2025 FORD EXPLORER

VENERABLE FORD EXPLORER STILL 

GOING STRONG AFTER ALL THESE YEARS

The Ford Explorer certainly is not the oldest SUV around — origins of the segment actually date back to the 1930s — but there is no question that the Explorer ignited the segment’s popularity in leading what may be considered the “SUV Revolution” of the 1990s.

Its impact on the market was such that by 2020, or 29 years after it replaced the Bronco II in the the company’s lineup as a 1991 model, it claimed the title of the best-selling SUV off all-time

Though a couple of imports from Japan have nudged their way past it in sales this year, the Explorer remains the best seller among Ford’s Family of SUVs that include the Escape, Edge, and Expedition.

The 2025 Ford Explorer is part of the model’s sixth generation and has grown over the years. The original Explorer was the company’s first four-door SUV, but at 174.4 inches was considerably shorter than the 2025 Ford Explorer that checks about two feet longer at 198.8 inches.

With elimination of the 2024’s XLT, Timberline, King Ranch, and Limited lines, the 2025 Ford Explorer is offered in four versions. Active, ST-Line, and Platinum models get a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder Ecoboost (Ford’s way of saying turbocharged) engine while the ST comes with a 3.0L Ecoboost V6. The V6 is available for the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum trim, which this review is based on.  

The 4-cylinder engine generates 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque and the V6 400/415, respectively, when drinking premium fuel, but regular octane gasoline is acceptable for either engine.

Rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel is available on all trims. 

A 10-speed automatic is the only transmission offered. The government cites mileage figures of 18 miles-per-gallon city, 25 highway, and 21 combined with RWD models using regular fuel, and AWD shaves the figures only slightly to 18/25/20.

Ford cites maximum towing capability at 5,000 pounds with either engine.

Our test 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum came with such niceties as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a 14-speaker B&O sound system, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, Ford’s Co-Pilot360 Assist (adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assist and cross-traffic alert), and a power tilt-and-telescoping column.

Other standard features include a capless fuel filler, LED headlamps, fog lamps, and taillamps, and a power moonroof.

Options included Ford’s Blue Cruise hands-free driving system, a luxury leather package (premium badges on front seats, premium leather seats with piping and quilting, and quilting and stitching on door panels), and an ultimate package (all the features in the ultimate leather package plus 21-inch wheels shod with all-season tires replacing standard 20-inchers).

Exact pricing was not included on the spec sheet as my test vehicles is labeled not for sale. Starting MSRP for the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum is $53,745. That’s a about $2,000 less than the $55,755 for the 2025 Ford Explorer ST, but a jump from the $41,350 for the base Active trim and $46,110 for the ST-Line.

What I liked about the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum: The interior is roomy and nicely done. Lots of standard features on the Platinum trim eliminate the need to add many options. The infotainment system is user-friendly. It’s a small thing (very small) but I really like the little shelf Ford has installed just under the front air vents and in front of the gear shifter. It’s a handy place to put sunglasses, loose change, and other small objects when you’re driving and still keep them in easy reach. Cargo space expands from 16.3 cubic feet to 46 cubic feet when the third-row seats are folded.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum: Fuel economy for the V6 Ecoboost engine, which has a tendency to drone at times, isn’t the best in the segment, but is not too far out of line from its competitors. The third row is basically for children. I would like a knob to surf the radio dial (at least there is one to adjust volume) and two to adjust the blower and temperature on the A/C.

 

Would I buy the 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum? I have no need for a 3-row SUV or even a vehicle of this size, but it should be on your list if that is what you are looking for.