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2025 Ford Explorer: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2025 Ford Explorer’s biggest change is a mid-cycle refresh with updated exterior styling, a redesigned cabin, and new standard digital displays. Ford also simplifies the lineup and revises the Platinum’s standard engine.
About the 2025 Ford Explorer
6th generation (2020-present), mid-cycle refresh year.
Ford positions the Explorer as a do-it-all three-row SUV for families who need room, towing strength, and everyday usability without giving up a more athletic feel than many rivals. The model range stretches from practical Active to sporty ST and upscale Platinum, but the common idea is flexible family travel, up to 5,000 pounds of towing, and modern in-car tech. Explorer’s rear-wheel-drive-based layout and broad trim spread are key parts of its identity.
The Active is the mainstream family version, while the ST-Line adds a sportier look and upgraded everyday features without the ST’s high-output engine. The ST pairs a 400-hp twin-turbo V6 with a sport-tuned suspension, while the comfort-focused Platinum adds features such as 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, and a panoramic glass roof.
What changed, by category
Styling
Every trim gets revised front and rear styling, including a new grille, headlights, liftgate, and taillight treatment. The cabin is redesigned as part of the refresh.
Tech
A 12.3-inch digital gauge display and a 13.2-inch touchscreen with Ford Digital Experience become standard across the lineup. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and four-door keyless access also becomes standard.
Safety
The ST makes adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera standard. ST-Line and Platinum also receive the upgraded driver-assistance suite with a 360-degree camera as standard.
Powertrain
The Platinum switches to the 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder as its standard engine, with the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 offered as an option. The ST retains the 400-hp twin-turbo V6.
Structural
The range is reduced to Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum. Active replaces XLT, while Base, Limited, Timberline, and King Ranch are dropped. A Class III trailer tow package becomes standard on every trim.
2025 Ford Explorer specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter | 4-Cyl, EcoBoost, Turbo, 2.3 Liter / V6, EcoBoost, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd | Automatic, 10-Spd w/SelectShift | Automatic, 10-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | RWD | 4WD | 4WD / RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 18–20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 25 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 25–27 mpg |
| Horsepower | 400 hp | 300 hp | 300 hp | 300–400 hp |
| Torque | 415 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft | 310–415 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5600 lb | 5300 lb | 5300 lb | 5600 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft | 87.8 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in | 32.2 in |
| Seats | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| 360 Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| LED Headlights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Subwoofer | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Folding Rear Seat | ||||
| Power Folding Third Row Seat | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2025 Ford Explorer a full redesign?
No. The 2025 Explorer is a mid-cycle refresh of the sixth-generation model, not a full redesign. It receives substantial exterior, interior, and technology updates while retaining the same underlying generation.
Which trims are offered on the 2025 Ford Explorer?
The 2025 Explorer lineup consists of Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum. Active replaces XLT as the entry trim, while Base, Limited, Timberline, and King Ranch are no longer offered.
What changed inside the 2025 Ford Explorer?
The 2025 Explorer gets a redesigned cabin with a standard 12.3-inch digital gauge display and a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen running Ford Digital Experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included across the lineup.
Which 2025 Ford Explorer has the V6 engine?
The ST has the 400-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 as standard, while the Platinum offers that engine as an option. Active and ST-Line use the 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder, which also becomes the Platinum’s standard engine for 2025.
Does every 2025 Ford Explorer have the trailer tow package?
Yes. A Class III trailer tow package is standard on every 2025 Explorer trim, including Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum.
2025 Ford Explorer Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2025 Ford Explorer.
4.0
2025 Ford Explorer
(45 reviews)
“I would tell them it's a great family car. Safe and with front-facing car seats the kids can see out. Drives nice.”
“I would not recommend this vehicle given the complexity of way too many controls on the touch screen. Takes your eyes off the road trying to locate and change functions on the touch screen. Dangerous!”
Sources
- fromtheroad.ford.com — Articles / 2025 / Whats New 2025 Ford Explorer
- fromtheroad.ford.com — Articles / 2024 / The New Ford Explorer Its All In The Name
- fromtheroad.ford.com — 2025 / Order Guides / 2025 Ford Explorer Order Guide
- fromtheroad.ford.com — 2025 / Specs / 2025 Ford Explorer Technical Specs
- ford.com — 2025 / Models / Explorer Active
- ford.com — 2025 / Models / Explorer St
- ford.com — Suvs / Explorer / 2025
- ford.com — 2025 / Models / Explorer Platinum