2025 Ford Explorer SUV Goes High Tech

• The 2025 Ford Explorer adds a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen media system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
  

• 2025 Ford Explorer also gets updated exterior styling with a revised front end that packs new headlamps and a new grille.

• The 2025 Ford Explorer starts at $41,350 and is available now.

A lot has changed since Ford launched its current Explorer platform in 2019. Mostly, screens and tech have become a staple inside family haulers, and consumer-facing tech is more important than ever.

For 2025, Ford revamped its Explorer with that in mind and stuffed a large touchscreen Sync media system into the dash as standard equipment on the inside and refreshed the styling on the outside.

Powering the Explorer is still the 2.3-liter and 3.0-liter EcoBoost mills. The base, 2.3-liter EcoBoost I4 sends 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Stepping up to the 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 will crank that up to 400 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque with the 10-speed sticking around. From there, power travels through to the rear or to the all-wheel-drive system.

Most ’25 Explorers will see the 2.3-liter under the hood, save for Platinum models that check the box for the optional 3.0-liter, and the ST models that come with the more powerful mill as standard equipment. That’s not exactly a bad thing.

The 2.3-liter provides more than enough grunt and hustle for around-town driving, and it doesn’t bat an eye while rolling onto the interstate. You can make more tire noise with the 3.0-liter, and the extra power is admittedly fun, but the 5,000-pound towing capacities are identical.

The 3.0-liter V6 also drinks more fuel, if that’s something that concerns you. According to Ford the 3.0-liter EcoBoost is good for 18 mpg city, 25 mpg highway, and 21 combined.

That’s down across the board from the smaller 2.3-liter I4 that boasts 20/29/24 mpg in rear-drive trim. Opting for the AWD system docks your city mpg by two and your combined mpg by one.

Considering most of these Explorers will pack the 2.3-liter under the hood, it’s safe to say that customers will probably care more about what’s on the inside of their new family mover.

The interior is a big upgrade over the ’24 models. The new standard infotainment screen takes center stage, with the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster handling your driving info needs.

The 13.2-inch touchscreen handles, well, your media. Ford expanded its media system’s skill set to better handle the wants and needs of prospective customers.

The system responds quickly and has plenty of available apps, but it also comes with the ever-important Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. The team at Ford made nearly all millennials’ Fast-and-Furious dreams come true by enabling video games to function from the media screen while parked.

Testing the gaming screen with classic phone racers like Beach Buggy Racers and Asphalt Nitro 2, it’s a nice gimmick to help burn time or keep your passengers busy. While the games function well and run smoothly, the touch controls are middling with Asphalt Nitro 2, and borderline unplayable with Buggy Racers because of how the climate controls slide up while tinkering with the game.

The simple solution is linking up some Bluetooth controllers to play video games from the comfort of your car, without smudging the screen or accidentally cranking up the heat.

Outside of its gaming functions, the media system works basically like a tablet. Different apps are easy to find, and you can even log into a Webex call if you’re forced to hop on while in your car. If you’re commuting, you won’t be able to see the call’s video feed, but that does report to the screen while parked.

Joining this new media system is a similarly updated interior. Ford added a shelf below the screen to stash a pair of smartphones, which feels natural and frees up the cupholders to hold your cup array. The second- and third-row seating is comfortable, and there is plenty of headroom. As you’d expect, the third row is on the tighter side for those standing 6 feet or taller, but a simple slouch will free up space.

Putting all of this together and taking it on the road, you’re met with a better holistic experience than the outgoing Explorer. The refreshed Explorer drives similar to the ’24 model year: It’s quiet, the steering is light but numb, and power delivery from both powertrains is smooth considering the turbochargers. Road and wind noise are low, and the experience is generally comfortable.

Of course, Ford’s suite of driver-assistance features stick around for ’25. BlueCruise is available, with 90 days included in the sticker price. Standard driver-assistance features include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a lane-keep assist system in every Ford Explorer.

The adaptive cruise control system works as expected, and Ford’s BlueCruise system is still predictably good. However, BlueCruise might be more aggressive with its eye-tracing driver-monitor than the competition.

Ford’s latest Explorer is already in dealerships and will start at $41,350 for the most basic Activ model. Moving up to the top ranks, you’ll be able to drive away in an AWD Explorer ST, with BlueCruise, for $61,495.

Slotting in between these extremes is the ST-Line model, which starts at $46,110, and the Explorer Platinum starting at $53,250.

Do you think these upgrades are enough to boost Explorer sales? Tell us your thoughts below.