What makes the 2025 Ford Explorer lineup stand out in the midsize SUV segment?
The Ford Explorer continues its legacy as a versatile family SUV with a streamlined trim structure that focuses on delivering essential features across all models. This year’s lineup has just four distinct trims: Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST. Each trim offers a unique blend of comfort, capability, and technology while maintaining core Explorer characteristics that customers have come to expect from this popular three-row SUV.
Dimensions and Capacity
The Explorer maintains its substantial presence on the road with consistent exterior dimensions across all trims:
- Length: 198.7 cm (198.7 inches)
- Width (without mirrors): 200.5 cm (78.9 inches)
- Height: Varies by trim
- Active/ST-Line: 176.8 cm (69.6 inches)
- Platinum: 178.3 cm (70.2 inches)
- ST: 177.3 cm (69.8 inches)
- Ground clearance:
- Active/ST-Line: 19.3 cm (7.6 inches)
- Platinum: 20.8 cm (8.2 inches)
- ST: 19.8 cm (7.8 inches)
Inside, the Explorer offers generous space for passengers and cargo:
- Seating capacity: 6-7 passengers (depending on configuration)
- Passenger volume: 4.3-4.4 cubic metres (152.9 cubic feet in Active/ST-Line)
- Cargo space:
- Behind third row: 0.46 cubic metres (16.3 cubic feet)
- Behind second row: 1.3 cubic metres (46 cubic feet)
- Behind first row: 2.4 cubic metres (85.3-85.8 cubic feet)
Powertrain Options
The Explorer offers two powerful engine options across its trim lineup:
2.3L EcoBoost Inline-4 Engine (Standard on Active, ST-Line, and Platinum)
- Power output: 223 kW (300 horsepower)
- Torque: 420 Nm (310 lb-ft)
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive standard, intelligent four-wheel drive available
3.0L EcoBoost V6 Engine (Standard on ST, Optional on Platinum)
- Power output: 298 kW (400 horsepower)
- Torque: 563 Nm (415 lb-ft)
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters on ST
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive standard, intelligent four-wheel drive available
Fuel Economy
Fuel efficiency varies by engine and drivetrain configuration:
2.3L EcoBoost I-4
- RWD: 11.8 L/100 km city, 8.1 L/100 km highway, 10.2 L/100 km combined
- 4WD: 12.4 L/100 km city, 9.0 L/100 km highway, 10.7 L/100 km combined
3.0L EcoBoost V6
- RWD: 13.1 L/100 km city, 9.4 L/100 km highway, 11.2 L/100 km combined
- 4WD: 13.8 L/100 km city, 10.2 L/100 km highway, 12.4 L/100 km combined
Performance and Capability
All Explorer models deliver solid performance metrics:
- Towing capacity: Up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) when properly equipped across all trims
- Acceleration (0-97 km/h):
- 2.3L EcoBoost: approximately 6.8 seconds
- 3.0L EcoBoost (ST): approximately 5.3 seconds
- Top speed (ST): 230 km/h (143 mph)
Standard Technology
The Explorer comes well-equipped with modern technology across all trim levels:
- 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- Multiple USB ports throughout the cabin
Standard Safety Features
All Explorer trims include the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite of advanced safety features:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Forward collision warning
- Blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure warning
- Lane keeping assist
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Adaptive cruise control
- Reverse sensing system
G.O.A.T. Terrain Management System
The Terrain Management System with G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) modes is standard on all 4WD models, offering selectable drive modes:
- Normal
- Eco
- Sport
- Tow/Haul
- Slippery
- Deep Snow/Sand
- Trail (Off-Road)
The ST trim adds a unique Baja mode for more aggressive off-road driving.
Interior Features
Standard interior appointments across all trims include:
- Tri-zone automatic climate control
- 8-way power driver’s seat
- Second-row bench seat (standard on Active and ST-Line) or captain’s chairs (standard on Platinum and ST)
- 50/50 split-folding third-row seat
- Tilt/telescoping steering column
- Remote start system
5 2025 Ford Explorer Facts
- The Explorer 10-speed automatic transmission was co-developed with General Motors but features unique Ford calibration tuning for each engine application.
- The “ST” in the Explorer ST stands for “Sport Technologies,” representing the Ford performance-oriented engineering approach developed by the Ford Performance team.
- The Terrain Management System analyzes inputs from dozens of sensors 100 times per second to optimize traction in various conditions.
- Despite its size, the Explorer ST can accelerate faster than many sports cars from the 1990s, reaching 97 km/h in just 5.3 seconds.
- The structural design incorporates over 3,000 computer simulations and 25 real-world crash tests to achieve its high safety ratings.
10 Questions and Answers About the 2025 Ford Explorer
What trim levels are available for the Ford Explorer?
- This model is available in four trim levels: Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST.
How many people can the Explorer seat?
- This SUV can seat either 6 or 7 people, depending on the configuration. Active and ST-Line models come standard with 7-passenger seating, while Platinum and ST models come standard with 6-passenger seating.
What engines are available in the Explorer?
- It offers two engines: a 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder (223 kW/300 hp) and a 3.0L EcoBoost V6 (298 kW/400 hp).
What is the fuel economy of the Explorer?
- The most efficient configuration is the 2.3L with RWD at approximately 10.2 L/100 km combined, while the 3.0L V6 with 4WD uses approximately 12.4 L/100 km combined.
How much cargo space does the Explorer have?
- It offers 0.46 cubic metres (16.3 cubic feet) behind the third row, 1.3 cubic metres (46 cubic feet) behind the second row, and up to 2.4 cubic metres (85.8 cubic feet) with all rear seats folded.
What safety features come standard on all Explorer models?
- All models come standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ suite, including automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
What is the towing capacity of the Explorer?
- All models can tow up to 2,268 kg (5,000 lbs) when properly equipped, regardless of engine choice.
Does the Explorer come with all-wheel drive?
- This SUV comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but intelligent four-wheel drive is available on all trim levels.
What is the G.O.A.T. system in the Explorer?
- G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) is the Ford terrain management system, offering selectable drive modes to optimize vehicle performance for various driving conditions.
How does the Explorer ground clearance vary by trim?
- Ground clearance varies by trim: Active and ST-Line have 19.3 cm (7.6 inches), ST has 19.8 cm (7.8 inches), and Platinum has the highest at 20.8 cm (8.2 inches).
