It’s been nearly five years since Ford introduced the sixth-generation Explorer back in 2019, with the mid-size SUV being one of the most popular models in its class. For the 2025MY, the Explorer has received what’s known in the industry as a mid-cycle facelift, bringing with it a fresh face and a thoroughly reworked interior.
The exterior changes on the 2025 Ford Explorer are subtle and bear a resemblance to the Chinese-spec Explorer, while the interior has seen a substantial overhaul, highlighted by a larger 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen. Ford is also simplifying the trim structure of the SUV. Although most of the powertrain options remain consistent, the hybrid variant has been discontinued.
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2025 Ford Explorer ST
The standout feature of the exterior is the updated front end, showcasing a significantly larger grille flanked by smaller LED headlights and revised bumper intakes. The profile is carried over from the outgoing Explorer, but the taillights feature sharper graphics and extend into the redesigned tailgate.
The new model year Explorer is offered in Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST trims, each featuring unique grilles and different wheels to set them apart. Although the Timberline trim is not currently included in the lineup, Ford has teased the upcoming introduction of an off-road-focused trim.
New for 2025 is the Vapor Blue Metallic paint that is available for all trims besides the Platinum. Furthermore, the ST gains a black roof option and a new set of 21-inch wheels with a Magnetite finish. Buyers of the ST and ST-Line trims can attend a special program in the Ford Performance Racing Schools (Park City, Utah or Asheville, North Carolina), exploring the limits of their sporty-looking Explorer.
Overhauled Interior And Semi-Autonomous Driving Capabilities
Typically, facelifted models feature minor interior changes, but the 2025 Ford Explorer breaks the mold with a completely redesigned dashboard that has been pushed forward, creating more space for the front passengers.
The centerpiece is a new free-standing 13.2-inch central touchscreen in landscape orientation, combined with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The new screen layout – that look more subtle than full-width setup of the Chinese-spec Explorer – is standard equipment and integrates the new Google-based “Ford Digital Experience” infotainment. The system is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto, supporting Google Assistant or Alexa Built-in for voice commands. Passengers can watch videos or play videogames on the main screen, while the digital instrument cluster can now display the map.
Ford also says that it has improved the quality of the materials in the three-row seven-seater cabin of the Explorer. Additionally, they have included dual wireless charging pads on the center console, along with eight USB-C ports and three 12-Volt outlets, ensuring passengers stay connected and powered up on the go.
The mid-size SUV comes standard with a comprehensive ADAS suite (Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+). However, the significant news is the inclusion of Ford’s BlueCruise system, which adds hands-free driving capability on the highway. It’s worth noting that BlueCruise is available through a subscription-based plan, priced at $800 per year after an initial 90-day free trial, or a discounted rate of $700 per year at the time of purchase.
The 400-HP Engine Of The ST Is Now Available For The Platinum
2025 Ford Explorer Platinum
Despite the visual and technological upgrades, Ford engineers made minimal changes to the Explorer’s underpinnings. The carry-over turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder Ecoboost powertrain produces 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS) and 310 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque in the Active, ST-Line, and Platinum models. The ST variant features the 3.0-liter Ecoboost V6 that delivers 400 hp (299 kW / 406 PS) and 415 lb-ft (563 Nm) of torque. The more potent engine is now optionally available in the luxurious Platinum trim (previously standard).
Both of the EcoBoost powertrains are exclusively mated to a “recalibrated” 10-speed automatic gearbox, with the ST getting paddle shifters. Rear-wheel-drive is standard in all trims, with 4WD offered as an option. As mentioned above, the Explorer Hybrid is gone, which means that fans of electrification will have to wait for the next generation of the popular SUV.
Pricing and availability
The first examples of the 2025 Ford Explorer are expected to reach US dealerships in the second quarter of the year. Orders are currently being accepted, and the starting price, including destination charges, is $41,220. This reflects a $2,765 increase compared to the pre-facelifted model, which is justified by the more generous standard equipment and features including heated front seats, power liftgate and adaptive cruise control.