2025 Ford Explorer will let you drive hands-free, videoconference — but not at same time
Mark PhelanThe 2025 Ford Explorer midsize SUV gets a handful of key additions — and a couple of subtractions — as three-row family hauler rolls into dealerships this month.
The Explorer debuted as a 1991 model, beginning the evolution of midsize SUVs that has become a mainstay of family transportation.
Notable exterior changes for 2025 include new headlights and taillights, grille, front and rear fascias.
2025 Ford Explorer trim levels and prices
- Active: $39,625 rear-drive; $42,625 AWD
- ST-Line: $44,285; $46,385 AWD
- Platinum: $51,525; $53,525 AWD
- ST: $55,205; $57,205 AWD
Source: Prices exclude $1,595 destination charge.
Top five new features
The most meaningful changes are inside:
A new 13.2-inch touch screen incorporates Google voice recognition, navigation and other features, including the ability to stream games and video when the Explorer is stationary. If you ever wished you could videoconference from your car, the Explorer offers Webex. If you prefer to think of your car as a refuge, there’s always the "ignore call" button.
Available Bang & Olufsen audio with a fabric-wrapped sound bar running door to door across the dashboard, up to 14 speakers and 980 watts.
Improved interior look and feel thanks to soft vinyl surfaces everywhere your hands elbows and knees are likely to touch. There’s also a high-res instrument cluster that can display navigation, new brightwork and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Blue Cruise hands-free driving is available on 97% of limited access roads in the United States and Canada. Updates include automatic lane changes and in-lane repositioning for more room from neighboring vehicles. It also slows down when approaching sharp curves.
The system is free for 90 days with monthly or annual plans after that.
Standard towing package. Research showed more Explorer owners towing heavy trailers than Ford expected, so the previously optional 5,000-pound towing package is standard now. Heated seats also are standard on the ’25 model.
Selected Ford Explorer competitors
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Honda Pilot
- Hyundai Palisade
- Kia Telluride
- Mazda CX-90
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Toyota Highlander
- Subaru Ascent
Addition by subtraction?
Ford dropped a couple of advanced features when it turned out not many buyers want them.
Gone for ’25:
- Automatic self parking
- Hybrid power
Both features generated positive reviews, but little excitement among shoppers.
Ford’s research showed owners almost never use the automated parking feature.
The hybrid, a stand-alone model, sold in small numbers. Ford dropped it from the Explorer’s retail lineup, but continues to offer it in police vehicles, which benefit from its ability to power AC and other accessories without running the engine when parked, as patrol vehicles often spend lots of time doing.
Performance, power and efficiency
The Explorer comes with rear- or all-wheel drive. A 300-horsepower 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine is standard. A 400-hp twin-turbo V6 is an option on the Explorer Platinum, standard on the ST. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard.
I drove a rear-drive V6 Explorer Platinum on highways and surface roads in the rural countryside west of Detroit. It was smooth and quiet, with plenty of power for highway acceleration. Blue Cruise functioned well in fast traffic, including a couple of automatic lane changes. I spent less time at the wheel of an all-wheel-drive 2.3L ST-Line, driving on dirt roads and doing mild off-roading over a meadow and muddy two-track through a wood lot.
The new displays and interior materials looked and felt good. Google’s navigation and smartphone pairing functioned well.
Why get one?
The 2025 Ford Explorer’s welcome new features add function to an already good midsize SUV. The absence of a hybrid model is unfortunate.
2025 Ford Explorer at a glance
Midsize three-row SUV
Rear- or all-wheel drive
Price range: $39,625-$57,205 (All prices exclude $1,595 destination charge)
Model tested: Platinum with 3.0L twin-turbo V6 and rear-wheel drive
Price as tested: $56,280
Powertrain: 3.0L twin-turbo V6
Output: 400 hp; 415 pound-feet of torque
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Estimated fuel economy: 18 mpg city/25 highway/21 combined. Regular gasoline.
Wheelbase: 119.1inches
Length: 198.7 inches
Width: 78.9 inches (89.3 with mirrors)
Height: Platinum 70.2 inches
Ground clearance: Platinum 8.2 inches
EPA passenger volume: 146 cubic feet
Cargo room: 16.3 cubic feet behind rear seat; 46 behind second row; 85.3 behind front seat.
Curb weight: 4,303 pounds
Towing capacity: 5,000 pounds
Assembled in Chicago
Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber.