Ford has refreshed the Explorer for 2025. Although the trim lineup has been reduced to four options, the Explorer still comes with a choice of engines and drivetrains.

What’s New for 2025

The refresh brings a new front end along with other, subtle exterior design tweaks. An updated interior is highlighted by a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen running the new Ford Digital Experience software, and BlueCruise hands-free driving technology is now available.

Design

A new front fascia with a wide and tall grille, LED headlamps, and larger, lower air intakes help differentiate the 2025 Ford Explorer from earlier model years. Ford has trimmed down the trim lineup to just Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST, with each option featuring some unique design features. On the Platinum, ST, and ST-Line trim levels, a new black-painted roof option gives the Explorer a sportier vibe.

At the rear, the new LED taillamps reach from the corners toward the middle of the liftgate. Otherwise, the Explorer is the same, familiar three-row SUV we’ve come to know. Wheel sizes range from 18 to 21 inches, and the performance-oriented ST trim swaps in an even more imposing grille.

Powertrain

Most Explorers–and every Active and ST-Line trim–will employ a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. With 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque (when burning premium fuel), this base engine should be powerful enough to motivate the big Ford, although speed demons will undoubtedly want the 3.0-liter turobcharged V6 equipped in the ST and available in the Platinum trim. That powerplant churns out 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque (again, when running on premium fuel). Both engines can be equipped with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or available four-wheel drive (4WD), and both pair with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Interior

The redesigned interior strives for more comfort and higher-quality look and feel. A large touchscreen takes center stage, but a bevy of cubbies and cupholders throughout the cabin make this new Explorer particularly practical. Each trim level can be equipped with unique appointments, from bronze accent stitching in the base Active trim to Mojave Dusk leather upholstery on the Platinum trim. Explorer Platinum and ST models come standard with seven selectable ambient light choices; the array is also available as an option on the ST-Line.

Technology

A 13.2-inch center touchscreen is included as standard equipment, and it runs the new Ford Digital Experience infotainment software. With Alexa and Google Built-in, the new Explorer can run Google Maps and provides Google Assistant as the default voice assistant. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also included.

Safety

Newly available for 2025, Ford BlueCruise headlines the 2025 Ford Explorer’s safety options. BlueCruise–equipped on a 90-day trial for ST-Line, ST, and Platinum trims–allows for semi-autonomous driving on pre-approved stretches of road. Beyond its 90-day trial, BlueCruise is available via a three-year subscription plan.

Standard safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, exit warning, and a lane-keeping assist system, all included as part of the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite of features. Further optional equipment includes a 360-degree surround-view camera, front parking sensors, hill-descent control, and rain-sensing front wipers.

Pricing

The 2025 Ford Explorer Active starts at $41,865, including the $645 acquisition fee and $1,595 destination fee. The ST-Line carries an MSRP of $46,625, the Platinum is $53,765, and the ST costs $57,445–again, all numbers inclusive of acquisition and destination fees. This represents a jump from the 2024 Explorer, which opened with a $39,100 MSRP in base trim. However, the Explorer also comes better equipped in 2025, as that base trim is no longer available.