Yahoo Autos 2025 Ford Explorer ST's Starting Price Rises $5100 to $56,800
The 2025 Ford Explorer benefits from a mid-cycle refresh that also sees the lineup trimmed from eight to four models.
The new entry-level Active starts at $41,220, which is $2765 more than last year's base model, but it boasts a host of better standard equipment.
The ST-Line ($45,980) and Platinum ($53,120) are both cheaper than before, but the 400-hp ST's staring price rises from $5100 to $56,800.
Ford didn't just give the 2025 Explorer fresh faces and an improved infotainment system, it also took a set of garden shears to the lineup and yo-yoed their price points. On one hand, the redesigned Explorer's base price is nearly $3000 more than last year, while the 400-hp sport-tuned ST is just over $5K more expensive. On the other hand, the ST-Line and ritzy Platinum trims are about about $2600 and $4200 cheaper, respectively. Let's discuss.
2025 Ford Explorer Pricing
Previously, the Explorer family included the following eight trims: Base, XLT, ST-Line, Limited, Timberline, ST, King Ranch, and Platinum. For the 2025 model year, there are only four, including the new entry-level Active trim. The other remaining three are the ST-Line, Platinum, and ST (ordered from lowest to highest base price).
The Active essentially replaces the Base and XLT, with the former last year starting at $38,455. While the 2025 Explorer Active has a $41,220 starting price (a $2765 increase), it also has a lot more desirable standard features. Along with a standard 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen with the new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system, every Active comes with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, a power liftgate, and a trailer tow package, not to mention new exterior and interior styling.
For 2025, the ST-Line starts at $45,980, which is actually $2615 less than last year. Not only does it benefit from the Explorer's new looks and upgraded tech, but now it can be had with the new Street package. That includes the Magnetite-painted 21-inch wheels found on the ST as well as the higher trim's upgraded brakes and red-painted calipers. The available ST-Line Premium package includes ambient interior lighting, heated second-row seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, and a power-folding third row.
Previously, the Platinum was the Explorer's top-of-the-line trim, as it started at $57,310 in 2024. Its base price has dropped $4190 to $53,120 for the new model year, but that's also because it now comes standard with the 300-hp 2.3-liter turbo four instead of the 400-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6. The latter engine is still an option, of course, as it comes with the Ultimate package that also includes 21-inch wheels and quilted leather upholstery. The fancier interior is available without the engine upgrade as part of the Lux Leather package.
That leaves the performance-minded Explorer ST, which sees its starting price rise from $51,700 last year to $56,800 for 2025. Since it has the same 400-hp powertrain as before, and there aren't any chassis changes, we're not exactly sure why Ford increased its base price by $5100, making it the de facto top trim. Perhaps the fact that one out of every five Explorers sold is an ST has something to do with it. As on the ST-Line and Platinum, the ST can be optioned with a black-painted roof. Switching from rear-wheel drive to all-wheel drive is expected to add $2000, just like on all three other Explorer trim levels.
You Might Also Like
