The sixth-generation Ford Explorer gets a mid-cycle refresh, bringing some major tech changes.
For nearly 34 years, the Explorer has been a mainstay in Ford’s SUV lineup, and the latest version is getting a host of tweaks as we reach the halfway point of its current generation. The Blue Oval’s three-row SUV already made some major mechanical changes when it went into production for the 2020 model year, including a switch back to a rear-wheel-drive-based platform and sleeker styling. To that end, while there are some powertrain changes worth talking about, the updated 2025 Ford Explorer largely focuses on styling and technology upgrades over the past few years’ models.
Right off the bat, you’ll spot the updated Explorer by way of a far larger grille, while various trims still change it up so you can tell the performance-oriented ST apart from, say, the Platinum. Ford also tweaked the headlight design and brought in wider air curtains along the front bumper to “help lower the vehicle’s visual center of gravity. At the back, the 2025 Explorer is more noticably different, bringing a new liftgate design with completely different LED taillights and “Explorer” badging across the center of the tailgate, rather than at the corner. Vapor Blue Metallic (shown below) joins the color palette, while the new model also brings in fresh wheel designs ranging between 18 and 21 inches, depending on the trim you choose.
One of the big changes for the 2025 Ford Explorer centers around the trim walk. It’s much shorter than it’s been over the past few model years, omitting special models like the King Ranch and the Timberline (at least for now). Even the familiar XLT, which has been part of the range since the first-generation debuted in 1991, is gone. Only four trims will be available when the 2025 model launches this spring: Active, ST-Line, ST and Platinum. The Active is the new entry-level option, though Ford did also tease a yellow-gold-accented model that looks pretty close to the Maverick Tremor…so Ford may be angling to bring that model into the Explorer range to replace the Timberline.
We’ll hear more about that soon, but let’s take a closer look at what we’ll see with the four versions available in the next several weeks.
Taking a look inside the 2025 Ford Explorer
If you weren’t a huge fan of Ford’s portrait-style infotainment screen on some Explorer variants, there’s good news: It’s gone for this updated version. Instead, all 2025 Ford Explorers will come with a new 13.2-inch, landscape-oriented infotainment screen as well as a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Like so many other systems these days, this new setup uses Google Built-In software, baking in such apps as Google Maps and the Play Store, though you do still get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
One of the more interesting aspects of these newer systems leans more on the “entertainment” side of things. When the Explorer is parked, you can actually hook up a PS5 controller through Bluetooth and play some video games, including Ford’s exclusive game “Asphalt Nitro 2”. You can also stream by way of YouTube and Prime Video, too. Ford offers one-year complimentary service on the new Explorer’s 5G wireless connectivity, though you’ll have to subscribe if you want to keep using it after that.
If you’re curious about Blue Cruise, Ford’s semi-autonomous system, it is available on the ST-Line, ST and Platinum trims on a 90-day trial (again, you’ll have to pay for it if you want to keep the functionality after that). The first year of Blue Cruise support after the 90-day period is up will run you $700, then each additional year after that will be $800.
The 2025 Ford Explorer also brings in some quality-of-life interior changes, apart from the tech updates. The dash has been pushed forward a bit, allowing a roomier cabin for the front passengers. Ford is also working to up its material game by fitting more soft-touch surfaces inside the car, and the interior generally sports far fewer buttons than the past models.
Powertrain changes
Under the hood, the 2025 Ford Explorer brings a familiar range of engines to the party. The 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine is still the base unit, though it has been updated in the same vein as the new Mustang. It still puts out the same amount of power as before — 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft — though we’ll have to wait and see how fuel economy figures shake out for this model versus 2024 and prior years.
The Explorer ST still gets its 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine as standard equipment, putting out 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. One change this time around comes down to the 10-speed automatic transmission, however, which Ford says it recalibrated to be smoother. The larger turbocharged mill is optional on the Platinum. Rear-wheel drive is still the default across the range, though all-wheel drive is available on every trim across the 2025 Ford Explorer lineup.
If you’re looking for a new Explorer Hybrid, well…you’re out of luck. Ford actually cancelled the hybrid Explorer for civilian use, and it will instead only be available in police interceptors.
How much will it cost?
When it goes on sale this spring, the 2025 Ford Explorer will kick off at $41,220 (including destination) for the Active model. That’s a cool $2,765 more than the 2024 model, though that’s par for the course with updated models these days. There is more standard equipment this time around, and Ford condensed the options list down into packages, rather than featuring a host of standalone options. That can cut both ways (either easier ordering or less choice), but that’s what we’re currently looking at for this new model.
From there, the ST-Line starts at $45,980, while the full-on ST goes for $56,800. The mid-range ST-Line that gets the performance looks without the beefier engine is actually cheaper than it was for 2024, and it’s also available with a “Street Package” if you want larger wheels, upgraded brakes and red-painted brake calipers like you’d get standard on the ST. If nothing but the ST will do, keep in mind it’s up $5,100 from last year.
At the top of the range, the Platinum comes in a bit lower at $53,120 (as opposed to $57,310). However, that’s mainly because it comes standard with the 300-horsepower 2.3-liter, rather than the ST’s 3.0-liter mill. Again, you can still get it as an option if get the “Ultimate” package, though that bumps the price right back up. If you want more luxury but don’t need the extra power, there’s also the “Lux Leather” package.
Ford brought Andre and scores of other journalists out to see the new Explorer in person. Check that out below:
