The old Ford Explorer has received a new lease on life thanks to a facelifted version that includes exterior and interior updates and technology. The Explorer is one of the oldest names in SUV history. The first and second generations relied on the Ford Ranger's body-on-frame structure, but since the launch of the third generation in 2002, its design has shifted to a unibody structure.
As a result, the vehicle focuses on providing comfort and performance on the road. The King Ranch and Timberline trims have been dropped. The latter comes standard with all-wheel drive, an off-road suspension system, and a limited-slip differential at the rear. The new lineup includes Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum models which come standard with rear-wheel drive, although all-wheel drive remains available as an option.
The front updates of the 2025 Ford Explorer feature a larger grille and modern LED headlights. The lower air intakes are wider, giving the vehicle a lower and wider appearance. At the rear, the LED taillights stretch from the corners to the nameplate. The Platinum, ST, and ST-Line models can be ordered with a contrasting black roof.
Each of the four trims has unique touches. The base Active trim features a black grille with a serrated design, while the ST and ST-Line trims get a glossy black honeycomb grille. The ST model also receives a model-specific badge for the grille. The high-spec Platinum trim elevates the design with a unique wing and a satin-chrome front grille.
Standard and optional alloy wheel sizes range from 18 to 21 inches. Each trim can be further enhanced by selecting available packages. The ST-Line Street Pack adds 21-inch aluminum wheels and red-painted high-performance brakes.
The company has provided a more spacious cabin for front passengers. The Explorer is equipped with more luxurious materials in the center console, door panels, and the new dashboard. The silver accents in the grille are particularly appealing. Ambient lighting is standard across the lineup, allowing owners to choose between ice blue, orange, soft blue, red, green, blue, and purple lighting options.
Each trim has a unique interior color scheme. The Active trim uses a space ultra-dark gray interior on the dashboard and door panels. It features soft-touch dark gray seats with black onyx trim and bronze harvest stitching. The ST and ST-Line trims receive an onyx black dashboard, door panels, and center console with red stitching.
The high-spec Platinum trim comes standard with Mojave Dusk leather on the dashboard, doors, and center console, with matching stitching. The seats are also covered in the same leather with matching stitching.
Ford has replaced the 10.1-inch vertically mounted touchscreen that resembles an iPad with the new Ford digital experience. The entertainment experience now consists of a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This new digital experience is designed for future over-the-air updates. The new system features wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto, along with an integrated Google system.
Regarding safety and advanced driver assistance, all trims come standard with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+. The ST-Line, ST, and Platinum models are equipped with BlueCruise, but only for a 90-day trial. BlueCruise allows for hands-free highway driving and lane changes, as well as assisting with braking, acceleration, and steering.
As for standard equipment, Ford has been very generous. The new Ford digital experience is standard across all trims, and even the base model comes equipped with a 10-way power-adjustable heated driver's seat and a 4-way power-adjustable heated front passenger seat. It includes eight USB ports, three 12-volt power points, and a built-in 5G modem for up to 10 passengers. A towing package is also available.
The 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine and the 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine remain unchanged, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The ST model is the only one equipped with a V6 engine as standard, but it is an option for the high-spec Platinum model. The 2.3 EcoBoost engine produces 300 horsepower, while the V6 engine increases output to 400 horsepower. Ford has not provided performance figures, but acceleration could exceed 6 seconds. The addition of the 400-horsepower engine reduces acceleration time by one second.
