven adults with front- and second-row Captain’s chairs, along with a split/fold bench third row that can be folded flat to accommodate multiple golf bags and push carts. The engine was designed for efficiency, with turbocharging and direct fuel injection. Explorer is rated at 29 miles per gallon down the highway by the EPA.
If you happen to be in need of more power, there is more. A 3.5-liter, V6 engine is available on ST and Platinum trims, delivering 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque.
Exterior changes include a larger, more prominent grille, with a squared-off design. Each trim features a unique grille design, with Platinum sporting a satin chrome/ebony color scheme. The LED headlights are slim and rectangular, fog lights are set at the outside edges of the lower fascia, and rear taillights extend onto the lift gate. My tester came with 20-inch, nickel-painted aluminum wheels.
The redesigned interior catches the eye with fine details, surfaces and colors, including new wrap and stitch soft touch surfaces on the center console, door panels and redesigned dashboard. ActiveX durable and premium synthetic seating material adds practically. And silver mesh accents add to the premium feel of the interior.
Creature comforts include front- and second-row heated seats, ambient lighting, 13.2-inch display with navigation system, Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 14 speakers, ambient lighting, rear privacy glass and sun blinds, moonroof, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, USB-C ports on all three rows, and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Explorer Platinum comes with Ford Co-Pilot 360 Assist and, for the first time, BlueCruise.
Co-Pilot includes adaptive cruise control which automatically adjusts your speed based on traffic flow and can bring the vehicle to a stop; evasive steering assist with steering support in emergency situations to help avoid collisions; intersection assist that detects oncoming vehicles when turning at intersections and can warn you or apply the brakes; lane-keeping assist that helps keep you in your lane; and blind-spot monitoring that helps you be aware of vehicles on your flanks.
BlueCruise delivers hands-free highway driving with a driver-facing camera that tracks eye gaze and head position to ensure the driver is attentive, lane centering, along with acceleration, braking and steering controls.
Other technology to keep your family safe includes hill start assist, remote start system, side-wind stabilization, terrain management system, perimeter alarm, and a SOS post-crash alert system.
Ford’s new Explorer continues what the company started at the dawn of the SUV-age. A generously equipped, multi-functional vehicle that accommodates family needs whether on a simple trip to a weekend soccer game, or a fun-filled vacation to environs unknown.
Base Price: $51,665
Price As Driven: $51,665
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