Ford Unveiled the 2025 Explorer With a New Look and Better Tech

Chris Teague
by Chris Teague

The Ford Explorer has been among the top-selling SUVs for years, but the current generation is a bit stale. Ford’s solving that in 2025 with a refreshed Explorer that brings a new face, an updated interior, and new tech.


The new Explorer comes in Platinum, ST, ST-Line, and Active trims, each with a unique look. The Platinum gets a satin chrome and black grille, while the ST and ST-Line move to a gloss-black grille. The Active trim gets a sawtooth design with a black mesh grille and chrome. Seven new wheel options grace the lineup, ranging in size from 18 to 21 inches, depending on the model.

A turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine is standard, but a 400-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder is available. The Explorer remains rear-drive-oriented, and four-wheel drive is available for all trims. That V6 produces a whopping 415 pound-feet of torque, making the SUV surprisingly quick with it equipped.


Interior updates are notable and include a new 13.2-inch touchscreen. Ford also equips a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, heated and power-adjustable front seats, eight USB ports, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Alexa functionality, and more.


The SUV is available with a range of options, depending on the trim, including the Platinum Ultimate Package, the ST-Line Premium Package, and the ST-Line Street Pack, which add powertrain upgrades and unique interior finishes. Ford's excellent hands-free Blue Cruise is also available.

Though we’re talking about a 2025 Explorer, Ford plans to release the new SUV in the second quarter of this year. The order books open today, and the SUV’s price starts at $41,220, including destination.


[Images: Ford]


Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by  subscribing to our newsletter.

Chris Teague
Chris Teague

Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.

More by Chris Teague

Comments
Join the conversation
4 of 30 comments
  • William Piper William Piper on Feb 02, 2024

    So….the basic trim is now called “Platinum”? Kind of an odd trend of switching what were once “top of the line” trim names downmarket.

    • EBFlex EBFlex on Feb 02, 2024

      No, platinum is still platinum. Base is now called active.


  • NJRide NJRide on Feb 03, 2024

    Boringggg. Im sorry this looks too much like a 2011 Explorer to be potentially still being sold in the late 2020s. This is the car version of gerontocracy. Ford can obviously design nicer looking trucks like the Bronco whats the problem here?

    • EBFlex EBFlex on Feb 04, 2024

      The Bronco is an awful design. And this looks nothing like the 2011 Explorer


  • 1995 SC get the manual, install a decent head unit and enjoy reliable basic transportation that doesn't completely stink to drive and has a warranty.
  • 1995 SC You could do a lot worse for the price.
  • Jkross22 I don't understand this car. I like it's weird looks, but it's way too expensive, has too few cylinders, has middling mileage and while the interior is nice, it's just not a 60k car. It's not even a 50k car. It looks like just another car overpriced by 25%. It's not working for Stellantis, but maybe it will work for Toyota. Or maybe not.
  • Corey Lewis So they kill the E coupe only to immediately bring it back as the CLE? I really don't get their naming strategy *at all*.
  • Ajla I like the Crown Platinum. Driving it back-to-back against the ES350 and ES300h, I thought the Crown was better. The only thing the Lexus wins on is the exterior is less weird and the interior is offered in more colors. And I guess the stereo but I'm not the person for that topic.I think a lot of the criticism is because some people want a replacement for the Avalon or GS, not a better ES with a nonpremium badge.
Next