Revolutionized 2025 Ford Explorer: A New Era of SUV Luxury and Power

It’s been almost five years since Ford introduced the sixth Explorer generation in 2019, with the mid-sized SUV being one of the most popular vehicles in its lineup. 

For 2025MY, Explorer received what we call a mid-cycle facelift, bringing along a freshened appearance and a completely rethought interior. 

The exterior changes are subtle and quite similar to the Chinese-spec Explorer, while the interior went through a punctilious rebranding highlighted by a larger 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen.

Ford also simplified the SUV’s finishing structure. Despite most of the powertrain options remaining consistent, the hybrid variant has been discontinued.

The exterior centerpiece is the actualized front end featuring revised bumper intakes and a significantly larger grille flanked by smaller LED headlights. The profile is carried over from the outgoing Explorer, but the taillights feature keener graphics and expand into the rebranded tailgate.

The new Explorer model is offered in ST-Line, ST, Active, and Platinum variants - each rocking different wheels and unique grilles to set them apart. Albeit the Timberline trim wasn’t included in the current lineup, Ford teased out the upcoming trim based on the off-road. 

New for the 2025 model is the Vapor Blue Metallic shade, besides the Platinum one. 

Moreover, ST wins a black roof option and a new 21-inch wheel set finished in Magnetite. The ST and ST-Line buyers can take part in a special program in the Ford Performance Racing Schools (North Carolina, Park City, Asheville, or Utah) to explore their Explorer limits. 

The centerpiece is highlighted by a new free-standing 13.2-inch central touchscreen in landscape inclination, paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The touchscreen integrates the new Google-based infotainment system “Ford Digital Experience” 

The system is compatible with the wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Google Assistant, and the Built-in Alexa. The passengers can watch videos or play video games on the main screen, while the digital instrument cluster can now display the map.

Despite the eye-catching visual and technological improvements, Ford engineers made minimal changes to the Explorer core. 

The 2.3-liter four-cylinder Ecoboost powertrain generates 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque for the Platinum, Active, and ST-Line models. 

The ST variant is powered by the 3.0-liter Ecoboost V6 that produces 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. A more powerful engine is now available as an extra option in the luxurious Platinum trim (previously standard).

Both Ecoboost powertrains are exclusively coupled to a recalibrated 10-speed automatic gearbox, with the ST getting paddle shifters. While the 4WD is offered as an option, the Rear-wheel-drive comes standard in all trims. 

As mentioned before, the Explorer Hybrid is gone, meaning fans of electrification gotta wait till the next generation of the popular SUV. 

The first Ford Explorer models are expected to reach American dealerships in the second quarter of the year.

Orders are currently accepted, and the starting price (destination fees included) is 41.220 USD. It mirrors a 2.765 USD increase compared to the pre-facelifted vehicle, as it features more generous standard equipment, including adaptive cruise control, heated front seats, and a power liftgate.