2025 Ford Explorer SUV is a vehicle that continues to serve as suburban family transportation with a few exterior upgrades and some new technology to keep things interesting of course it comes with the Base, Limited, King Ranch, and Timberline trim levels removed. Where a new, tougher off-road version is rumored to fill the void left by the departing Timberline.
Both Explorer powertrains are a turbocharged four-cylinder and a twin-turbo V-6, each with a ten-speed automatic. The transmission remains, as does the choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. The Explorer’s family-friendly cabin and third-row versatility are its main selling points.
While the back row isn’t as comfortable as some of its rivals, knowing it’s there when needed will provide some peace of mind. Folding it offers ample cargo space.
However, competition in the midsize SUV sector is fierce, and the Explorer now faces many very talented competitors, including the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and Toyota Grand Highlander many of which offer more contemporary styling and overall refinement.
2025 Ford Explorer Reviews
The simplified 2025 Ford Explorer lineup includes a new face, a 13.2-inch touchscreen, and a hands-free driving mode for the first time. The Ford Explorer deserves a lot of credit or blame, depending on who you ask for contributing to America’s insatiable thirst for sport-utility vehicles, sometimes known as SUVs.
The original Explorer was introduced for the 1991 model year, and the adventurous-sounding moniker has remained in production ever since, with the latest iteration returning to rear-wheel drive starting in 2020. While the base, powertrain, and most of its body panels remain unchanged, the Ford Explorer 2025 received a mid-cycle refresh, as the industry calls it.
Along with a simplified product lineup, Ford’s mid-size SUV gets a new look, a renovated interior, and significantly upgraded electronics.
The 2025 Ford Explorer portfolio is smaller than before, but all models get a restyled front end, a refreshed interior, and several technology-related changes. Every 2025 Ford Explorer now offers a fully digital gauge cluster and a more sophisticated infotainment system that includes Google’s voice assistant and apps for streaming video and playing video games.
Ford’s mid-size SUV remains technically unchanged but now comes with more standard amenities, including the BlueCruise hands-free driving system for the first time.
What’s New: Ford Explorer 2025
What’s new is that the choice has been reduced to four trim levels: base Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum. The front fascia is slightly modified with a new grille, headlights, and lower air intake, while the rear gets new taillights.
Platinum, ST, and ST-Line buyers can now opt for a new black roof, as well as the BlueCruise hands-free driving feature. Interior improvements emphasize comfort and higher-quality materials, with new soft-touch surfaces on the center console and door panels, as well as new color schemes.
The 2025 Explorer is Ford’s first vehicle to include Ford Digital Experience, a fancy nickname for its new software system designed to seamlessly integrate users’ favorite apps while parking, as well as provide native streaming and internet surfing capabilities.
Upgrade
America’s all-time SUV sales leader received a major technology overhaul, a more luxurious interior, and a simplified product lineup. With more than 8 million units sold and 3.5 million still on the way, the Ford Explorer may have become a legend, but the sixth generation Explorer, new for 2020 and praised for its smart packaging and good value, took last place in the Grand Test recently.
The car also ranked 10th in the MotorTrend Ultimate Car Rankings for the compact three-row SUV class, primarily due to outdated technology and some drivability difficulties. The time has certainly come for a redemptive mid-cycle update, in the form of the 2025 Ford Explorer this summer.
Ford Digital Experience Debuts
Sync is being phased out; long live FDE! Ford is openly courting millennials with its Explorer redesign, and what these people want most is for their vehicles to integrate seamlessly into their digital surroundings. The average household now has 16 connected gadgets, and Ford hopes to make Explorer one of them via whatever connection the buyer prefers.
Amazonians may ask Alexa to do their bidding, Apple users can summon Siri, and “Hey Google” will handle any verbal command with equal ease. In all circumstances, Apple Maps or Google Maps can be displayed on both the instrument cluster and the center screen.
In comparison to the previous Explorer’s Sync arrangement, onboard system computing power has quintupled, while graphics processing power has quadrupled (14 times)! Gamers will like this when they attach their Bluetooth gaming controllers to the car, allowing them to play Asphalt Nitro 2 or other Google Play games while parked.
There is a more capable Vivaldi web browser that may be accessed more simply by pairing a Bluetooth keyboard once again, while parked. Leaving this vehicle turned off in the garage will strike some owners as a waste of 5G connectivity (for up to ten mobile devices) and high-resolution screens.
Speaking of which, every 2025 Ford Explorer will receive the entire Ford Digital Experience on both a 13.2-inch landscape-oriented infotainment screen and a 12.3-inch digital cluster screen with no mechanical dials or small screens, even for rental models. Expect FDE to spread throughout the portfolio as models are upgraded.
BlueCruise 1.2 semi-autonomous hands-free driving also makes its debut in the 2025 Explorer, eager to assist with lane changes and relieve drivers of the drudgery of long-distance trips. ST-Line, ST, and Platinum models will have a 90-day free trial or a $700 yearly membership discount at the time of purchase. After that, the charge is $75 per month or $800 per year.
Freshened Front and Rear
Outside, there are just minor design changes: four new grilles, one for each variety in the reduced model lineup. Active combines the former base and XLT models, ST-Line adds everything of the ST flair without the huge engine and incorporates certain Limited amenities, ST is the performance leader, and Platinum is the luxury flagship that includes some King Ranch features. (The Timberline trim will return to the lineup as the trail tackler some months after the main launch.)
This model-line consolidation reduces the number of primary buildable combinations from “hundreds to around 40,” lowering assembly-logistics costs and heartburn during vehicle ordering. There are new all-LED lighting and reworked fascias on both ends, as well as four new wheel designs in 18-, 20-, and 21-inch diameters; one new color and the option of a black roof; and many new interior ambiances.
Swankier Inner Space
All four trim levels feature a wrap-and-sew effect on the dash, door panels, and console, however, the selection of the material improves as you spend more. We particularly enjoy the new fabric-covered “sound bar” that runs across the dash and houses tweeters relocated from the A-pillars. There are various new colorways (the nicest being a deep maroon/purple called Mojave Dusk, which is available on Platinum variants) and seating materials, such as ActiveX with Miko suede inserts.
All variants have a tray beneath the infotainment screen that can charge one large phone while parking another next to it. On all models save the ST (which only gets buckets), the middle row has a choice of two captain’s chairs or a three-across bench, while a power-folding third row is optional or standard across the line. There are now eight USB charging outlets throughout the vehicle, including a classic A-type jack in the front.
Minimal mechanical modifications
The most significant changes to the powertrain selection are the elimination of the lower-powered 3.0-liter and hybrid options (save through Ford Pro for police and other government/fleet operations). That leaves a simple choice between a 300-hp 2.3-liter EcoBoost four and a 400-hp 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6, both mated to a 10-speed automatic that has allegedly been reprogrammed, employing lessons learned across many product lines to improve drivability.
And, because a large proportion of Explorer customers like camping and fishing, a Class-III hitch rated for 5,000 pounds is now standard. Also included are six driving modes on RWD models and seven on AWD variants.
The New Explorer Lineup
Ford is making the 2025 Ford Explorer family smaller in 2025 to decrease complexity, which the company believes would help improve quality and consume fewer resources. That means last year’s eight-trim lineup has been reduced to four: Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST.
While we don’t know what happened to the off-road-oriented Timberline, a Ford spokeswoman informed Car and Driver that the firm is presently building the “most off-road-capable Explorer,” with additional information coming later this year. We anticipate a facelifted Timberline, potentially with more hard-core hardware, while a Raptor version appears unlikely.
Every new Explorer features a bigger grille, redesigned headlights, and front bumpers that resemble skid plates while appearing broader and lower than before. To help distinguish the first four trims, Ford provides each a unique grille, with the Active having a black mesh design with chrome bars, the ST-Line and ST having gloss-black honeycomb patterns and unique emblems, and the Platinum has a wing design with black and glossy chrome parts.
The Explorer’s taillights have also been updated to look cooler, and they are now connected by a horizontal element with an “Explorer” script that is partially lighted. For the first time, clients can order a black-painted roof from the factory on all models except the base. All versions now come standard with the previously optional tow package; however, their 5000-pound towing capacity is 300-600 pounds lower than before.
As with almost every mid-cycle refresh, there are new paint options and wheel designs. The lovely Vapour Blue metallic is a new color that is available on all trim levels except the ritzy Platinum. The performance-oriented ST gets Magnetite-painted 21-inch wheels, which are also available on the less powerful ST-Line. However, this requires the Street Pack, which contains improved brakes with red-painted calipers. Anyone who purchases either ST model is also eligible for free admission to Ford’s performance driving school, which has sites in Park City, Utah, and Asheville, North Carolina.
According to Ford, the 2025 Explorer will not have any significant chassis or powertrain upgrades. All variants are equipped with rear-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available as an option. The Active, ST-Line, and Platinum models all feature a 300-hp turbo 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine. The ST boasts a 400-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine, which is also available on the Platinum (formerly standard). Both engines have a 10-speed automatic gearbox, however only the ST model includes paddle shifters.
2025 Ford Explorer EV
A new-generation 2025 Ford Explorer has debuted, offering a slew of new features, with the hybrid variant being dropped. Ford has given its legendary Explorer a facelift for 2025, with new electronics, a refreshed interior, and powerful engine options. Once again, we will not see it here.
Among the Explorer’s improvements are a large new grille design, ornamented with sharper all-LED headlights, a front skid plate, and reworked “air curtains” integrated into the front bumper, which are consistent with the design language of the previous model.
The rear has a reworked tailboard with new Everest-inspired LED tail lights, as well as a new Explorer badge running across the now-powered liftgate.
The Explorer’s trim and spec levels have been simplified, and it is now available in Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST trims, with the option of a 299kW/560Nm 3.0-litre twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 – a significant boost from the previous model’s basic 224 kW 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine.
Both engines are coupled to a retuned 10-speed automatic, with paddle shifters available on the ST model. Rear-wheel drive is the default power delivery system, with four-wheel drive available on all trim levels.
The hybrid drivetrain has been eliminated for the MY2025 upgrade, which means there will be no electrified option of all – in stark contrast to the newly completely unrelated 2025 Ford Explorer EV, which may ultimately arrive in Australia. Ford has also hinted at a new off-road trim level.
Electric Ford Explorer to ride on the new BEV architecture
During the Ford Capital Markets Day 2021, Hau Thai-Tang, who is the Chief Product Platform and Operations Officer at Ford, announced a new exclusive EV platform that will be used for the upcoming Ford Explorer Electric and Lincoln Aviator Electric. He confirmed that both these vehicles would be fully electric and would be built on this new platform.
LFP Batteries
Ford revealed on July 21, 2022, that it intends to utilize CATL’s lithium iron phosphate batteries with cell-to-pack technology in the North American F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E. The automaker is considering using LFP batteries in specific versions of the 2025 Ford Explorer EV as well to lower the cost.
Compared to lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide batteries, iron-based batteries are less expensive, safer, and have a longer lifespan. However, they may not have the same range and weight capabilities, which could be a problem for larger vehicles such as the Explorer EV.
Ford Explorer EV reconfirmed
Mike Levine, Ford North America Product Communications Manager, confirmed the plan for the Ford Explorer Electric on Twitter, following the announcement. The company intends to fully electrify the Explorer as part of its goal to have 40% of its lineup as electric vehicles by 2030. Ford predicts that one-third of the full-size pickup segment in the U.S. will be electric by 2030, which translates to over 800,000 vehicles per year.
Ford also aims to capture 70% of the all-electric full-size bus and van industry by 2030, representing more than 300,000 vehicles annually. Additionally, Hau Thai-Tang, Chief Product Platform and Operations Officer at Ford announced a dedicated BEV architecture that is scalable and optimized for the next generation of full-size pickup trucks and utilities.
Expected Features:
Active aero
To improve the Explorer EV’s energy consumption, Ford plans to give special attention to its exterior design to make it more aerodynamically efficient compared to the gas-powered Explorer. Weight and dimensions pose challenges for large SUVs, so maximizing aerodynamics is critical.
During an interview with Laycee Schmidtke from the YouTube channel Miss GoElectric on April 26, 2022, Ford CEO Jim Farley confirmed that the company would produce a different type of F-Series electric pickup at the Blue Oval City facility in Tennessee, with active and deployable aero.
A Ford spokesperson later clarified that Farley was referring to a next-generation electric truck different from the F-150 Lightning and that some of its aero features would be used in the Explorer Electric and larger Lincoln electric SUVs.
Active aero features, such as a front grille that can open and close, can help reduce drag during driving and improve the cooling of the battery pack, electric motors, and front brakes.
Ford Intelligent Backup Power
When the Explorer EV is launched, bi-directional charging is expected to be a common feature among electric vehicles. Ford already offers this feature on the F-150 Lightning with Intelligent Backup Power, which allows customers to use energy stored in their EV’s battery pack to power their homes for up to 10 days. Customers can offload 9.6 kW of power with the F-150 Lightning, but this amount could vary for the Explorer EV.
Sunrun is Ford’s preferred installation partner for Intelligent Backup Power. Another benefit of bi-directional charging is vehicle-to-vehicle charging, which would enable Explorer EV customers to assist other EV users during an outage or charging depletion in a remote location. Additionally, Explorer EV owners could use the vehicle’s battery to power electronics and appliances, such as power tools, during outdoor activities or at remote worksites.
Ford Power-Up
The Explorer EV is expected to have numerous smart and connected features that can be updated using Ford Power-Up software delivered over the air, allowing for easy and quick updates that can be completed in just a few minutes.
Frunk
In the Explorer EV, Ford is considering providing a large front trunk, commonly known as a “frunk,” which will be a dedicated storage area in the front of the vehicle where traditional gas-powered vehicles have their engines.
The mega power frunk can be used to store extra luggage, coolers, golf clubs, and other items, and will have several electrical outlets that can be used to power various devices, such as tools or entertainment equipment.
SYNC 4A
Ford showcased a teaser of the Explorer Electric to dealers, who have reported that the upcoming model features a large touchscreen infotainment system resembling the 15.5-inch portrait display in the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, based on early video renderings.
The infotainment system, believed to be the SYNC 4A unit, should offer wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa voice assistant, and over-the-air software updates via Ford Power-Up.
Electrifying Icons
During the 2021 Capital Markets Day event, Lisa Drake, vice president of EV Industrialization at Ford Model E, said that launching their battery electric vehicles (BEVs) with their most iconic brands allows the company to elevate its strengths and appeal to a new level. She emphasized that electrifying their “icons” can help grow the Ford brand, citing the fact that around 70% of Mustang Mach-E orders came from customers who switched to Ford from other brands.
Drake also stated that while all Ford models will eventually become electric, iconic brands with a history of strong sales and profitability, including Mustang, Transit, F-150, Ranger, and Explorer, will be given priority in the electrification process.
2025 Ford Explorer Redesign
Ford claims that the Explorer’s inside materials have improved, as has its connection and power, which now has eight USB-C ports, three 12-volt plugs, and dual wireless charging pads in the center console.
The redesigned Explorer features a large new 13.2-inch landscape-oriented touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, as well as the new ‘Ford Digital Experience’ system, which is based on Google technology.
The new system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Google Assistant and Alexa, which provide broad and useful voice command features.
BlueCruise, Ford’s hands-free driving suite (only available on certain highways), is now available on the facelifted Explorer as a subscription-based service.
2025 Ford Explorer Refresh
Following a brief delay, the refreshed 2025 Ford Explorer was unveiled yesterday, bringing updated exterior and interior styling to the popular crossover, as well as a slew of new tech features, most notably the new Ford Digital Experience software, which was developed in collaboration with Google. Pricing for the 2025 Ford Explorer is already available, and surprisingly, the updated version of the crossover is less expensive than the outgoing 2024 model in certain circumstances.
For starters, the new entry-level Active, formerly known as the XLT, is slightly more expensive than its predecessor, but it also includes more standard equipment that was previously optional, such as adaptive cruise control, the new infotainment system, and the Trailer Tow Package. However, the ST-Line is significantly less expensive than the 2024 model, owing to the inclusion of some previously standard items in the optional Premium Package.
2025 Ford Explorer Interior
The Explorer’s new dashboard is practically unrecognizable from last year’s model. It’s more than just the 12.3-inch completely digital gauge cluster and 13.2-inch touchscreen, both of which come standard with a new infotainment interface (more on that below).
In addition to new surface materials and textures, the revamped dashboard has been pushed forward to make the front seat area feel more roomy. There’s also a useful tray that protrudes from the center stack, housing the recently released twin wireless charging pads. Ford claims that the seats on cheaper grades have been redesigned to be more comfortable, and there are numerous new interior color schemes available across the spectrum.
While we dislike the piano-black trim on Platinum’s new center console, we do like that lower-spec versions have a matte surface that is less likely to be scratched. Every 2025 Ford Explorer also includes a soundbar-like device built into the dashboard that conceals the stereo’s speakers; higher-end trims feature a more expensive B&O system.
As previously stated, the two huge monitors are standard. While they are based on Google’s Android Automotive operating system, Ford claims that all software development was done in-house, and both screens run on a single module for the first time. Also new is the ability to display a map in the gauge cluster, which was previously only available for turn-by-turn directions. However, the map may only be shown if an active route is specified.
Ford’s infotainment system, known as the Ford Digital Experience, is following in the footsteps of Amazon Alexa, Apple’s Siri, and Google Assistant in terms of voice capabilities. While Google’s software is the default, Alexa may also be used to drive the car. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are already standard for the majority of us who prefer to use our cell phones.
Among the many new connectivity options, Explorer owners now have access to practically limitless apps via the Google Play store. When the vehicle is parked, users can watch films on YouTube and Amazon Prime. They can also use the Vivaldi browser to explore the web (Google Chrome is on its way), and there are a variety of video games available that can be played with a Bluetooth controller.
The Explorer is the first Ford vehicle to receive this enhanced infotainment system, which also supports over-the-air updates. To receive the full experience, clients must subscribe to the Ford Premium Plan, which includes a 5G connection (the first year is free); a Wi-Fi hotspot is also available.
Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving system is now available for the 2025 Explorer. It is not available on the entry-level Active trim, but it may be added to the rest. BlueCruise is available for $700 at the time of purchase, or buyers can choose a 90-day free trial. After that, they will have to select between a $800 yearly plan and $75 each month. Every 2025 Ford Explorer is equipped with a variety of driver-assistance features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist.
The 2025 Ford Explorer is presently available for order, with units expected to arrive on dealer lots between the spring and summer months. The Active costs $41,220, the ST-Line $45,980, the Platinum $53,120, and the ST $56,800. While Ford has yet to announce a price for most options, we expect all-wheel drive will cost an additional $2000, like it did last year.
Interior Design: Ford Explorer 2025
The Explorer’s interior design has traditionally prioritized function over style, but its comfortable cabin gets a boost for 2025 with new interior color schemes and the addition of more soft-touch materials to the center console, door panels, and dashboard. A new dashboard gives front passengers additional space.
Getting into the regular third row is rather simple, thanks to a mechanism that pulls the second-row seat out of the way with the push of a button. Taller children and adults will find that the seat is too close to the floor to be comfortable. Rivals like the Chevrolet Traverse and Volkswagen Atlas offer more comfort in the third row.
We were able to put four carry-on baggage behind the Ford’s third row, bringing the total to 31 with both back rows folded flat.
Entertainment and connectivity
A 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system is standard. The Ford Digital Experience, a new standard software, allows drivers to access apps and services like Google and Amazon, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on compatible devices.
While the vehicle is parked, customers can stream videos from YouTube and other providers, browse the internet, and play Google Play games. There are also eight USB connections, with two for third-row passengers and three 12-volt power outlets. All Active 2025 Ford Explorer save the base model comes standard with a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo.
2025 Ford Explorer Engine
The base Active, ST-Line, and Platinum grades include a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The ST is driven by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V-6 that produces 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. (All power estimates are based on premium fuel.)
A 10-speed automatic gearbox and rear-wheel drive are standard, although all-wheel drive is an option. The ride and handling are controlled and predictable, but drivers seeking a more exciting experience will prefer the 2025 Ford Explorer ST, which has more power and stiffer suspension, making it a true-performance SUV. When properly outfitted, the Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
2025 Ford Explorer Performance and Efficiency
We don’t expect Ford to make any modifications to the Explorer’s powertrain lineup for 2025. The current model has a strong entry-level turbo-four, a hybrid option, and a twin-turbo V-6 for top-of-the-line variants. All engines are mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission and are available with RWD or AWD.
2025 Ford Explorer (Base), XLT, ST-Line, Limited, And Timberline
- Engine: 2.3-liter turbo-four
- Horsepower/Torque: 300 hp/310 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 19-21/21-27 mpg
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.8 seconds
2025 Ford Explorer Hybrid Limited And Platinum
- Engine: 3.3-liter V-6 and electric motor
- Horsepower/Torque: 318 hp/322 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 23-27/26-28 mpg
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 7.7 seconds
2025 Ford Explorer ST
- Engine: 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6
- Horsepower/Torque: 400 hp/415 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 18/24-26 mpg
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.3 seconds
0-60 MPH Times
The Explorer’s standard turbocharged 2.3-liter inline four-cylinder engine provides adequate power. We tested the Explorer with the four-cylinder engine in the now-discontinued Timberline level in 2022, and it reached 60 mph in 6.0 seconds. The ST model, which is powered by a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6, will appeal to those who want to drive fast.
2025 Ford Explorer Safety Features
The 2025 Explorer EV is expected to come with an array of cutting-edge safety features. Ford will likely offer the Co-Pilot360 package, which currently includes various features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. Additionally, the electric SUV is anticipated to feature Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driver-assist system.
Other expected safety features include forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, automatic high-beam assist, and parking sensors.
2025 Ford Explorer MPG
The most economical 2025 models have a rear-wheel drive with a turbo four, which is rated at 21 mpg city and 28 mpg highway; all-wheel drive reduces both statistics by 1 mpg. The Explorer’s twin-turbo V-6 is rated at up to 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway with rear-wheel drive, and 18 mpg city and 24 highway with all-wheel drive.
On our 75-mph highway route, the 400-hp Explorer ST averaged 25 mpg, outperforming its EPA rating by one mpg. We also tested a four-cylinder Explorer with all-wheel drive on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, and it returned 28 mpg, topping the EPA estimate by one mpg.
2025 Ford Explorer Trim Levels
- Explorer (base)
- XLT
- ST-Line
- Limited
- Timberline
- ST
- Platinum
- King Ranch
2025 Ford Explorer Release Date
The 2025 Ford Explorer can be purchased now, with dealer delivery scheduled for early summer 2024. Pricing will begin at $41,220 for the base Active trim, up $2,765 over the previous base model, which is more than offset by more standard features such as larger screens, heated front seats, power liftgate, and adaptive cruise control.
We’re excited to see how far this tech-forward redesign will take the perennial best-selling Ford Explorer in our MotorTrend Ultimate Car Rankings’ ultra-competitive three-row SUV class.
Production
Ford intends to start producing the Explorer Electric at the Oakville Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada, in late 2024, according to a report by Automotive News. The plant will be converted into an EV facility after the Edge and Lincoln Nautilus are discontinued. In the fall of 2020, Ford confirmed an investment of $1.8 billion in the Oakville plant and committed to producing five EVs by 2027.
The plan now is to produce only two pure electric mid-size SUVs, the Explorer EV, and the Lincoln Aviator EV, with an estimated combined yearly production of 230,000 units. The facility may also manufacture battery packs.
Ford’s Electric Vehicle targets
Ford has announced plans to produce over 2 million electric vehicles by 2026, which will represent approximately one-third of its global production. The company has separated into three businesses, including Ford E, Ford Blue, and Ford Pro. This announcement was made on March 2, 2022, as part of Ford’s goal to become a carbon-neutral company by 2025 and to have all its manufacturing operations attain carbon neutrality by 2035.
Additionally, on August 5, 2021, Ford supported U.S. President Joe Biden’s executive order to convert 50% of all passenger vehicle sales in America to electric by 2030 and announced its goal for EVs to account for 40-50% of its annual sales in the U.S. by 2030.
Gas-powered Explorer reportedly to stay on until 2035
Although Explorer Electric is a new and exciting venture for Ford, the company does not intend to retire the gasoline-powered version until the middle of the next decade, as reported by the Ford Authority on December 29, 2022.
The report cites a product roadmap study by AutoForecast Solutions, which indicates that the combustion version of the Ford Explorer will continue to use the CD6 architecture and will be manufactured at the brand’s 113-acre facility in Chicago until December 22, 2035.
2025 Ford Explorer Price
The price of the 2025 Ford Explorer ranges from $41,220 to $56,800, depending on trim and extras.
With the mid-level Limited model discontinued for 2025, we believe the ST-Line makes the most sense. It retains the ST’s aggressive exterior characteristics and the standard 300-horsepower turbo four-cylinder engine, but it is about $11,000 less expensive.
It also rides on standard 20-inch painted alloy wheels (the Active has 18s), tows the same 5000 pounds as the V-6-equipped Explorers, and allows access to the optional BlueCruise and black painted roof, which are not available on the base Active. It also comes with a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, a flat-bottom ST steering wheel, heated second-row seats, and power folding mirrors. We’d also add all-wheel drive for $2,000.
- Active $41,220
- ST-Line $45,980
- Platinum $53,120
- ST $56,800
The package includes a center floor console-mounted AC power outlet, ambient lighting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-folding side mirrors with heated glass and LED turn signals, rain-sensing wipers, a memory driver’s seat, multi-contour front, and second-row heated seats, a power-folding third-row seat, second-row sunblinds, a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and a wireless charging pad. Taking all of this into account, the two versions are practically priced identically: $48,695 versus $48,720.
The high-performance ST costs $5,100 more than the 2024 model, but this is due to equipment improvements. The 2025 Ford Explorer ST now includes the formerly optional ST High Package, making it slightly less expensive – $56,800 against $58,235.
Finally, the Platinum is $3,245 less expensive than its predecessor, but this is because the 2.3L I-4 EcoBoost is now the standard engine option, while the 3.0L V6 EcoBoost is now optional – though it’s worth noting that even with the 3.0, this combination is still cheaper.
| Models | 2025 Ford Explorer | 2024 Ford Explorer | +/- 2025 Price |
| Base | N/A | $36,860 | N/A |
| Active (XLT) | $38,670 | $38,670 | +$955 |
| ST-Line | $44,385 | $46,455 | $-2070 |
| Limited | N/A | $47,520 | N/A |
| Timberline | N/A | $49,430 | N/A |
| King Ranch | N/A | $54,625 | N/A |
| ST | $55,205 | $50,105 | +$5100 |
| Platinum | $51,525 | $54,770 | $-3245 |
| Destination and Delivery | $1,595 | $1,595 | $0 |
Verdict
The 2025 Ford Explorer is a three-row SUV that paved the way for other SUVs that followed and Ford has managed to modernize the model to keep it current. Given the changes to the 2025 Ford Explorer in 2020, we wouldn’t be surprised to see a mid-cycle refresh for 2025 that incorporates Ford’s latest styling cues and technology, similar to the Escape’s upgrades for 2023.
The 2025 Explorer will compete with the Toyota Highlander and Kia Telluride when it’s released. We’ll be back soon with more on the Ford Explorer 2025, so make sure you bookmark our website to stay up to date with the latest Ford Explorer news, 2024 Ford Explorer news, and information on other Ford models on the road.
Video Discovery: 2025 Ford Explorer
This video session that we just updated is the latest post from Raiti’s Rides
where the 2025 Ford Explorer the BEST new 3-row midsize SUV with a first look at the review with a video duration of 25:52 seconds.
Ford redesigns the Explorer. This SUV competes with the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot, Nissan Pathfinder, Mazda CX-90, Chevrolet Traverse, Subaru Ascent, and Dodge Durango. The exterior features a fresh design with a large central grille, 21-inch alloy wheels, and a two-tone paint job.
Inside, you’ll find a new 13-inch infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and upgraded materials. The Explorer is powered by a 2.3L turbocharged inline-4 engine or a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine.
