Three-row SUVs are the superstars of family travel. They’re spacious enough to handle extra passengers without being too imposing on the streets, and these SUVs are king when it comes to cargo. One of the most popular options is the Ford Explorer, and if you’re one of the many drivers interested in this versatile vehicle, you’ll want to pay attention to the latest model to hit the highway. You may have seen a Ford Explorer for sale at your local dealership, wondering how Ford could improve upon such a satisfying vehicle, but for 2025, this model sure knows how to wow a crowd. Take a look at this 2025 Explorer buyer’s guide for all you need to know about how this Ford favorite will make your ride even better than before.
What’s New?
The redesigned 2025 Ford Explorer isn’t just easy on the eyes. It’s ready to thrill you with some of the hottest tech in the industry. From its bold exterior to its cozy interior, see what you can expect from this remarkable SUV to make your time on the road unforgettable.
Fresh Styling
It’s quickly apparent that the 2025 Explorer is sporting a revamped look. As soon as you stare it in the eye, you’ll notice an upgraded front fascia and grille, as well as brilliant LED lighting elements that give this family hauler a more modern presence. The ST trim also adds black accents, 21-inch Magnetite-painted wheels, and a mesh grille to enhance the appeal of this contemporary traveler. Its athletic build captivates you, and as you move to its interior, you’ll be met by a cozy oasis with soft-touch materials, available Multicontour seats, fresh color schemes, and available multi-color ambient lighting to set the tone of your driving adventures.
BlueCruise Capable
You’re able to enjoy hands-free driving capabilities for the first time ever in the Explorer through available BlueCruise tech—the top-rated active driving assistance system in the industry. This advanced technology allows you to operate your vehicle hands-free on 97% of controlled-access highways in North America. From steering to braking and maneuvering through traffic, your Explorer can take control of your drive so that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the company on board.
Ford Digital Experience
Ford has rolled out a new software system––the Ford Digital Experience––and the 2025 Explorer is the first vehicle to offer this cutting-edge system. Not only will you get to personalize your driving experience even more than before, but you’ll also get to take advantage of more capabilities, new connectivity options, and an all-around dazzling display. This intuitive system is presented to you through a new standard 13.2-inch infotainment display, which occupies a prominent position in the cabin, beckoning you towards it with its brilliant graphics. You’ll also get to take advantage of 5G connectivity, voice commands, wireless smartphone integration, and must-have apps. In addition, the Ford Digital Experience allows you to personalize the cabin, including your seat, mirror, and steering wheel settings, link your phone and key, and sync your Google account to customize your experience on the road.
Trim Levels
For 2025, Ford simplifies the Explorer’s trim levels, making it even easier to find the model that meets your needs. Four trims allow you to create the ride you demand, and from high-end options to sporty travelers, there’s something for everyone in the 2025 Explorer’s arsenal.
Platinum
This trim is top-of-the-line, offering drivers searching for a luxury experience the chance to harness the level of refinement they demand during their journey. From leather upholstery to heated and ventilated front seats, getting comfortable on board this trim is a given. Plus, with a twin-panel moonroof to let the sunshine in, Platinum-branded seats, and other upscale elements, you’ll feel as though you’re riding in a luxury vehicle—without the luxury sticker price. This trim also includes a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and BlueCruise hands-free driving capabilities.
ST
The ST is stylish, athletic, and ready for a good time. Its black mesh grille stops you in your tracks, while an available black-painted roof showcases the Explorer in a more contemporary light. Its sport-tuned suspension creates a more exciting ride, allowing you to travel with ultimate precision, while its 400-hp turbocharged engine amplifies the thrills on board. You can opt for a twin-panel moonroof to add an open-air experience to your ride, as well as BlueCruise tech to make your drive more focused while you let your Explorer take charge of your journey down the highway.
ST-Line
If you’re looking for sporty style, as well as an affordable price point, the mid-level ST-Line won’t disappoint. This showstopper offers 20-inch alloy wheels, an available black-painted roof, plus interior features that impress, like a flat-bottom steering wheel, heated seats, and a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. If you want a vehicle that radiates athleticism and style, the ST-Line is a top pick.
Active
The base trim in the 2025 Explorer lineup is equally as impressive as the others, offering plenty of creature comforts to make your drive better—all for a price that won’t break the bank. With heated front-row seats, a 5G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot, and plenty of safety features in the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite, you’ll enjoy the perfect amount of comfort, performance, and security, no matter where your journey takes you next.
The Ride
It’s easy to see why so many travelers are drawn to this Ford icon, with its spacious and cozy interior, athletic stance, and heightened level of innovation inside. The Explorer’s confident ride quality further enhances its appeal, allowing you to sit back and truly enjoy your time behind the wheel. With two EcoBoost engines to choose from––a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder and a 3.0L turbocharged V6––you’re able to create the ride you demand, whether you’re searching for the ideal daily driver or something a bit more exciting. Various drive modes are also there to help you make the most of any driving situation. The Explorer’s Terrain Management System provides you with seven modes to help you explore any environment, from slippery terrain to trails, highways, and so much more. Arm your Explorer with all-wheel drive and unlock even more modes, like Snow/Sand, to add even more value to your time in the driver’s seat.
If you’re looking to pull your trailer or camper out for a weekend in nature, the 2025 Explorer is perfectly capable of keeping up. Offering a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, you’re able to confidently tow what you need to make family time more exciting and enjoyable. For those yearning for a more thrilling ride, opting for the ST trim will deliver high-performance brakes and a sport-tuned suspension to maximize excitement while you’re cruising down the highway. The 2025 Explorer showcases a one-of-a-kind ride with confident handling, accurate steering, and the right amount of power to add enjoyment to any journey.
2025 Ford Explorer: Gear Up for Excitement
From the outside in, the 2025 Explorer dazzles drivers. Its confident stance is accentuated by a revamped grille and front end, while inside, its cozy cabin materials envelop you in an indescribable level of comfort. The caliber of tech is remarkable, with hands-free driving capabilities available to add even more value to your journey, and with the Ford Digital Experience, you’re able to personalize your driving experience like never before. If you want to take on your travels in a whole new way, the 2025 Ford Explorer will surely deliver the level of satisfaction and excitement you demand each time you take your place behind the wheel.