– The 2025 Ford Explorer boasts an improved interior with premium materials and a better overall finish. – Two engine options offer solid performance with the ST trim offering a powerful twin-turbo V6. – Lack of electrification is a drawback, especially for cars. The market is leaning towards hybrids and EVs.
The Ford Explorer has long been a staple of the SUV world, and in many ways, it’s the vehicle that shaped the SUV world as we know it today. Since its introduction in 1990, more than 8 million Explorers have rolled off the assembly line. If you look back at the late ’80s and early ’90s, there weren’t many family SUVs that could handle urban environments. The Explorer bridged that gap and has continued through six generations. Ford’s midsize SUV remains highly relevant.
2025 Ford Explorer | Photo: Matt St-Pierre
The 6th generation Explorer, which was released in 2020, continues to evolve, albeit in subtle ways. For 2025, Ford has given the car a slight facelift. It’s not too extreme, but it’s enough to keep things fresh. The most significant changes are inside, and let’s just say that Ford has finally addressed one of my long-standing complaints about their cars: interior quality.
Minor appearance adjustments
From the outside, the 2025 Ford Explorer doesn’t look much different than the outgoing model. At first glance, you could easily mistake it for the 2024 version. But if you look closely, you’ll notice some changes. The grille is slightly higher, the headlights have been reworked, and new trim accents, including a gloss black finish, give it a sportier feel. New wheel designs are also part of the package, and the 21-inch wheels on the ST trim look especially sharp.
2025 Ford Explorer | Photo: Matt St-Pierre
At the rear, the taillights are connected by a light bar, a design trend that’s all the rage. It’s a nice touch that makes it look modern, but it’s not groundbreaking. Overall, the Explorer’s styling is still good, but not as eye-catching as rivals like the Mazda CX-90.
Complete interior overhaul
Now let’s talk about the interior. This is where Ford has made great strides. I’ve been critical of Ford’s interiors, often citing substandard materials and unoriginal design. But the 2025 Explorer changes that. The cabin looks and feels much more premium, with soft-touch materials in all the right places. The door panels, dash, and center console have been reworked, and the overall fit and finish is far ahead of what I’ve come to expect from Ford.
2025 Ford Explorer | Photo: Matt St-Pierre
The seats are comfortable and supportive, and even the base trim offers a choice of six- or seven-passenger configurations. A six-passenger option with captain’s chairs is a rare feature for a base model in this segment, giving the Explorer a slight edge for families looking for more flexibility. However, the third row is still narrow, so it’s fine for young children, but adults won’t be able to spend that long on trips.
Technically, the Explorer is well-equipped. The new base “Active” trim features a responsive and easy-to-use 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 13.2-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system is also very intuitive. Adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, and AWD are also standard, and the overall value proposition is reasonable at $50,535.
2025 Ford Explorer | Photo: Matt St-Pierre
Ford’s decision to offer BlueCruise (hands-free driving assistance) in three trims (ST-Line, Platinum, and ST) is a great one. However, it is more sensitive than similar systems from competitors such as GM and Hyundai.
Driving impressions: two different flavors
The 2025 Explorer comes with two engine options, and we had the opportunity to experience both. The ST-Line is powered by a turbocharged 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine that produces 310 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. For most people, this engine will be more than enough. It’s responsive, fuel efficient, and provides plenty of power for everyday driving.
2025 Ford Explorer | Photo: Matt St-Pierre
But if you’re looking for something with more punch, the $69,135 ST trim is the way to go. This means 50% of all new Explorers sold in Canada carry this badge. Powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6, the ST produces 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. It’s definitely faster than a 4-cylinder, and it gets worse fuel economy (about 40% more in my experience), but if you enjoy a spirited drive, the performance trade-off is worth it.
Both engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission that has been reprogrammed to smooth out some of the turbo lag that plagued previous versions. It’s not perfect, but it’s an improvement and most drivers won’t notice it. The ST’s ride quality is surprisingly good, even with the 21-inch wheels. Even in Quebec’s notoriously rough road conditions, the Explorer handled bumps and cracks without fuss, and overall comfort was impressive.
What am I missing? electrification
2025 Ford Explorer | Photo: Matt St-Pierre
This is where Explorer falls short for me. There’s no electric powertrain option. Ford once offered a hybrid Explorer, but for unknown reasons it is no longer available. In a segment and market looking for electrification options, this seems like a missed opportunity. Sure, Ford is aggressive with its electrified lineup (think Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, hybrid, and PHEV), but the Explorer remains left behind. With competitors like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and the all-electric Kia EV9, Ford needs to step up its strategy to remain competitive in the long term.
Either way, the 2025 Ford Explorer remains a solid choice in the midsize SUV segment. It’s comfortable, well-equipped, and offers decent performance across the lineup. The interior improvements are a welcome upgrade, and the overall driving experience is satisfying. But the lack of electrification cannot be ignored, especially as more consumers seek greener alternatives.
If you’re in the market for a traditional gas-powered SUV with a spacious interior and a smooth ride, the Explorer is worth considering. But if you’re leaning toward something more future-proof, options like the Toyota Highlander Hybrid or Kia EV9 may be more appealing.
2025 Ford Explorer | Photo: Matt St-Pierre 2025 Ford Explorer | Photo: Matt St-Pierre
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