2025 Ford Explorer: Performance, Features & Reviews
For drivers seeking an SUV that blends strength, comfort, and a modern sense of style, the 2025 Ford Explorer delivers in every category. This latest generation builds on the trusted reputation of earlier models while bringing a fresh wave of updates that make it exciting for both returning fans and first-time buyers.
Packed with new technology, refined design details, and versatile performance, the 2025 Ford Explorer has become a favorite among families and adventurers who want capability without sacrificing sophistication.
A Bold New Look
The 2025 Ford Explorer features a redesigned exterior that feels refined and contemporary. Sleek lines flow across the body, paired with an updated grille and sharp LED headlights that give the SUV a strong road presence.
The overall shape has been sculpted with aerodynamics in mind, creating a profile that is as functional as it is stylish. New wheel options range from sporty to elegant, so drivers can tailor the look to their personal taste.
The color palette includes fresh paint choices that highlight its clean edges and athletic stance. LED taillights and distinctive front accents enhance visibility while adding personality to the design. Thoughtful finishing touches, such as chrome trim, roof rails, and available blacked-out accents, let you customize the Explorer’s appearance. These upgrades make the SUV feel modern but still retain the rugged confidence that has long defined the model.
Engine Performance and Power
Power is one of the Explorer’s strongest qualities. Drivers can select from multiple engine options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder for efficiency and a robust V6 for greater capability. The four-cylinder strikes a balance between fuel savings and lively acceleration. On the other hand, the V6 delivers the extra horsepower needed for towing and more demanding adventures.
A well-calibrated transmission ensures smooth gear changes and responsive performance, so highway merging and passing feel natural and controlled. When paired with the available all-wheel drive, the Explorer manages various road conditions with confidence. This range of powertrain choices makes the SUV suitable for everything from daily commutes to family road trips.
Smooth Ride and Handling
The Explorer delivers a smooth and confident ride, supported by advanced suspension tuning and the availability of all-wheel drive. Its stability on both city streets and highways helps drivers feel secure in a wide range of conditions. The suspension has been carefully engineered to absorb bumps and uneven pavement. This creates a more comfortable experience for everyone in the cabin.
Steering is precise, giving the SUV a sense of agility that makes parking and navigating tighter spaces easier. When equipped with all-wheel drive, the Explorer maintains steady traction on wet pavement, snowy roads, and loose gravel, adapting seamlessly to changing surfaces. A well-balanced chassis enhances control, making each trip, from short commutes to long-distance travel, more enjoyable.
Drivers will also appreciate the reduction in body roll when taking corners and the noticeably quieter cabin, both of which add to a refined driving experience. Together, these features turn the Explorer into a dependable companion for everything from daily errands to weekend adventures.
Interior Comfort and Space
The 2025 Ford Explorer focuses on making every drive comfortable and convenient. Inside, you’ll find a spacious cabin with three rows of seating that balance passenger comfort with cargo versatility. High-quality materials and thoughtful design touches give the interior a refined feel, turning even long trips into a more pleasant experience.
Second- and third-row passengers enjoy generous legroom and practical storage solutions that keep personal items within easy reach. The seats are well-cushioned and can be equipped with heating, ventilation, and power adjustments, adding extra comfort for all seasons.
Luxury details such as ambient lighting, tri-zone climate control, and a panoramic sunroof create a warm, inviting atmosphere. When more storage is needed, the rear rows fold flat, revealing a large, adaptable cargo area ready for everything from groceries to luggage. No matter if it’s a daily school drop-off or a weekend road trip, the Explorer’s interior blends comfort and practicality, helping every ride feel smooth and enjoyable.
Cutting-Edge Technology
The 2025 Ford Explorer is designed to keep you connected and entertained wherever the road takes you. At the center of the cabin sits a large, high-resolution touchscreen that controls the intuitive infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration let you access your favorite apps, playlists, and navigation seamlessly.
An available Wi-Fi hotspot transforms the SUV into a mobile hub and lets passengers stream, browse, or work while traveling. The interface responds quickly, with crisp graphics and simple menus that make it easy to stay focused on driving. Voice-activated controls further enhance convenience by allowing hands-free access to essential features.
Higher trims elevate the experience with premium audio systems that fill the cabin with rich, immersive sound – perfect for music lovers. Multiple USB ports and charging stations are positioned throughout all three rows so every passenger can keep devices powered. Over-the-air software updates, real-time navigation data, and customizable driver profiles bring added convenience and a sense of personalization.
Together, these innovations make the Explorer more than just a vehicle. They turn it into a connected companion that makes every journey smarter, easier, and more enjoyable.
Safety You Can Trust
Safety remains at the heart of the 2025 Explorer’s design. Every model comes standard with Ford Co-Pilot360, which includes driver-assist technologies such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. These systems work together to help protect you and your passengers on every drive.
New for 2025 are thoughtful upgrades like rear cross-traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, and a 360-degree camera system that takes the stress out of parking and tight maneuvers. Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability proves especially valuable in heavy traffic, reducing fatigue during longer trips.
Strategically placed airbags, advanced stability controls, and post-collision braking add layers of protection from multiple angles. The Explorer also includes tire pressure monitoring and child safety locks, reinforcing a sense of security for drivers and families alike. These features create a comprehensive safety net designed to give you peace of mind wherever the road leads.
Fuel Efficiency for Everyday Driving
The 2025 Explorer delivers impressive efficiency for a three-row SUV, making it a practical companion for daily life. The available EcoBoost engine helps reduce fuel stops without compromising power, so you can go farther on every tank. Ford has tuned the powertrain to strike a careful balance between performance and smart fuel use. This way, you will be able to enjoy the capability without unnecessary waste.
Highway drivers will notice excellent mileage at cruising speeds, while city commuters benefit from optimizations that conserve fuel in stop-and-go traffic. A lighter body structure and improved aerodynamics further contribute to its efficiency, keeping the Explorer competitive among SUVs in its class.
For drivers who want to maximize savings, the hybrid option provides even greater range between fill-ups, adding flexibility for different lifestyles. Over time, these efficiencies help lower operating costs. This makes the Explorer a smart choice for those who value capability, comfort, and long-term practicality.
Reviews and Impressions
Early feedback for the 2025 Explorer highlights its impressive balance of versatility, comfort, and technology. Reviewers consistently praise the SUV’s smooth and composed ride, noting how the advanced suspension and responsive steering make it equally enjoyable on city streets and long highway drives. Many comment that the Explorer manages to feel nimble and confident for a vehicle of its size, which adds to its appeal for urban drivers.
Inside, critics describe the cabin as refined and thoughtfully laid out. Soft-touch materials, clever storage spaces, and user-friendly controls create a premium experience that feels above its segment. Families particularly value the roomy third row and generous cargo capacity, which make school runs, weekend trips, and vacations far easier to manage. Commuters, on the other hand, highlight the balance between strong performance and efficient fuel use, making it a practical daily driver.
Technology is another standout, with reviewers praising the seamless infotainment system, wireless smartphone integration, and available Wi-Fi hotspot. Safety features in the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite receive high marks for providing peace of mind in everyday traffic.
Overall, the impression is clear: the 2025 Explorer is a well-rounded SUV that delivers on multiple fronts – comfort, capability, style, and innovation. It’s a favorite among families, commuters, and adventure-seekers alike.
Why the Explorer Stands Out in 2025
In a crowded SUV market, the 2025 Explorer rises above with its well-balanced mix of performance, space, and forward-thinking features. It is more than a way to get from point A to point B; it is designed to keep pace with every aspect of a busy lifestyle.
Families appreciate its spacious three-row layout, which transitions seamlessly from school drop-offs to weekend road trips without sacrificing passenger comfort or cargo room. Outdoor enthusiasts value its towing capability, available all-wheel drive, and confident handling that make camping, boating, or trail adventures feel effortless.
Technology also plays a major role in setting the Explorer apart. Wireless smartphone connectivity, a large, intuitive touchscreen, and smart driver-assist systems streamline the daily commute and reduce stress behind the wheel. Premium touches such as available ventilated seats, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof transform long drives into comfortable experiences that feel more like a retreat than a chore.
With its ability to blend rugged utility, modern luxury, and cutting-edge tech, the 2025 Explorer stands as one of the most versatile SUVs on the road. It appeals equally to growing families, weekend adventurers, and commuters who expect more from their vehicle than just basic transportation.
The Explorer’s ability to combine rugged durability with modern luxury makes it versatile enough for a wide range of drivers. Few SUVs manage to offer such a well-rounded package, which is why the Explorer continues to stand out. At Zeigler Ford of Plainwell, we sell hundreds of quality pre-owned vehicles at wholesale pricing, so you keep more money in your pocket. Our strong lender network, on-the-spot financing, and protection packages make it easier for you to drive home in a vehicle you’ll love.











