🚗 2025 Ford Explorer: Full Review of Features, Design & Performance (Part 1)

🔍 Introduction: What’s New in the 2025 Ford Explorer?

The 2025 Ford Explorer is back—and better than ever. As one of the most iconic three-row SUVs in the U.S., the Explorer enters 2025 with refreshed styling, more tech, better fuel efficiency, and an emphasis on versatility. Whether you’re ferrying a large family or heading into the wild, this SUV is designed to handle it all with confidence.

Key Highlights:

• Updated exterior and interior design

• More intuitive infotainment interface

• Hybrid and EcoBoost engine options

• Increased cargo space and third-row legroom

• Standard safety and driver-assist features upgraded

Let’s take a closer look at what the 2025 Explorer brings to the table.

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🚘 Available Trim Levels

Ford continues offering a wide range of trims to suit every lifestyle, from family-friendly to premium-luxury to off-road capable.

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🛠️ Exterior Design & Styling

The 2025 Explorer brings bolder lines, a wider stance, and a more modern front fascia that makes it stand out from previous generations.

🧑‍🎨 Design Changes:

• Revised grille designs by trim (blackout, chrome, mesh)

• LED headlamps and taillights now standard

• New 20" and 21" alloy wheel options

• Fresh paint choices: Avalanche Gray, Dark Matter Blue, and Infinite Black

• ST-Line and ST trims get blacked-out accents, roof rails, and sportier body kits

🧵 Aerodynamics have been slightly improved to aid fuel efficiency and highway handling.

🔩 Exterior Dimensions (Approx.):

The 2025 Explorer is still a sizable SUV but carries its bulk with grace thanks to its athletic posture.

🛋️ Interior, Technology & Comfort – 2025 Ford Explorer (Part 2)

🧬 Redesigned Interior: A More Refined Cabin

Step inside the 2025 Ford Explorer, and you’ll immediately notice the upgraded materials, more cohesive layout, and a tech-forward cabin that balances form and function.

🌟 Interior Highlights:

• Standard 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment display (XLT and above)

• Digital instrument cluster (12.3-inch on Limited, ST, and above)

• Improved soft-touch surfaces across dashboard and door panels

• Ambient lighting (color-selectable on Limited and Platinum)

• Dual-pane panoramic sunroof available on higher trims

🎯 The 2025 update emphasizes both driver ergonomics and passenger comfort across all three rows.

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📱 Technology & Infotainment

Ford has refined its SYNC system for 2025, with smoother navigation, better smartphone integration, and fewer button presses for core controls.

🧠 Infotainment Features:

• SYNC 4A with OTA updates and real-time traffic

• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

• Alexa Built-In for voice controls and smart home access

• Available 14-speaker B&O Sound System (Limited and above)

• Built-in 5G Wi-Fi hotspot (connects up to 10 devices)

🔌 Charging & Connectivity:

• Up to 6 USB ports throughout the cabin

• Available 15W wireless charging pad

• Dual 12V power outlets and 110V inverter on select trims

📶 Whether you're commuting or road-tripping, the Explorer’s tech keeps everyone entertained and connected.

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🪑 Seating Comfort & Space

The Explorer continues to offer seating for up to 7 passengers, with more legroom and smarter storage spaces in 2025.

🛋️ Seating Features:

• Standard second-row bench or optional captain’s chairs

• Heated and ventilated front seats

• Heated second-row seats on Limited and above

• Power-folding third row (Platinum and ST)

📐 Interior Dimensions:

Even adults can fit in the third row for short trips, though it's most comfortable for kids or teens.

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📦 Cargo & Storage Space

Thanks to its flat-folding rear seats and wide liftgate, the Explorer shines when it comes to cargo capacity.

📦 Cargo Dimensions:

Other cargo-friendly features include:

• Power liftgate (standard from XLT up)

• Hands-free liftgate (Limited and above)

• Underfloor storage compartment

• Roof rails for additional cargo boxes

🚗 Whether it’s sports gear, camping equipment, or groceries, the 2025 Explorer swallows it all with ease.

 

⚙️ Engine, Performance, & Efficiency – 2025 Ford Explorer (Part 3)

🏁 Engine Options and Powertrains

The 2025 Ford Explorer offers a diverse range of engine choices to satisfy various driving needs—from efficient daily driving to high-performance thrills.

🔋 Available Engine Choices:

⚡ Whether you choose the efficient hybrid or the thrilling ST, each powertrain is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission for smooth shifts and responsive performance.

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🛣️ Driving Dynamics & Ride Quality

The 2025 Explorer delivers a refined yet confident ride, whether you're navigating urban roads or exploring rougher terrain.

🚗 Driving Experience Highlights:

• Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) comes standard, enhancing balance and towing

• All-wheel-drive (AWD) is available on most trims and standard on ST/Timberline

• Selectable Drive Modes: Normal, Eco, Sport, Tow/Haul, Trail, Slippery, Deep Snow/Sand (varies by trim)

• Independent suspension offers balanced comfort and agility

The ST trim shines with:

• Sport-tuned suspension

• Paddle shifters

• Quad exhaust

• Quick acceleration (0–60 mph in ~5.3 seconds)

Meanwhile, the Timberline trim is ready for adventure with:

• Skid plates

• Increased ride height

• Off-road tuned shocks and tires

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⛽ Fuel Economy

Efficiency is more important than ever, and Ford delivers respectable MPG ratings across the Explorer lineup.

🛢️ Estimated Fuel Economy (EPA Ratings):

💡 The hybrid version is ideal for urban commuters or eco-conscious families who don’t want to sacrifice space and power.

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🛻 Towing Capacity

Another area where the 2025 Explorer shines is towing strength, making it a great option for family vacations, boating trips, or hauling gear.

🧰 Maximum Towing Capacity:

🏕️ With available towing packages, trailer sway control, and a Class III hitch, the Explorer is ready to tow with confidence.

🛡️ Safety, Pricing & Final Thoughts – 2025 Ford Explorer (Part 4)

🧠 Advanced Safety & Driver Assistance

Safety is a cornerstone of the Explorer's appeal, and the 2025 model includes enhanced versions of Ford’s Co-Pilot360 suite, along with available semi-autonomous features.

🛑 Standard Safety Features (All Trims):

• Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking

• Blind Spot Monitoring with Cross-Traffic Alert

• Lane-Keeping System

• Rear View Camera with Washer

• Post-Collision Braking

• Auto High-Beam Headlamps

🧭 Available Advanced Driver-Assists:

• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop-and-Go

• Evasive Steering Assist

• Active Park Assist 2.0

• 360-Degree Camera

• Reverse Brake Assist

🧪 The 2025 Explorer is built to predict and protect with smart sensors, making it a confident family choice.

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🧪 Crash Test Ratings

Though NHTSA and IIHS ratings for the 2025 model are pending, Ford expects the Explorer to retain its Top Safety Pick or 5-star rating based on its track record and structural reinforcements.

• 2024 Model NHTSA Rating: ★★★★★ (Overall)

• 2024 IIHS Rating: Top Safety Pick (Limited & up)

Expect the 2025 version to continue that strong performance, especially with improved crash mitigation tech.

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💰 Pricing by Trim Level

Here’s an estimated price range for each 2025 Explorer trim:

💸 Prices may vary slightly based on packages, AWD vs RWD, and regional incentives.

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🛡️ Warranty & Coverage

Ford’s factory warranty provides decent peace of mind, especially when combined with their FordPass Rewards and maintenance plans.

📝 Warranty Coverage:

• 3 years / 36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper

• 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain

• 5 years / 60,000 miles roadside assistance

• Hybrid components get an 8-year / 100,000-mile warranty

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✅ Pros & Cons Summary

✔️ Pros:

• Variety of powerful engine options

• Spacious and tech-loaded interior

• Strong towing capacity and cargo space

• Excellent safety tech and driver aids

• Great balance of sport, luxury, and practicality

❌ Cons:

• Third-row tight for adults

• ST model sacrifices some comfort for sport

• Hybrid still not a plug-in (yet)

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🏁 Final Verdict

The 2025 Ford Explorer continues to be a top contender in the midsize SUV category. It offers something for everyone: ruggedness for adventurers, comfort for families, and performance for driving enthusiasts. The new tech and safety enhancements make it more refined, while the wide range of trims ensures there’s an Explorer for every budget.

🌟 Whether you're looking for a reliable daily driver, an off-road-capable hauler, or a premium family SUV—the 2025 Explorer delivers on all fronts.