2025 Ford Explorer vs 2025 Land Rover Defender

The 2025 Ford Explorer continued to build on its previous redesign, which had shifted the SUV from a front-wheel-drive to a rear-wheel-drive platform, enhancing its proportions and giving it a sleeker, less boxy appearance. The refreshed model featured a restyled front end that made it appear wider and more ruggedly handsome, with new LED taillights and a strip of trim connecting them. Inside, the Explorer saw significant improvements in materials and design, making it more competitive in its segment. Ford reduced the number of trim levels from eight to four, offering options like the new base trim Active, the sporty ST-Line, the luxurious Platinum, and the performance-tuned ST, with prices ranging from $39,755 to $55,505, excluding destination charges.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender, known for its rugged appeal, offered a variety of customization options. The Defender 110 four-door was considered the sweet spot in terms of design, while the Defender 130 carried a hefty visual mass over its rear wheels. Base prices ranged from $58,525 for a Defender 90 to $120,525 for a 130 V8, with the new Defender OCTA priced at $153,625. The Defender 130 X trim, tested at $106,092, included features like the Extended Black Exterior Pack and upgraded interior materials. Despite its off-road prowess, the Defender 130 was primarily tested on pavement, where it performed well, though its 20-inch wheels and Pirelli tires were not ideal for off-road adventures. The Defender's interior featured premium Windsor hides and an industrial theme, offering a purposeful look rather than traditional luxury.

The 2025 Ford Explorer offered two EcoBoost engine options. Most trims, except the ST, came with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The Explorer ST and optional Platinum trim featured a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. All Explorers had a 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, with an optional four-wheel-drive system. The ST-Line test vehicle, equipped with rear-wheel drive, averaged 23.8 mpg during testing. The Explorer's turbo four provided quick acceleration, and the 10-speed automatic delivered decisive shifts. The ST-Line's performance was enhanced with larger 20-inch wheels, and the optional ST-Line Street Package added 21-inch wheels and performance brakes. The Explorer's handling was commendable, with a firm ride and good grip from the Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires. The Explorer ST showcased its performance capabilities on a short autocross course, while the Platinum trim with the twin-turbo V6 offered fast acceleration and a pleasant engine sound. The Explorer Active demonstrated its off-road capability on muddy trails, but it was clear that the Explorer was not designed for serious off-roading.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender offered a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system, producing 395 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. It featured an eight-speed automatic transmission with all-wheel drive and a low-range setting for off-roading. The Defender 130 X accelerated to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and had a maximum tow rating of 8,200 pounds. The adaptive air suspension, hill descent control, and Terrain Response 2 driving modes enhanced its off-road capabilities. The Defender's off-road prowess was well-established, but the test vehicle was primarily driven on pavement, where it performed admirably. The Defender 130's ground clearance, approach, breakover, and departure angles were impressive, though the 130's departure angle was shallower than the 110's. The six-cylinder engine provided ample power, but the brakes were sometimes challenging to modulate. The Defender's adaptive air suspension delivered a comfortable ride, but the 20-inch wheels were not ideal for spirited driving. The Defender 130's weight and steering limited its on-road agility, but it cruised comfortably on the highway. The observed fuel economy was 16.2 mpg, below the expected 19 mpg.

The 2025 Ford Explorer seated six people in its standard configuration, with an optional second-row bench seat increasing capacity to seven. The ST-Line test vehicle featured a heated steering wheel, heated power-adjustable front seats, and the optional Premium Package, which added ambient lighting, massaging front seats, heated second-row seats, and a power-folding third-row seat. The front seats were comfortable, with breathable fabric inserts, while the second-row captain's chairs offered similar comfort. The third row was less accommodating for adults, but suitable for children. The Explorer provided competitive cargo space, with 16.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 46 cubic feet behind the second row, and a maximum of 85.8 cubic feet.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender 130 offered three rows of spacious seating, with 12-way power-adjustable front seats featuring heating and ventilation. The Defender's tall seating position provided excellent visibility, though the square side mirrors seemed undersized. The panoramic sunroof and fixed glass panel over the third row created an open and airy feel. The Defender 130's second-row captain's chairs were heated and ventilated, with adjustable armrests. The third-row seat was heated and comfortable, even for adults. The Defender's side-hinged cargo door was heavy and awkward, but the air suspension could be lowered to ease loading. Cargo space measured 15.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 43.7 cubic feet with the third row folded, and 89 cubic feet with all rear seats folded.

The 2025 Ford Explorer featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a new 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system called Ford Digital Experience. This system included Google Built-in, Amazon Alexa Built-in, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and apps for streaming music or video. A 5G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot was available, and the system was user-friendly, with excellent Google Maps integration. The Explorer offered B&O sound systems by Bang & Olufsen, with 10 speakers in the ST-Line and 14 speakers with 980 watts in the Platinum and ST trims.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with the Pivi Pro infotainment system, featuring an 11.4-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The system's response to voice commands was slower than desired, but its accuracy was impressive. The user experience was more intuitive, and programming favorite radio stations was easy. The Defender's Meridian premium sound system was also noteworthy. Additional features included a head-up display, ClearSight digital rearview mirror, and a surround-view camera system with a 3D view setting. The optional Towing Pack added a hands-free trailer reverse-steering system.

The 2025 Ford Explorer came with Ford CoPilot 360+, which included adaptive cruise control with lane-centering assist, along with other driver assistance and collision avoidance systems. The ST-Line trim and higher featured Ford CoPilot 360 2.0, which added a surround-view camera system and BlueCruise, Ford's hands-free highway driving system. BlueCruise performed well in testing, though it occasionally struggled with tighter curves and heavy traffic. The 2025 Explorer had not been fully rated by the NHTSA or IIHS at the time of publication.

The 2025 Land Rover Defender was equipped with several driver aids, including automatic high-beam headlights, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go functionality. The lane-keep assist was decisive, though it occasionally attempted to steer the Defender into a turnout area. The adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assist operated smoothly, though it struggled slightly in heavy traffic. Crash-test ratings for the Defender were unavailable at the time of publication.