Description
Ford refreshed the sixth generation of the Explorer SUV in early 2024, five years after the model’s introduction, and the 2025 model year came with significant changes.
The Explorer was the all-time best-selling SUV in America when Ford launched the facelift for the sixth generation of it in early 2024 for the 2025 model year. Even though the car was appreciated by customers, the automaker knew that it needed some upgrades. Moreover, it simplified the lineup by reducing the grades from seven to four. Also, it added more standard features to the car. Ford hoped these changes could keep customers coming and asking for this three-row SUV.
At the front, the 2025 Explorer featured different grilles, depending on the grade. The ST and the ST line sported a black color with red badges on it. At the same time, the Platinum version was spoiled with a decoration that mixed chromed and black elements in a honeycomb pattern. All versions had similar-looking lower bumpers with a slim and wide air intake at the bottom flanked by side scoops that housed the fog lamps.
From its profile, the cab-rearward design of the Explorer was characteristic of a vehicle based on a rear-wheel drive platform. Ford emphasized that with a slightly sloped down roof line and an ascending waistline. The automaker also tried to create a rugged appearance for the Explorer by adorning the wheel arches with black moldings. For the ST and the ST line versions, the vehicle had specific badges mounted on the sides and on the tailgate, while the Active (base model) and the Platinum grades didn’t.
While the exterior didn’t look too much different from its predecessor, the interior was drastically refreshed. First, it had a new dashboard that was pushed forward to create a roomier area for the front passengers. Atop the center stack was a landscape-oriented 13.2-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, while in front of the driver was a standard 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster for the entire range. Both screens were controlled by the same computer so the driver could transfer the information from one screen to the other. The 2025 Explorer was the first to integrate the Ford Digital Experience, which connected Google accounts with the car, so all the preferences regarding music, apps, and locations were synchronized. Besides the technological upgrades, the SUV also boasted higher quality materials than its predecessors. On the downside, the rearmost row of seats couldn’t provide enough room for adult-sized passengers.
Under the hood, Ford installed its 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine carried over from the previous generation, and it paired it with a standard ten-speed automatic transmission that sent power in all corners. The ST grade, on the other hand, became not just the most expensive in the range but also the most powerful since it was the only one available with the 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that sent 300 hp (304 PS) to the wheels.
Press Release
The adventure continues. Ford Explorer - America's alltime best-selling SUV - sets a new standard again with an updated lineup of models, all featuring a redesigned interior, advanced new technology and bolder exterior styling to create Ford's best Explorer yet.
For more than three decades, Explorer has helped define SUV comfort, performance and functionality. The new 2025 Explorer lineup - from well-equipped Active to stylish ST-Line to high-performance ST and top-of-the-line Platinum - continues that legacy with a more refined cabin that features sophisticated new color, texture and material choices, and introduces the new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system.
And for the first time, Explorer drivers who opt for ST-Line, ST and Platinum models can enjoy the convenience of Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving.
"For nearly 35 years, families have chosen the Ford Explorer, making it America's all-time bestselling SUV. We have refined almost every part of the new Explorer - focusing on a redesigned interior, additional technology like BlueCruise hands-free highway driving and special editions like the 400 horsepower Explorer ST. It's the right combination of delivering what the next generation of customers want and love in a large SUV," said Andrew Frick, president, Ford Blue.
Explore with More
Travel in comfort - Redesigned interior with softer touchpoints and premium materials makes for more comfortable journeys.
Hands-free exploring - Available Ford BlueCruise makes hands-free highway driving a reality for Explorer owners.
Extend your digital life - The Ford Digital Experience infotainment system enables drivers to access their favorite apps and services from Google and Amazon3, through the new integrated native experience, as well as with Apple CarPlay® powered by iPhone and Android Auto™ through other compatible devices.
A New Level of Explorer Comfort
The redesigned interior catches the eye with fine details, surfaces and colors, including new wrap-and-stitch soft-touch surfaces on the center console, door panels and redesigned dashboard, and available ActiveX® durable and premium synthetic seating material. Silver mesh accents further the premium feel of the updated interior.
The dashboard has been pushed forward to give front-row passengers a more open and spacious cabin. An integrated tray below the touchscreen houses an available wireless phone charging pad and there are USB connections to charge mobile devices in all three rows.
"The new Explorer starts with a great foundation. Customers told us they love the way it drives and the choice of rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. So, we focused on improving other areas including redesigning the interior with new materials, textures and colors to make sitting inside Explorer as enjoyable as driving one," said Kelley Clark, Explorer chief engineer.
Explorer brings new standard interior color schemes across the lineup:
Platinum
Mojave Dusk leather instrument panel, door panels and console with matched accent stitching
Mojave Dusk leather seats with matched accent stitching
ST
Black Onyx instrument panel, door panels and console with red accent stitching
Black Onyx ActiveX® seats with Miko suede inserts and red accent stitching
ST-Line
Black Onyx instrument panel, door panels and console with red accent stitching
Black Onyx ActiveX® seats with cloth inserts and red accent stitching
Active
Ultra Dark Space Gray instrument panel, door panels and console with Harvest Bronze accent stitching
Dark Gray soft-touch seats with Black Onyx inserts and Harvest Bronze accent stitching
Color Your Adventures
Standard on Platinum and ST, and available on ST-Line, Explorer customers can choose from seven ambient lighting options: Ice Blue, Orange, Soft Blue, Red, Green, Blue and Purple.
Elevate Your Driving Experience
Explorer is the first Ford vehicle to include the new Ford Digital Experience, which allows customers to access their digital life inside the car. It is designed to allow greater connection and personalization for our customers through profiles, content and apps, helping make time behind the wheel more enjoyable, even when parked.
The displays on the 13.2-inch touchscreen allow for easy control, and integration with Google Maps allows navigation screens to be displayed on both the touchscreen and the 12.3-inch digital cluster.
Designed to prioritize the use of voice, Google Assistant serves as the default voice assistant and Alexa Built-In is also available as an alternative for in-vehicle controls including to set invehicle temperature, search information, find and set a destination and request a specific broadcast or satellite radio station. It can also help with making calls, sending texts, setting a meeting, and controlling connected home devices.
Customers can enjoy streaming music, audiobooks and podcasts using entertainment apps downloaded on Google Play, including Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, and iHeartRadio, as well as embedded SiriusXM with 360L for a personalized listening experience so they are always available in the vehicle, regardless of whether a smartphone is connected in the vehicle.
While parked, Explorer customers can:
Watch videos and stream their favorite movies and TV shows with apps such as YouTube, Prime Video and more to stay entertained while out and about on daily journeys.
Surf the web using the available Vivaldi Browser app - as well as Google Chrome coming soon - including with a Bluetooth-connected keyboard to make typing easier.
Play games on the touchscreen by selecting from a growing list of games available on Google Play, including a Ford-exclusive version of racing game Asphalt Nitro 2; users can connect a Bluetooth-enabled gaming controller for a more immersive experience.
The Ford Digital Experience platform is designed to enable more apps and services in the future and help make the vehicle better over time thanks to over-the-air software update capability, available for the first time to Explorer owners.
Plus, 5G wireless technology brings incredibly fast connectivity and, with a Ford Premium Connectivity plan, it will provide the best possible in-vehicle experience. Customers also have the option to activate a Wi-Fi hot spot that gives Internet access to up to 10 mobile devices.
Hands-Free Highway Driving
Select trims of the new Explorer are equipped with Ford BlueCruise hardware, enabling handsfree highway driving that helps make long road trips or navigating stop-and-go traffic easier and more enjoyable. The system includes features such as Lane Change Assist, allowing a driver to switch lanes hands-free with a tap of the turn signal when the path is clear, and In-Lane Repositioning, which helps provide more space by subtly shifting away from vehicles in adjacent lanes. With BlueCruise assisting with the braking, accelerating and steering, it helps reduce some of the stress of driving, allowing you to arrive more energized and refreshed at your destination.
New Explorer customers with BlueCruise-equipped vehicles can choose to activate a Connected Services plan at the time of vehicle purchase for one year or experience hands-free highway driving with a complimentary 90-day trial. At the end of the trial, customers have the flexibility to activate annually or monthly, based on their needs.
Loaded with Standard Equipment
10-way power, heated driver's seat
4-way power, heated front passenger seat
Ford Digital Experience infotainment system
13.2-inch LCD touchscreen
12.3-inch color LCD digital cluster
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ wireless compatibility
Alexa Built-in
8 USB ports - including two for third-row passengers
Three 12-volt powerpoints
Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+
FordPass Connect™ embedded modem
Class III Trailer Tow Package
Plus:
Rear-wheel drive (4WD available)
Recalibrated 10-speed automatic transmission
Power liftgate
LED headlamps
New Face of Exploration
For 2025, the new Explorer boasts a bolder appearance and stance, with options that allow Explorer owners to further personalize their ride. Uniquely styled front ends include a larger grille, sleeker all-LED headlamps, front skid plate and lower, wider air curtains that help lower the vehicle's visual center of gravity.
Further enhancing the look, there's a new black-painted roof option for Platinum, ST and ST-Line.
The updated liftgate maintains the premium appearance, with LED taillamps extending from the vehicle's corners onto a horizontal nameplate appliqué that stretches across the liftgate.
Explore in Style
Explorer customers can tailor the SUV that's right for them with a handful of available custom packages:
Platinum Lux Leather Package
Adds Platinum badging on front-row seats, Premium Sanctuary Leather seating surfaces with Tri-Diamond Micro-Perforated inserts and accent stitching, piping and quilting on seats and quilting and accent stitching on door panels
Available in Mojave Dusk or Salt Crystal Gray interior environments
Platinum Ultimate Package
Includes all Platinum Lux Leather Package content, plus a 400-horsepower 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine and 21-inch Dark Alloy polished aluminum wheels
ST-Line Premium Package
Adds features such as power-folding side mirrors, heated second-row seats, PowerFold® third-row seats, ambient lighting, rain-sensing wipers and wireless charging pad
ST-Line Street Pack
Adds 21-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels, performance brakes and redpainted performance front and rear brake calipers
Active Comfort Package
Adds features such as heated steering wheel, LED fog lamps and signature lightning and ActiveX® seating material
Light Space Gray vinyl instrument panel, door panels and console with Harvest Bronze accent stitching available
Each model in the 2025 Explorer lineup features a unique grille:
Platinum: Unique wing design, satin chrome and Ebony grille
ST: Honeycomb gloss black grille with black mesh insert and ST badging
ST-Line: Honeycomb gloss black grille with black mesh insert
Active: Saw-tooth design, black mesh grille with chrome bars
The new Explorer features seven wheel options, including:
18-inch Sparkle Silver-painted aluminum - standard on Active
20-inch Carbonized Gray-painted aluminum - available on Active
20-inch Ebony machined, painted aluminum - standard on ST-Line
21-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum - standard on ST, available on ST-Line
20-inch Luster Nickel-painted aluminum - standard on Platinum, available on Active
20-inch polished aluminum - available on Platinum
21-inch dark alloy polished aluminum - available on Platinum
ST Back for More Thrills
Engineered by Ford Performance, the special edition Explorer ST continues as the most powerful and fun-to-drive Explorer ever with new options. Powered by a specially tuned 3.0-liter EcoBoost® engine that produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb.-ft. of torque, Explorer ST comes standard as a rear-wheel-drive performance SUV. Four-wheel drive is available.
Every Explorer ST and ST-Line customer is eligible to attend the complimentary Ford Performance Racing School's ST Driving Experience, where they will learn how to get the most out of their Explorer ST. Customers can select the location of their choice - Park City, Utah or Asheville, North Carolina.
There's also an available Explorer ST-Line special edition for customers who prefer standout ST styling without the need for Ford Performance driving dynamics.
New for this year is Vapor Blue Metallic paint, available on ST, as well as ST-Line and Active models. Other new options for Explorer ST customers include a black-painted roof and new 21- inch Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels.
Your Explorer - Streamlined
The 2025 Explorer series lineup is simplified to include:
Platinum
2.3-liter EcoBoost® standard
400 horsepower 3.0-liter EcoBoost available
Rear-wheel drive standard; four-wheel drive available
20-inch luster nickel-painted aluminum wheels standard
ST
400 hp 3.0-liter EcoBoost®
Rear-wheel drive standard; four-wheel drive available
21-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels standard
ST-Line
2.3-liter EcoBoost®
Rear-wheel drive standard; four-wheel drive available
20-inch Ebony machine-painted aluminum wheels standard
Active
2.3-liter EcoBoost®
Rear-wheel drive standard; four-wheel drive available
18-inch Sparkle Silver-painted aluminum wheels standard
The new Ford Explorer starts at MSRP of $41,220, including destination and delivery charges. Vehicles are expected to start arriving in dealerships in the second quarter of 2024.
