The 2025 Ford Explorer continues the legacy of one of America’s most iconic SUVs, trusted by families since the early 90s. Known for blending space, comfort, and everyday versatility, the Explorer has evolved from a rugged trailblazer into a refined, tech-savvy, three-row SUV. With its refreshed design, upgraded interior, and smarter infotainment, the new Explorer honors its heritage while delivering modern features drivers expect today. In this review, we will delve into its strengths and shortcomings to help you determine if the Explorer meets your needs.
Key Specs
| Category | Specification |
| Be Forward’s Price | Starting from $39,945 |
| Engine Horsepower | 2.3L EcoBoost (300 hp) / 3.0L V6 (400 hp) |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 5,600 lbs |
| Seating Capacity | Up to 7 passengers |
| Combined MPG | Est. 23-24 mpg (RWD) |
| Cargo Volume | 87.8 cu. ft. (max) |
| Infotainment Display | Standard 13.2-inch Touchscreen |
Best Suited for
The 2025 Ford Explorer is best suited for growing families and adventurous individuals who need a three-row SUV that balances comfort, space, and capability. With seating for up to seven and generous cargo room, it’s perfect for parents juggling school runs, weekend trips, and daily commutes. At the same time, its strong towing capacity makes it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts who are hauling boats, campers, or trailers. The refreshed interior adds a premium touch for everyday driving, while the Explorer’s rugged capability ensures confidence on road trips or on light off-road adventures. Whether you’re a busy family or someone who loves to mix work and play, the 2025 Explorer offers the versatility to handle it all.
5 Pros
The 2025 Ford Explorer brings a balanced mix of power, comfort, and innovation to the midsize SUV market. Its recent refresh strengthens what drivers have always loved about the model while addressing some of its past weaknesses. Let’s take a closer look at the Explorer’s standout strengths and where it still has room to improve.
1. Spacious Three-Row Seating
Families will appreciate the Explorer’s roomy interior, which comfortably seats up to seven passengers. The flexible layout ensures ample space for both kids and adults, making it great for road trips and daily errands.
2. Impressive Towing Capability
Those who need strength as much as space will value the Explorer’s towing power. Perfect for hauling boats, campers, or trailers, it is a capable companion for weekend adventures.
3. Redesigned Interior with Modern Comforts
Ford has elevated cabin quality with softer materials, refined details, and improved ergonomics. It feels more premium than before, blending durability with everyday comfort.
4. Advanced Infotainment System
The new 13.2-inch touchscreen and improved interface make staying connected easy and intuitive. Drivers and passengers alike will appreciate its quick response and seamless smartphone integration.
5. Balanced Comfort and Capability
From city commutes to outdoor getaways, the Explorer’s smooth ride and optional all-wheel drive deliver a confident driving experience across different terrains.
5 Cons
Despite its many improvements, the 2025 Explorer isn’t without its drawbacks. Here are a few areas that potential buyers should consider before making a decision.
1. Higher Price Point
With updated features and premium touches, the Explorer’s price has climbed, making it less budget-friendly than some rivals.
2. Tight Third-Row Space
While it seats seven, the third row is best for kids or shorter adults; something to note for families who frequently use all three rows.
3. Average Fuel Economy
Compared to hybrid or smaller SUV options, its Explorer’s fuel efficiency remains mid-pack, especially with the V6 engine.
4. Learning Curve with New Tech
The advanced infotainment and digital displays are impressive but may take time for some drivers to master.
5. Strong Competition
The midsize SUV market is full of capable contenders like the Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Kia Telluride, each offering unique advantages that challenge the Explorer’s value.
Fuel Consumption and Engine
The 2025 Ford Explorer offers two capable engines to suit different needs. The standard 300-hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder delivers solid everyday performance with an estimated 24 mpg combined, making it a smart choice for families prioritizing efficiency. For more power, the optional 400-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 brings stronger acceleration and higher towing capacity, however fuel economy drops to about 20 mpg combined.
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) comes standard, while all-wheel drive (AWD) is available for added confidence in rough weather or light off-road conditions. This flexibility makes the Explorer appealing to both commuters and adventure seekers. Compared to rivals like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, the Explorer strikes a balance among power, practicality, and fuel efficiency.
Hybrid Engine
For 2025, Ford has discontinued the hybrid engine option in the Explorer lineup, streamlining choices for buyers and focusing on its turbocharged four-cylinder and powerful V6 engines. This decision simplifies the shopping experience but may disappoint drivers looking for a fuel-saving hybrid SUV. If a hybrid powertrain is a priority, shoppers will need to explore previous Explorer model years or consider competitor options within the three-row SUV segment. While the 2025 Explorer emphasizes performance and practicality, hybrid seekers still have strong alternatives available in today’s market.
Interior
The 2025 Ford Explorer’s interior has been thoughtfully redesigned to deliver a more modern and comfortable experience. At the heart of the cabin is a new 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, both standard across the lineup. The dashboard has been refreshed with softer-touch materials and pushed slightly forward, creating a roomier and more open feel. With seating for up to seven, the Explorer prioritizes passenger comfort, especially in the first two rows, where families will appreciate generous legroom and supportive seating for long drives.
Trim Levels
The 2025 Ford Explorer comes with a simplified four-trim lineup, making it easier for buyers to choose the right model for their needs.
Active serves as the well-equipped base model, offering a balanced mix of comfort, technology, and practicality. It is ideal for families or daily drivers who want a capable three-row SUV without extra frills.
ST-Line adds a sporty appearance to the Explorer, featuring athletic styling cues while keeping the standard 300-hp turbocharged engine. This trim appeals to drivers who want a dynamic look and feel without stepping up to the high-performance option.
ST is a performance-focused model, powered by the 400-hp twin-turbo V6 engine. With its sport-tuned suspension and aggressive styling, the ST trim is perfect for enthusiasts who crave both power and versatility for daily driving or weekend adventures.
Platinum represents the pinnacle of luxury, combining premium materials, advanced technology, and comfort-focused features. This trim targets buyers seeking a refined, high-end three-row SUV experience without compromising on space or capability.
Overall, the 2025 Explorer’s trim lineup balances practicality, sportiness, performance, and luxury, making it easy to match a model to one’s lifestyle.
Writer’s Perspective
From a writer’s perspective, the 2025 Ford Explorer feels like a well-timed evolution of an SUV that has long been a family favorite. The refreshed interior, with its larger touchscreen and digital cluster, paired with updated materials and a smarter layout, gives the cabin a modern, premium feel. On the road, the Explorer balances power and comfort, whether you choose the standard turbo-four or the punchy 400-hp V6. Compared to the evolution of other midsize SUVs, like the Nissan Pathfinder, the Explorer stands out for blending everyday usability with performance and tech-forward features. It’s best suited for growing families, adventure-seekers, and anyone needing three-row versatility without sacrificing comfort or capability. Overall, these updates make the 2025 Explorer a much stronger contender in the crowded midsize SUV market, offering a compelling mix of space, technology, and confident driving dynamics.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Ford Explorer’s refresh successfully addresses many of the areas that held back previous models, particularly with its redesigned interior, improved materials, and upgraded infotainment system. Its powerful engine options, comfortable three-row seating, and versatile towing capabilities make it a practical choice for families and adventure-oriented drivers alike. While fuel economy and third-row space have room for improvement, the Explorer strikes a strong balance between performance, comfort, and modern technology. Overall, the 2025 Explorer is a compelling midsize SUV that feels more refined and capable than ever. For anyone seeking a reliable, tech-forward, and versatile three-row SUV, the Explorer comes highly recommended.
I am a car enthusiast and experienced freelance car writer with over 5 years in automotive journalism. Recognized for delivering engaging and informative content across diverse websites and blogs, prominently featured on platforms like BE FORWARD. A passion for cars, coupled with a proven track record of insightful articles, showcasing a deep understanding of the industry.
With over 5 years of writing expertise in the automotive domain, I specialize in comprehensive coverage of car-related topics. My portfolio spans engaging reviews, up-to-date news, and in-depth features, showcasing a versatile understanding of the automotive landscape. This experience reflects my commitment to delivering insightful content that captivates readers across a broad spectrum of car enthusiasts and general audiences.
My favorite car is the Range Rover Sport for its luxurious design, powerful performance, and unparalleled comfort on and off-road.
