Ford has rolled out the 2025 model year update for its Explorer, delivering what industry insiders refer to as a mid-cycle facelift, featuring significant exterior and interior revisions alongside the introduction of advanced technology options. While the three-row SUV retains its versatile functionality, it receives a fresh appearance and a thoroughly revamped cabin layout.
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One of the key highlights of the 2025 Ford Explorer is its refreshed exterior, drawing inspiration from the Chinese-spec Explorer for subtle yet noticeable changes. The most striking alteration lies in the updated front fascia, boasting a substantially larger grille flanked by sleeker LED headlights and reworked bumper intakes. The rear profile receives sharper taillight graphics that extend into the redesigned tailgate, adding a touch of modernity to the SUV's aesthetic.
Trim options for the 2025 Explorer include the Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST variants, each featuring distinct grilles and wheel designs to differentiate them. While the Timberline trim is currently absent from the lineup, Ford has hinted at the imminent introduction of an off-road-focused variant. Additionally, a new Vapor Blue Metallic paint option is available across all trims except the Platinum, while the ST trim receives a black roof option and exclusive 21-inch wheels finished in Magnetite.
Inside the cabin, the 2025 Explorer undergoes a complete transformation, marked by a redesigned dashboard that creates a more spacious environment for front occupants. A prominent addition is the free-standing 13.2-inch central touchscreen, complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, both part of the standard equipment. The integrated Google-based "Ford Digital Experience" infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with voice commands via Google Assistant or Alexa Built-in. Passengers can engage with entertainment content on the main screen, while the digital instrument cluster offers convenient access to navigation.
Ford has also enhanced the interior quality of the Explorer, incorporating premium materials throughout the three-row seven-seater cabin. Dual wireless charging pads on the center console, along with multiple USB-C ports and 12-Volt outlets, ensure that passengers remain connected and powered up on their journeys.
In terms of safety and driver assistance technology, the 2025 Explorer comes equipped with Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ as standard, offering comprehensive ADAS features. Notably, Ford introduces its BlueCruise hands-free driving system, providing highway driving assistance through a subscription-based plan. However, this system comes at an additional cost after an initial trial period.
Under the hood, the 2025 Explorer retains its powertrain options, including the turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder Ecoboost engine producing 300 hp and 420 Nm of torque in select models, while the ST variant gets the robust 3.0-liter Ecoboost V6 generating 400 hp and 563 Nm of torque. Rear-wheel-drive is standard across all trims, with the option for 4WD. Unfortunately, the Explorer Hybrid variant has been discontinued for this model year.
Anticipated to arrive at US dealerships in the second quarter of the year, the 2025 Ford Explorer starts at $41,220, reflecting an increase in pricing compared to its predecessor. However, this rise is justified by the inclusion of enhanced standard features and equipment, ensuring a more luxurious and technologically advanced driving experience for consumers.