2025 Ford Explorer Test Drive Review: Ford Is Closing In On Lincoln

Ford launched the Explorer again in 1990 as a direct alternative for the Bronco II, however the nameplate has modified significantly since then. Now in its sixth technology, launched in 2019, the 2025 Ford Explorer just lately obtained a facelift to make it extra aggressive with different mid-size three-row crossovers available on the market. Ford simplified the lineup, decreasing the trim rely to 4 and eliminating the hybrid powertrain. Consumers have a alternative between an EcoBoost four-cylinder or a V6, sending energy to the rear wheels or non-compulsory all-wheel-drive. The previous is robust for the section with 300 horsepower, whereas the latter is class-leading at 400 hp.

Efficiency was by no means the problem with the outgoing Explorer; as an alternative, reviewers criticized it for outdated expertise, an absence of transmission refinement, and cheap-feeling supplies inside. For the 2025 refresh, Ford addressed many of those points, bettering the inside, retuning the powertrain, and updating the infotainment. The Explorer additionally goals straight on the Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia by including BlueCruise, Ford’s hands-free driving software program, as normal on most trims. To seek out out if these modifications now make the 2025 Explorer extra aggressive, we drove it over 1,000 miles from Florida to North Carolina.

Exterior: Completely different Faces

Ford provides the Explorer in 4 trim ranges, every of which comes with its personal distinctive styling. The grille will get bigger on all trims, and the brand new LED headlights are sleeker than earlier than. The Energetic acts as the brand new base trim with a easy horizontal slot grille and 18-inch wheels (20-inch wheels can be found). Consumers who need a sportier look can go for the ST-Line, which will get extra present with none further go. A honeycomb blacked out grille and normal 20-inch wheels (with 21s as an choice) dramatically improves curb attraction over the Energetic.

The Platinum trim embraces premium styling on the borderline of being thought-about cheesy. There is a wing design grille with satin chrome accents, paired with both 20-inch or non-compulsory 21-inch wheels. Lastly, the ST mimics the ST-Line with a honeycomb black grille, including ST badging and normal 21-inch wheels.

The Explorer’s shade pallette is pretty restricted with solely 5 hues, not all of which can be found on each trim. Agate Black Metallic and Carbonized Grey Metallic are the one no-cost colours, whereas Star White Metallic Tri-Coat, Vapor Blue Metallic, and Speedy Crimson Metallic Tinted Clearcoat are all further. Ford additionally provides a black painted roof, but it surely’s priced extraordinarily excessive at $4,895.

Inside: Platinum Bundle

Like the outside, every trim provides varied distinctive touches inside. Ford packs a ton of ordinary options, even on the bottom mannequin, with heated energy driver and passenger seats, eight USB ports, Co-Pilot 360 security suite, and extra. An Energetic Consolation Bundle provides a heated steering wheel, ActiveX seating materials (artificial leather-based), and Gentle House Grey accents on the instrument panel, doorways, and console. The ST-Line will get ActiveX normal with purple accents and out there heated rear seats.

Stepping as much as the Platinum rolls in heated and ventilated leather-based seats with therapeutic massage, completed in a darkish burgundy shade known as Mojave Nightfall. Salt Crystal Grey leather-based is out there as a part of a Lux Leather-based Bundle for $1,695, which additionally requires the addition of 21-inch wheels. That package deal additionally provides nicer seating materials with diamond inserts. We love the therapeutic massage seats as a result of they don’t shut off after a sure time restrict, that means you do not have to constantly restart them. Lastly, the ST will get black/purple seats just like the ST, however with the addition of heating, air flow, and massaging just like the Platinum.

Each Explorer trim now will get a 13.2-inch Sync4 infotainment system that improves over the outgoing system with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Amazon Alexa integration. This technique is much like the one within the Lincoln Nautilus, powered by Android Automotive. It options leisure options like YouTube, an internet browser, and a racing online game that may be performed on the infotainment display. A six-speaker audio system comes normal, whereas greater trims get both a 10- or 14-speaker B&O audio system by Bang & Olufsen, the latter of which sounds nice for a non-luxury automobile.

Practicality: Large – Not Big

With so many sturdy rivals within the three-row mid-size SUV area, not each automobile will be class-leading. The Ford Explorer’s cargo space might be a lot for many patrons, but it surely’s not the most important within the section. 16.3 cubic toes behind the third row lags behind rivals just like the Chevrolet Traverse and Kia Telluride. Folding the third row will be carried out manually on the decrease trims or utilizing power-operated buttons within the trunk, optionally. There’s additionally a small quantity of storage out there beneath the ground.

With the third row stowed, the Explorer yields a extra aggressive 46 cubic toes of area, matching the Telluride however nonetheless far behind the class-leading Traverse. Folding the second row, which might comprise a bench or captain’s chairs, can solely be carried out by opening the rear doorways. With all seats folded, the Explorer has 85.8 cubic toes of storage, greater than the Subaru Ascent however lower than the aforementioned Telluride and Traverse.

Total legroom is beneficiant in all three rows, however not on the high of the section. You get a aggressive 42.9 inches within the entrance row, a middling 38.3 inches within the second row, and a beneath common 32.2 inches within the third row. There are bigger choices out there if passenger or cargo quantity is a excessive precedence.

Efficiency: EcoBoost Or EcoBoost

Ford will not supply an Explorer Hybrid for 2025, besides within the Police Interceptor, leaving two EcoBoost engines because the out there powertrains. A 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder acts as the bottom setup, delivering aggressive output figures of 300 hp and 315 lb-ft, the latter of which is spectacular in comparison with naturally aspirated V6 engines within the section. This engine ought to push the Explorer to 60 mph within the mid six-second vary. A ten-speed automated transmission sends energy to the rear wheels as normal, a uncommon high quality on this class, however all-wheel-drive is out there on each trim for $2,000. Gasoline financial system for the four-pot is surprisingly aggressive, rated at 20/29/24 MPG metropolis/freeway/mixed with RWD or 20/27/23 with AWD.

A 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 is non-compulsory on the Platinum trim or normal on the ST, and it is a beast of an engine. This is identical motor discovered within the Bronco Raptor and the Lincoln Aviator, and right here it produces 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. Ford claims the ST can hit 60 mph in simply 5.3 seconds, and in our Platinum RWD tester, we recorded a brisk 5.64-second time, which is fast for the category. Regardless of the speedy efficiency, gas financial system within the V6 is not horrible at 18/25/21 with RWD or AWD.

We averaged 23.8 MPG and noticed as much as 27.8 MPG on the freeway at one level throughout a street journey from Florida to North Carolina. Ford does not even ask for premium gas to realize this stellar energy determine; the Explorer will run on 87 octane.

Driving Impressions: Palms-Free Consolation

When you hop into the Explorer hoping to be rewarded with a 400-hp rear-drive sports activities SUV with three-rows, put together for disappointment. Regardless of what these numbers might recommend on paper, the Explorer drives like a traditional household SUV. There’s not a lot suggestions via the steering, and even with the traction management turned off, the rear finish does not wish to step out with out provocation. Maybe the ST is tuned to be extra full of life, however the Platinum is tender and soft. You do not even get paddle shifters to alter gears manually right here, however we did not actually miss them based mostly on the driving expertise.

It could not mild your hair on fireplace the way in which a Dodge Durango SRT 392 would, however the Explorer is gratifying in different methods. The EcoBoost V6 delivers clean acceleration that you simply’d count on from a luxurious SUV with a pleasant howl to accompany the acceleration. Critiques of the pre-facelift Explorer dinged it for clunky shifts from the 10-speed transmission, however they’ve been fully fastened right here because of a brand new tune. The Explorer now delivers easy passing energy that places costlier SUVs to disgrace.

On the freeway, the Platinum reveals little or no wind or street noise, making a tranquil cabin that might have simply come from Lincoln. We had ample alternative to make use of BlueCruise, Ford’s hands-free driving software program, as we took the Explorer over 1,000 from Florida to North Carolina and again. BlueCruise functioned effectively for a lot of the journey, with one stretch of freeway in NC inflicting the system to deactivate incessantly for about 40 minutes. In addition to that, the one deactivations got here in building zones with barely viable lane markers, which is to be anticipated. BlueCruise can change lanes robotically, however solely once you set off it by way of the flip indicators.

GM’s Tremendous Cruise nonetheless holds a slight benefit, with the ability to cross slower site visitors and getting again into the unique lane by itself. Having examined each programs, Tremendous Cruise nonetheless appears to be barely extra dependable, but it surely’s additionally riskier with its lane modifications. It will usually sign to maneuver into the passing lane with sooner shifting site visitors approaching, reducing off one other automobile within the course of. BlueCruise will look ahead to the sooner shifting automobile to cross earlier than going into the brand new lane.

Pricing: Luxurious For Much less

There is no such thing as a extra “base” mannequin for 2025, because the outgoing Explorer base has been changed by a brand new Energetic trim. The worth has gone up significantly, from $36,860 to $39,755, however you now get much more normal gear that was non-compulsory. This pricing places the 2025 Explorer within the higher echelon of mid-size mainstream SUVs, but it surely’s not the most costly within the section, even on the excessive finish. The ST-Line is a compelling choice at $44,515, including sportier styling and extra gear.

Quoted pricing excludes choices and vacation spot charges

In order for you a real luxurious expertise at a non-luxury value, the Platinum trim begins at $52,150. It could possibly go a lot greater with the addition of our tester’s Platinum Final Bundle ($4,615), which bundles upgraded leather-based, the V6 engine, and 21-inch darkish alloy wheels. In order for you the Explorer Platinum with the larger motor, count on to pay round $60,000. Alternatively, the Explorer ST begins at $54,160 with the V6 already included, however it may additionally exceed $60,000 with choices.

At its present value, the 2025 Explorer represents considerably of a discount. It delivers luxurious facilities like therapeutic massage seats and hands-free driving, which make it a extra compelling street journey automobile than nearly all of costlier luxurious SUVs. With the EcoBoost V6, it even goes like a luxurious automobile, making naturally aspirated engines from premium manufacturers appear outdated. In order for you a luxurious expertise with out the excessive price ticket, the 2025 Ford Explorer is a stellar choice.