Explorer is becoming one of the most popular SUVs in Ford’s lineup. It is big and roomy, powerful and capable of towing. There are also cool upgrades available – hybrid and performance engines, luxury packages and advanced technology options. It is hard to find a downside of the 2025 Ford Explorer. Even those small flaws will be fixed with the upcoming redesign. The current version was launched in 2020. Since then the carmaker made a lot of upgrades, but basically, that is the same vehicle.
The 2025 Ford Explorer will be a three-row seven-seater with plenty of space for cargo and passengers. Well, the bench in the back is a bit tight, but it is a general downside of the mid-size SUVs. If that is the problem, then you should be after the Expedition or the Expedition Max. Or even Excursion when it comes back next year. Explorer drives better compared to those big rigs and saves fuel. For buyers with this as the priority, the SUV offers a hybrid unit. It is not as efficient as the one you can find for the Toyota Highlander, but it is a more powerful system. Finally, there is the Explorer ST with a performance-tuned engine.
Redesign – What to Expect?
The vehicles still look very cool, especially when you add some body upgrades. The refresh is needed to keep up with the competition. Plus, buyers get bored pretty soon. Designers were adding more options inside and some grades that came out in the past few seasons really drew the attention. But, the all-new 2025 Ford Explorer is coming to swipe the competition, including Toyota Highlander.
That is questionable as a matter of fact. The same platform will underpin the upcoming Explorer. That means there won’t be a new hybrid system to compete with Toyota’s high-efficient setup that returns 35 mpg in its three-row SUV. On the other hand, the Japanese carmaker can’t rival the 2025 Ford Explorer ST and its on-road performance.
2025 Ford Explorer Specs (All Options)
Buyers can choose between three configurations. Engineers decided to go with a turbo-four unit on this big SUV. Many would question this move, but a 2.3-liter plant is capable of making the Explorer perform great in the lower-end trims. The unit bursts 300 hp and 310 lb-ft. A small displacement also saves fuel compared to a bigger V6 – the gas mileage is 24 mpg. Upgrading to the AWD costs 1 mpg point, while the Timberline edition consumes even more gasoline while off-roading.
A V6 is there but as a main source of power for a hybrid configuration. A single electric motor supports a 3.3-liter mill to produce 318 hp and 322 lb-ft. Extra power, torque and miles – the gas mileage jumps to 28 mpg. Again, an RWD is the base setup. All-wheel drive and a heavily-loaded Platinum model will make the fuel economy drop to 24-25 mpg combined. The next step in the evolution is a PHEV system.
Finally, you will find a performance-tuned 2025 Ford Explorer ST model. It is packed with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo setup, capable of producing 400 hp. This engine is now available for two other high-end grades – Platinum and King Ranch. It is also the best hauler in the family with 5,600 pounds of towing capacity. The SUV stops the clock just after 5 seconds when sprinting 0-60 mph. All versions are using a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Best Grades and Accessories
Not only that you can pick a suitable engine, but also the trim levels and options. For example, the 2025 Ford Explorer can become a 2-row SUV, by folding the third one or removing seats. Or, you can maximize the comfort at higher trims with captain’s chairs in the middle. We still don’t have details about changes in dimensions. But, the Explorer is about to offer a similar cargo space – up to 90 cubic feet with all seats folded. Sliding the second row makes the entrance to the rear row easier.
Not only the engine is the highlight of the ST version. This trim also brings several upgrades to make the overall appearance more aggressive. You will need some time to check out all the options on the King Ranch and Platinum versions. The list of features is pretty long for these two. The Explorer Timberline is an off-road edition. Well, it can’t compete with Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner TRD. Ford also pays a lot of attention to safety, so you can drive the SUV with peace in mind.
2025 Ford Explorer Release Date
The 2024 season is near and the Blue Oval company is leaving the SUV for the following year. The 2025 Ford Explorer will debut in half year or maybe more. Sales start late in 2024. The redesign will change the price as well. Also, some new options are coming for the SUV, including unique trim levels and refreshed color palette.