The Explorer has been a staple of Ford's lineup since it replaced the Bronco II more than 30 years ago. That truck-based model offered four doors—a big deal at the time. Since then, Ford has sold more Explorers than any other SUV in America.
Currently in its sixth generation, introduced in 2020, the Explorer is positioned between the five-passenger Edge and full-size Expedition in Ford's lineup. Still offering commendable performance, a spacious cabin, and plenty of utility, the Explorer gets a significant refresh for the 2025 model year.
Photo: Perry Stern
While not a complete redesign, Ford freshens the Explorer with several changes for the 2025 model year. Updates include:
Ford simplifies the Explorer lineup for the 2025 model year with just four trim levels available: Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST. Prices start around $41,000 and range up to around $57,000. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard on all trims; each is available with four-wheel drive (4WD). The Active, ST-Line, and Platinum get a 300-horsepower, turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, while the ST comes standard with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 that bumps up to 400 hp.
JD Power previously published a review of the 2022 Ford Explorer Timberline. This review focuses on the Explorer's updates for 2025 and how they potentially impact its overall consumer appeal.
For this 2025 Explorer review, Ford provided access to the entire Explorer range, but I spent most of my time in the Platinum trim with the following options:
The test vehicle's price was $59,865, including the $1,595 destination charge to ship the SUV from the Ford assembly plant in Chicago, Illinois, to your local dealership.
The Ford Explorer gets a fresh look for the 2025 model year, most noticeably at the front. While it isn't an extreme departure from the previous year's version, the updated Explorer gets a more prominent, squared-off grille with slim, rectangular LED headlights that give the midsize SUV a bolder look. Fog lights are set at the outside edges of the new lower fascia, enhancing the Explorer's wide stance.
Each 2025 Explorer trim stands out with a unique grille design. The base-level Active gets a black mesh grille with chrome bars, while the ST-Line and ST feature a honeycomb gloss black grille with the addition of a red badge on the ST. A satin chrome/ebony grille adorns the top-level Platinum.
At the rear, LED taillights extend onto the liftgate, giving the Explorer a more premium look. A black bar spans the liftgate between the lights, boldly presenting the “EXPLORER” name across the space. Explorers with the larger 400-hp EcoBoost V6 also get quad exhaust outlets for a powerful look.
Photo: Perry Stern
One look inside the 2025 Explorer and it's clear that Ford made some significant improvements compared to the outgoing 2024 model. The dashboard looks fresh with a new 13.2-inch center touchscreen display that comes standard on all trim levels. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster nicely complements the new primary display.
Ford improved the materials throughout the cabin, and even the base-level Active gets soft touch points and contrast stitching on the dashboard, doors, and center console. The Platinum that I drove raises the bar with "Premium Sanctuary" leather trim on the seats and doors, with piping and quilting for an elegant appearance. Adding to the high-end vibe is the fabric-covered sound bar in the dashboard, which mimics the look of a quality home audio system.
There's a convenient new storage tray at the bottom of the dashboard that is both stylish and convenient. Ford designers refer to it as a drop zone—a place to put a phone, keys, or other small items that need to be secure but easily accessible. This space also features a wireless phone charger.
In addition to the drop zone, there are dual cupholders, a large glove box, and a good-sized center storage area below the armrest, providing plenty of room for storing items in the cabin. There is also covered storage below the dashboard with USB ports. However, the cover can be awkward to open and feels quite flimsy.
Seating space remains the same for the 2025 model year, and that's not a bad thing. The Explorer offers good space for second-row passengers. The third row is a little tight but certainly usable. The second-row bench seat is available on all but the ST, allowing for seven-passenger seating. However, the captain's chairs are much more comfortable and roomy. While seating space remains unchanged, cargo space is slightly smaller on the new 2025 model.
Ford is moving to a new Google-based infotainment system for the 2025 Ford Explorer. The new Ford Digital Experience features the popular Google Maps and Google Assistant, allowing the owner to download additional apps from the Google Play Store. While it is a Google-based system, both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard with a wireless connection on all trim levels.
Viewed on the new 13.2-inch, horizontally oriented display screen—a nice improvement over the oddly placed vertical screen in the previous Explorer—the infotainment system looks good and provides intuitive operation. The Home screen has enough space to show the map, audio, and communications information—all features that front-seat occupants commonly access. For added convenience, Google Maps can appear in the driver display.
Shortcuts on the left of the central display screen quickly bring up vehicle settings or a list of all applications, while climate functions remain static at the bottom. Most physical controls are gone. However, the volume control knob remains.
The new infotainment system also offers a range of entertaining apps, including Spotify, Amazon Music, and iHeartRadio, which allow for streaming music or audiobooks. To help pass the time when parked, owners can stream movies or TV shows via apps like YouTube or Prime Video or even surf the Web with an integrated Vivaldi browser.
There are even games to play—again, only when the Explorer is in Park. I selected the Google Play Store and downloaded the Ford-exclusive Asphalt Nitro 2 racing game. The graphics and gameplay are on par with a home gaming system, and you can interact with the touchscreen or Bluetooth gaming controllers. It's certainly entertaining to race a sports car while sitting in your Ford Explorer.
The 5G connectivity needed to enjoy these added features requires a Premium Connectivity subscription, but Ford is providing the first year of connectivity free with vehicle purchase. The company has yet to announce the cost once the year has passed.
Photo: Perry Stern
Ford continues to roll out its advanced hands-free driver-assistance system, BlueCruise, and the 2025 Ford Explorer is the latest recipient. This is the first time BlueCruise is available on the Explorer. The ST-Line, Platinum, and ST trims come standard with a 90-day trial of BlueCruise; buyers can opt for a one-year subscription for around $700. BlueCruise is not available on the base-level Explorer Active.
I drove my Explorer Platinum test vehicle from Ypsilanti, Michigan, to Chelsea, Michigan—about 25 miles on I-94. Once on the interstate, I set the vehicle speed to 70 mph, and the driver display turned blue with the message that BlueCruise was operating and it was OK to take my hands off the wheel.
The system smoothly kept the Explorer centered in the lane while maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. When I came upon a slower car, I activated the left turn signal and the Explorer automatically changed lanes and resumed the set speed.
BlueCruise can handle most bends in the road, but there are a couple of places on this route where the curves are sharper, and the system needed help to negotiate these locations. I was alerted to take over the driving as BlueCruise disengaged until I was back on the straight road.
While BlueCruise operates hands-free, it still requires the driver to pay attention to the road. A driver-facing camera ensures that attention doesn't stray, and a warning came up after I looked away for only a few seconds.
Every 2025 Ford Explorer also comes standard with a long list of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, lane-centering assistance, forward and reverse automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot warning with trailer coverage.
Photo: Perry Stern
The Explorer is arguably one of Ford's most important models, so changing this successful formula can be challenging. However, Ford has been down this road before, and the Explorer's refreshed exterior, updated cabin, new technology, and simplified lineup should deliver positive sales results.
The Explorer is always an excellent choice in the three-row SUV arena, and its sales stats testify to its popularity. As models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Kia Telluride, and Toyota Grand Highlander look to grab a piece of this lucrative market, the updates to the 2025 Explorer should keep it at the top of its game.
Perry Stern has worked in the automotive industry for over 30 years and has always been a car enthusiast. Driving almost every new car on the market, Perry has written for multiple publications in addition to his work for JDPower.com. Recently relocated to southeast Michigan, Perry is still crazy about cars, especially his 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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