2025 Ford Explorer price and specs
2025 Ford Explorer
The cost of the 2025 Ford Explorer begins at $41,350 and can reach up to $57,100 depending on the model and features.
2025 Ford Explorer Overview
The 2025 Ford Explorer SUV continues its role as a suburban family vehicle with a few small cosmetic changes and some new technology to keep things updated. The lineup has been reduced, with the Base, Limited, King Ranch, and Timberline trims removed. (There’s a rumor that a new, tougher off-road version will replace the Timberline.)
Both of the Explorer’s engines—a turbocharged four-cylinder and a twin-turbo V-6, each with a 10-speed automatic transmission—remain available, as does the choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. The Explorer’s strong point is its family-friendly interior and third-row seating. While that back row is not as comfortable as in some competitors, just knowing it’s there when you need it provides some peace of mind. Fold it down, and it offers a reasonable amount of cargo space.
The competition in the mid-size SUV market is fierce, and the Explorer is now up against many skilled rivals, including the Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, and Toyota Grand Highlander—many of which offer more modern styling and overall refinement.
What’s New for 2025?
The lineup is now reduced to just four trims: the base Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum. The front has been slightly redesigned with a new grille, headlamps, and lower air intakes, while the back gets new taillamps. Platinum, ST, and ST-Line buyers can choose a new black-painted roof option and, more importantly, can now add the BlueCruise hands-free driving feature for the first time.
Interior updates focus on comfort and upgraded materials, with new soft-touch surfaces on the center console and door panels, and new color schemes. The 2025 Explorer is the first Ford to include the Ford Digital Experience, a new software system designed to easily integrate a user’s favorite apps and provide native streaming and internet browsing while parked.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The base Active, ST-Line, and Platinum trims come with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. The ST trim is equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine that delivers 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. (All power ratings are based on using premium fuel.) A 10-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive are standard, but all-wheel drive is available.
The ride and handling are smooth and predictable, but drivers wanting a more exciting experience should choose the Explorer ST, as its extra power and stiffer suspension make it a true performance SUV.
2025 Ford Explorer 0–60-MPH Times
The base turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-four engine gives the Explorer a decent amount of power. When we tested the Explorer with this four-cylinder engine in the now-discontinued Timberline trim in 2022, it reached 60 mph in 6.0 seconds. Drivers who like more speed will prefer the ST model, which has a 400-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine.
2025 Ford Explorer Towing and Payload Capacity
The maximum towing capacity for the 2025 Ford Explorer is 5,000 pounds. All models come with the Class III Towing package, which includes a hitch, a trailer wiring harness, and a trailer sway control system.
2025 Ford Explorer Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The most fuel-efficient 2025 models have rear-wheel drive and the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, rated at 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway; all-wheel drive reduces both figures by 1 mpg. With the twin-turbo V-6, the Explorer is rated at up to 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive, and 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive.
On our 75-mph highway test, the 400-hp Explorer ST achieved 25 mpg, exceeding its EPA rating by 1 mpg. We also tested a four-cylinder Explorer with all-wheel drive on our 75-mph highway route, and it returned 28 mpg, surpassing its EPA estimate by 1 mpg.
2025 Ford Explorer Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Explorer’s interior design has generally focused on function over style, but its comfortable cabin gets an upgrade for 2025 with new color schemes and more soft-touch materials on the center console, door panels, and dashboard. The redesigned dashboard is shaped to give front passengers more space.
Accessing the standard third row is fairly easy thanks to a button that moves the second-row seat out of the way. However, once back there, taller kids and adults might find the seat too close to the floor to be comfortable. Competitors like the Chevrolet Traverse and Volkswagen Atlas offer more comfort in the third row. We managed to fit four carry-on suitcases behind the Ford’s third row, and a total of 31 carry-ons with both back rows folded flat.
2025 Ford Explorer Infotainment and Connectivity
A 13.2-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system is standard. The new standard software, called the Ford Digital Experience, lets drivers access apps and services from Google and Amazon, as well as use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with compatible devices. When the vehicle is parked, users can stream videos from YouTube and other providers, browse the internet, and play games via Google Play.
There are eight USB ports, including two for third-row passengers, and three 12-volt power sockets. A 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo is standard on all but the base Active Explorer.
2025 Ford Explorer Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Ford equips every Explorer with a variety of standard driver-assistance technologies and offers upgrades such as self-parking assist. For more information about the Explorer’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
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