A new version of the Ford Explorer arrives for the 2025 model year. This trusted SUV is ready for any challenge you can throw its way.
For several generations, the Explorer has been a trusted and well-loved SUV. This Ford SUV is great out on the roads and fun on the trails. You’ll be pleased to enjoy the high-quality build and impressive features that make it right for a great drive. Let’s take a look and see what’s coming in the 2025 version of this new Ford SUV.
Ford upgraded the look for a more stylish appearance
The new Explorer has improved front and rear styling. This SUV brings a new lighting signature with LED lights around the entire vehicle. The rear liftgate features LED taillights that extend into the nameplate bar.
As we’ve come to expect, the ST-Line, ST, and Platinum models have unique trim-specific features. Some of these items are:
- An optional, black-painted roof
- 21-inch wheels for the ST trim
- Sporty styling or the ST-Line and ST models
- Chrome exterior trim for the Platinum model
In addition to these special items, the Explore has a new paint color, Vapor Blue Metallic, which is available on the Active, ST-Line, and ST versions.
The engines remain the same
There’s no reason to mess with success. The 2025 Ford Explorer carries over from the current model year with the same base engine which is used for the Active, ST-Line, and Platinum models. This engine is a 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder model that makes 300 horsepower and 310 lb-t of torque.
The ST model comes with an upgraded engine, which is also offered as optional for the Platinum trim. This engine is a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine that makes 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque.
Both engines utilize a 10-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. Every trim can be had with AWD if you choose.
An excellent interior package
Ford went all-out and upgraded the interior for the 2025 version of this SUV. There’s a new instrument panel pushed forward to create an open atmosphere. The center of the dashboard is where you’ll find a 13.2-inch color touchscreen for the infotainment system. The materials used are also new, and there are lots of soft-touch surfaces on the center console, door panels, and dashboard. An added styling element is the use of silver mesh which is included throughout the cabin.
One of the coolest qualities of the Ford Explorer’s interior is that each trim has a slightly different look and color to set them apart from each other. The Active trim has a dark gray interior with bronze stitching. You’ll also find dark gray vinyl seats with black inserts and bronze stitching at this base level.
Move to the ST-Line, and you’ve got a black interior with seats covered in imitation leather with cloth inserts and red stitching. The sporty ST model looks similar to the ST-Line but has faux suede inserts instead of cloth.
The top Platinum trim brings the high-quality Mojave Dusk leather with matched stitching for nearly every surface of the SUV.
The Explorer brings more tech to the market
Step inside the 2025 Explorer, and you’ll find a full package of upgraded tech items. The infotainment system is now an Android-based system. This replaces the Sync system, which has been part of the Ford lineup for years.
If you want to enjoy the benefits of semi-autonomous driving, the Ford BlueCruise system is available on many trims of this SUV. This feature is available for the ST-Line, ST, and Platinum trims. It requires a Connected Services plan to use it, but that subscription could be worth it when you drive on the highways often.
Although the Ford infotainment system is Google-based, it maintains access to Apple CarPlay. This ensures nobody is left out of the mix when it comes to connecting to this system. This system allows you to download music, podcasts, and apps from the Google Play store. You’ll also find Google Assistant voice commands and Amazon Alexa integration.
Is the new Ford Explorer right for you?
The number of trims for this Ford SUV has been cut in half for the 2025 model year. You won’t find the base, XLT, Timberline, Limited, and King Ranch models any longer. It’s possible a new Tremor trim could be added in the future to be an off-road-focused version of this Ford SUV.
Could the new Explorer be the right Ford SUV for you to drive and enjoy? This new model looks great, offers several trim-specific qualities, and brings the benefits of advanced tech to your driving experience.
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