Ford will revamp its iconic Explorer SUV for 2025, giving it few mechanical changes but an interior makeover and a new face.
The Blue Oval may be consolidating its SUV lineup — the Edge is on the way out soon — putting more importance on the Explorer. One of the most established names in the SUV business, the Explorer can probably handle the responsibility. It remains one of America’s 20 best-selling vehicles.
Pricing will start at $41,220 (including the $1,595 destination charge). That’s an increase over the $38,455 starting price of 2024 model currently on dealer lots.
Big Grille, Jaw-Forward Look
Most of the Explorer’s bodywork stays the same for 2025, but the 3-row SUV gets a new front fascia and liftgate.
Up front, a larger grille and thinner LED headlights appear. A wider air curtain low on the bumper takes on more prominence. Ford says the look helps “visually lower the vehicle’s center of gravity.” We think the combination almost makes the Explorer look like it’s jutting its jaw forward, like Popeye the Sailor. Each trim level gets its own grille, with a mix of black and chrome in various patterns.
A new tailgate includes the Explorer name wide across the rear and smaller LED taillights.
Spacious Cabin With New Tech
Designers moved the dashboard forward slightly, creating the sensation of much more interior space.
Some trim levels of the 2024 Explorer use a dashboard designed with a portrait-oriented central screen, while others feature a separate piece with a landscape-oriented one. Ford has done away with the difference for next year. Every trim gets the same 13.2-inch touchscreen and 12.3-inch driver’s instrument screen.
Saving money with a single design allows for nicer cabin materials. Ford cites “new wrap-and-stitch soft-touch surfaces on the center console, door panels, and redesigned dashboard.”
The new screen uses Google built-in to run a user interface Ford calls the “Ford Digital Experience,” complete with capitalization to make a movie trailer announcer read it in your head. We’ll have to get some time with it to see if it meets its promise of “greater connection and personalization.” But it does come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
When parked, it allows web surfing, YouTube, Prime Video, and video games with a PS5 controller.
Ford’s BlueCruise hands-free driving system — the one Consumer Reports calls the best on the market — is standard on the ST, ST-Line, and Platinum trims, but only free for 90-day trial. After that, it requires an annual or monthly subscription.
Simpler Trim Lineup — Which May Not Last
Speaking of trim levels, there are some changes in store there, too. Ford will offer the Explorer in just four trims at launch — Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum. Ford is known for offering many trim levels, though, and we expect to see the leather-heavy King Ranch, Goldilocks XLT, and others return over time.
The off-road Timberline trim may be gone for good, though. Ford’s press photos of the 2025 Explorer include a shot of a wheel with the intense yellow accents Ford uses for Tremor off-road trucks. An Explorer Tremor may take the Timberline’s place, helping the brand keep its naming scheme consistent.
Mechanically, little has changed, at least on paper. The base engine remains a 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder making 300 horsepower, with a 400-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 standard for the ST and available in the Platinum model. Ford says the 10-speed automatic transmission has been recalibrated.
2025 Ford Explorer Pricing
Ford says the new Explorer will arrive at dealerships in the second quarter, but you can place an order today. Dealers still have plenty of mechanically similar 2024 models on lots.
| Trim Level | MSRP + $1,595 Destination Charge |
| Active | $41,220 |
| ST-Line | $45,980 |
| ST | $53,120 |
| Platinum | $56,800 |
