Are you looking for a comfortable, safe, and technologically advanced three-row SUV? Then, you should check out a Ford Explorer for sale. The 2025 model is already out, and it’s loaded with classic features people have always loved about this people hauler, plus innovative additions that make it a true joy to drive and ride in. Ford released the Explorer in four great trims, with something for everyone. We know that understanding the subtle differences from one trim to the next can be challenging, and the discrepancies between them aren’t always obvious immediately. So below, we’ll break down the major highlights of each model and help you understand how they are different from one another.
Active
The Active is the starting trim, but for a base-level trim, it packs a punch, offering features you usually only expect in higher trims. One of these you’ll notice right away is in the seating comfort category. The Active trim enjoys a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. On many competitors, the base trim is just going to have a manually adjustable driver’s seat and a limited number of settings, so having that power adjustability and ten position options is very nice, and it means getting into the ideal position for long drives is easy.
You’ll also get front-row heated seats and a heated steering wheel in the Active trim, meaning on cold days, you and your front-seat passenger can enjoy full-body warmth. Here’s another feature you might associate more with higher trims: remote start. Yup, the starting trim of the 2025 Explorer has remote start as an available feature, so you can turn on your ignition before getting in your vehicle. That means you can activate the climate control from outside of the SUV, pre-warming or pre-cooling the cabin, according to the weather that day. Isn’t that a luxury?
Your Active model will also have a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot, so whether you’re transporting professionals who need to keep up with emails or kids who need to get ahead on homework, your passengers can connect to the Wi-Fi in your 2025 Explorer Active trim. Meanwhile, as the driver, you can view your turn-by-turn navigation, playlists, incoming calls, and other important information on the 13.2-inch touchscreen. That’s a generous screen size for a starting trim. Moving to the back of the vehicle, you’ll enjoy a power liftgate. So, with just a push of a button, the trunk will open all the way—no need to manually lift that trunk door.
On the safety front, the Active trim comes standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite with Adaptive Cruise Control and a Lane-Keeping System. So that means accident-preventing features like Automatic Emergency Braking, the Blind Spot Information System, a backup camera, and automatic high beams. Then, you get the benefit of Adaptive Cruise Control, which will maintain your desired speed, slowing when necessary to maintain a safe following distance, and the Lane-Keeping System to keep you in your lane. As for power beneath the hood, the Active trim gets a 2.3L EcoBoost engine, boasting 300 hp. That covers the highlights of the Active. Let’s move on to the next trims, remembering that they’ll all contain what the Active has and build upon it.
ST-Line
The ST-Line focuses on comfort and convenience. One feature that stands out right away is the available BlueCruise hands-free driving. This is Ford’s popular hands-free driving system that can take over steering, braking, and accelerating for you on hundreds of thousands of compatible roads. If you tackle long daily commutes or love road trips that require long stretches on highways, you’ll appreciate taking a load off and utilizing BlueCruise.
In addition to all the safety features you get in the Active trim, you’ll also enjoy a 360-degree camera in this trim, so you can get a comprehensive look at what’s happening around your vehicle at all times and make informed maneuvers. You’ll enjoy your podcasts, audiobooks, and music more in this trim, thanks to the Bang and Olufsen 10-speaker sound system, delivering a surround sound experience to you and your passengers.
The ST-Line also gets some cool style upgrades, like 20-inch machined aluminum wheels that will turn heads and cloth inserts with striking red stitching. If you like all that the Active has to offer but want a little more pizazz and creature comforts, consider the ST-Line. It’s a nice starting option for those wanting a step up from the base trim while staying in a wallet-friendly price range.
ST
Love what the ST-Line has to offer but looking for some more performance elements behind the wheel and aesthetically? Check out the ST. It adds to the ST-Line with a sport-tuned suspension that is ready to handle your spirited driving maneuvers while keeping you in command and in contact with the road. It’s also going to upgrade you to the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine, boasting a roaring 400 hp.
Style-wise, you’ll roll on 21-inch magnetite-painted aluminum wheels for a unique appeal, and on the inside, you’ll see Miko inserts—a type of fake suede, high-performance material that’s soft, comfortable, and stylish (oh, and made from recycled materials!) ST logos and red accent stitching complete the performance look.
You’ll bump your tunes on an available B&O 14-speaker system in this vehicle, so you’re looking at two speakers per passenger and an excellent listening experience. Comfort gets turned up a couple of notches, too, with not only heated front seats but also ventilated front seats for hot days. Plus, you get active motion massaging seats, pulverizing tension in your back while you drive.
The addition of wireless charging is a nice touch in this trim, allowing you to leave the USB cords at home should you want to. Plus, you get the Explorer’s popular PowerFold third-row power-folding seat, which goes down at the push of a button to create extra cargo space when you need it.
Platinum
Finally we land at the Platinum trim, the upper trim. It’s a comfortable, stylish, and luxurious trim with all of the perks of the others, plus more. One of these is the available twin-panel moonroof, which opens up the ceiling and lets in natural light. If you have road trips to national parks and other natural wonders planned, you’ll love getting this sneak peek at your surroundings through the moonroof. Your second-row passengers will also get heating in this trim, so they can’t complain they’re cold on winter days. Additionally, you’ll sit in leather-trimmed seating. They’re easy to keep clean and easy on the eye. If you don’t want to skip out on a single creature comfort, consider the Platinum trim.
Drive Home in Quality and Comfort in the 2025 Ford Explorer
What many drivers love about the Explorer is that you can access what many consider to be upper-trim features without the high-end price tag. So, if you’re shopping on a budget but don’t want to feel like it, the 2025 Explorer Active will meet your demands for quality and comfort. The Explorer has long been one of America’s favorite large SUVs. Families, adventurers, and professionals alike rely on it for advanced safety features, innovative technology, and comfort and convenience that make a major difference in your regular travels. Ford pulled out all the stops for the 2025 model, so check it out at your local dealer today.
