2025 Ford Explorer: Specs, Features, and Competition

The refreshed 2025 Ford Explorer comes with bold styling, a powerful V-6 engine, and secure handling. A new 13.2-inch touchscreen is standard. It’s got plenty of cargo space and a suite of driver-assist features. It’s built for families who want capability and comfort. 

Engine Options and Performance 

The base Active, Platinum, and ST-Line trims come standard with a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The higher-end Platinum and ST trims are equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. 

All 2025 Explorer models are equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard and AWD is available as an option. There will be no Hybrid Explorer for the 2025 model year. 

Ride and Handling

The Ford Explorer 2025 offers a balanced driving experience, delivering smooth handling on city streets, stable and quiet rides on highways, and confident control around curves. 

With the available Terrain Management System™, it’s also ready for off-road conditions like gravel and snow. It’s versatile for everyday commutes and weekend family adventures. 

Towing Capacity 

The 2025 Ford Explorer can tow up to 5,000 pounds with the standard Class III Trailer Tow Package, which includes a hitch receiver, wiring harness, engine oil cooler, and cargo area management system.

Fuel Economy 

The 2025 Ford Explorer’s most efficient engine is the 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, giving you up to 24 mpg combined in RWD and 23 mpg combined in AWD. The more powerful the 3.0-liter V6 option gets you 21 mpg combined with RWD and 20 mpg combined with AWD. 

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo 

The new Ford Explorer’s interior focuses on comfort and functionality, not luxury. The dashboard layout is simple and practical, with soft-touch surfaces for a premium feel. 

It seats up to seven, with an option for second-row captain’s chairs to make it a six-seater. It provides plenty of legroom for all passengers. The third row isn’t as spacious as its peers, but you get generous cargo space when you fold it down. 

A standard power liftgate and optional heated and ventilated front seats add convenience and comfort, rounding out an interior designed for space, easy access to information, and practical cargo options.

Infotainment & Tech Features

The 2025 Explorer’s infotainment system received the most upgrades. It now has a 13.2-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 5G Wi-Fi Hotspot are standard on all trims. 

Safety Rating and Driver-Assist Features

The 2025 Explorer has yet to be rated, but the 2024 model received a 5-star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA. It also earned the Top Safety Pick+ designation from IIHS. 

Standard safety features include: 

• Pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking
• Blind blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross-traffic alert
• Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

2025 Ford Explorer Price and Trims 

The Ford Explorer 2025 is available in four trims: 

Explorer Active: Starting at $39,755 

• 300 hp 2.3L four-cylinder engine
• Ford CoPilot360® Assist+
• Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and lane-centering
• First-row heated seats

Explorer ST-Line: Starting at $44,615

• 20” machined aluminum wheels
• Black exterior accents
• Available street package with 21” wheels, red-painted brake calipers
• Available black-painted roof

Explorer Platinum: Starting at $52,250

• Hands-free highway driving
• Heated and ventilated front row leather seats
• Second-row heated leather seats
• Panoramic vista roof®

Explorer ST: Starting at $54,260

• Hands-free highway driving
• 400 hp 3.0L turbocharged V6
• Sport-tuned suspension
• Red-painted performance front-and-rear brake calipers

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Which 2025 Ford Explorer Should You Buy? 

We are biased toward the 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line. For around $11K less, you get the standard 300-hp turbo four-cylinder engine, 20-inch painted alloy wheels, and a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. 

It also includes a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, flat-bottom ST steering wheel, heated second-row seats, and power-folding mirrors. With the extra savings, you can add BlueCruise and a black roof. 

2025 Ford Explorer  vs. the Competition

Ford Explorer vs. Hyundai Palisade

The Palisade pales in comparison to the Explorer when it comes to performance. The 2025 Ford Explorer delivers 400-hp with its 3.0-liter turbo engine, far surpassing the Palisade’s 291-hp.  

The Explorer also gets more mileage with up to 24-mpg combined in RWD (vs. the Palisade’s 22 mpg). It also features a 13.2-inch touchscreen, while the Palisade only has a 12.3-inch display.

Ford Explorer vs. Chevy Traverse

The Chevy Traverse’s third-row seat is big enough for adults, and it has plenty of cargo space to accommodate larger loads or bulkier items. But it also carries a much higher price tag. 

On the other hand, the Explorer offers more for your money—stronger performance (400 hp on the V6), a larger 13.2-inch touchscreen, better fuel economy, and a more handsome exterior. 

2025 Ford Explorer for Sale Nampa, Idaho

If you’re in the Nampa area and interested in the 2025 Ford Explorer, visit Corwin Ford Nampa to check out our new Ford Explorers available in our lot and ready for a test drive. 

Call us to book your test drive today. We are located at 5707 E Gate Blvd, Nampa, ID 83687. We proudly serve customers in Nampa, Boise, Meridian, Caldwell, Kuna, Eagle, Emmett, Idaho City, Wilder, New Plymouth, Star, Middleton, Weiser, Payette, Horseshoe Bend, Mountain Home, Idaho, and surrounding states.

Browse Our New Ford Models Inventory.