2025 Ford Explorer is Revised From the Ground Up With Lots of Tech
The sixth-generation Ford Explorer is entering its sixth year, which means a proper mid-cycle update is long overdue—especially with many competitors having recently gotten a complete redesign, such as the Honda Pilot, Mazda CX-90, Chevrolet Traverse and GMC Acadia.
For 2025, the lineup now consists of four trim levels including Active, ST-Line, ST and Platinum. With the last three, drivers can enjoy Ford BlueCruise for the first time, allowing hands-free driving with automated lane changes on the highway.
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In fact, technology is the main focus of the refreshed and improved Explorer. It’s the first vehicle to include the new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system, which offers more personalization and connectivity. Designed to prioritize the use of voice, Google Assistant serves as the default voice assistant and Alexa Built-In is also available. Taking centre stage is a new 13.2-inch touchscreen, while a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster faces the driver in all models.
A number of entertainment apps are downloaded into the system, such as Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible and iHeartRadio. When parked, users can watch movies via YouTube, Prime Video or other streaming platforms, surf the web through Vivaldi or Google Chrome, or play video games by selecting from a growing list of games available on Google Play, including a Ford-exclusive version of racing game Asphalt Nitro 2. By the way, 5G wireless technology is included.
More Comfortable Interior
Inside, the redesigned cabin features softer touchpoints and premium materials. For example, you’ll find ActiveX durable and premium synthetic seating material on ST-Line and ST models, along with silver mesh accents. Naturally, for maximum luxury, you can turn to the Explorer Platinum and its exquisite Mojave Dusk leather upholstery.
The dashboard has been pushed forward to give front-row occupants more breathing room. An integrated tray below the touchscreen houses an available wireless phone charging pad. Seven-colour ambient lighting is also available.
Standard content includes a 10-way power driver’s seat, 4-way power front passenger seat, power liftgate, as well as the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite of driver assistance features.
Same Engines, But…
Under the hood of the 2025 Ford Explorer, the 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder engine continues to deliver 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. It’s standard on Active, ST-Line and now Platinum models, too. Optionally, the latter can replace it with a 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6—the same version found in the ST model, rated at 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft.
Ford says it recalibrated the 10-speed automatic transmission, but we’ll have to give it a try to see the difference with the previous unit, or how fuel economy is impacted (the numbers are not out yet). Once again, power is distributed to all four wheels as standard.
What about the Explorer Hybrid? Remember, Ford dropped it for 2024, and it’s not coming back. Actually, that model is exclusively available to law enforcement going forward.
Racier Looks
A quick word about styling before we wrap this up. The 2025 Ford Explorer sports a larger front grille (each model gets a unique design), revised LED headlights, a front skid plate and a black roof option on all models except the base Explorer.
New-look wheels are part of the mix, ranging from 18-21 inches in size, while in the rear, the LED taillights extend from the SUV’s corners onto a horizontal nameplate appliqué that stretches across the liftgate.
The 2025 Ford Explorer can be ordered now with a base price of $50,535 including destination and delivery charges. It will start arriving in dealerships in the second quarter of 2024.