2025 Ford Explorer Review

The ST trim of the 2025 Ford Explorer is designed for performance enthusiasts. Powered by a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine, this trim produces a robust 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, delivering impressive acceleration and dynamic handling. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the ST ensures smooth and responsive shifting, whether you’re driving in the city or on the highway. The standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) system enhances the Explorer ST’s stability, making it ideal for drivers who prioritize performance, especially in challenging road conditions. The ST trim maintains decent fuel efficiency for its class, with an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The ST also features a sport-tuned suspension, which provides better handling and agility, making it a great option for those who want a more spirited driving experience without compromising on SUV capability. The ST-Line trim offers a similar sporty appearance to the ST but focuses more on style than high performance. It’s powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-4 engine, delivering 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with the same 10-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth power delivery. The ST-Line trim is available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard, with AWD as an option for those who want added traction in varying conditions. The fuel efficiency of the ST-Line is slightly better than the ST, thanks to its smaller engine. Drivers can expect an estimated 21 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway with RWD, and slightly lower numbers with AWD. The ST-Line trim is perfect for drivers who want the sporty aesthetic of the ST without the higher fuel consumption, making it a stylish and efficient option for daily commuting.The Active trim is designed for adventure seekers who need both performance and off-road capability. Powered by the same 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine as the ST-Line, the Active trim delivers 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, making it more than capable for everyday driving and light off-road excursions. It comes with AWD as standard, ensuring enhanced grip and control in various conditions, whether on rugged trails or wet city streets. The Active trim also comes with a terrain management system, allowing drivers to choose different driving modes based on the road surface, such as snow, sand, or mud. Fuel efficiency is similar to the ST-Line trim, with an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. This trim is ideal for drivers who want a versatile SUV that can handle both urban driving and outdoor adventures. At the top of the Explorer lineup is the **Platinum** trim, which focuses on luxury and refined performance. It’s powered by the same 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine as the ST, delivering 365 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. The Platinum trim combines powerful performance with a smooth and quiet ride, thanks to its AWD system and adaptive suspension, which automatically adjusts to changing road conditions. The Platinum trim offers decent fuel efficiency for a luxury SUV, with an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The Platinum trim is ideal for drivers who want the most upscale features, combined with strong performance and AWD capability, making it perfect for long highway drives and comfortable commutes. In summary, each trim for 2025 Ford Explorer ensures a versatile driving experience tailored to various lifestyles and preferences.