The 2025 Ford Explorer captures the bold and adventurous spirit of its name. The base model Active and the sporty ST-Line offer excellent style and comfort. The performance-heavy ST delivers thrilling driving dynamics, and the top-tier Platinum model has a stylish fit and finish. For 2025, Ford has updated the Explorer with new equipment and technology and enhanced comfort to appeal to various buyers. Our SUV experts at John Kennedy Ford Jenkintown provide an overview of the 2025 Ford Explorer trim levels.
2025 Explorer Active
The Explorer Active model has LED low and high beams with courtesy delay, LED taillights, a power liftgate, and black roof-rack side rails. Body-color door handles and a rear spoiler, a black mesh grille with chrome bars, and black lower bodyside cladding with a chrome accent lend a touch of style. It also includes skid plates, a rear bumper step pad, and side-view heated mirrors that fold for practicality.
Remote entry and a push-button start get you in and the engine running. The standard cabin filtration system keeps the dual-zone climate control pumping crisp air while you drive. All your controls are within easy reach thanks to the steering wheel’s push-button system for audio, infotainment, and driver-assistance technology. It has 5G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot capability, a six-speaker MP3-compatible audio system, and USB ports in both rows.
Under the hood, you have a 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline four-cylinder engine bolted to a 10-speed automatic transmission with six selectable drive modes. The Terrain Management system and trailer sway control provide additional control for various surfaces and weather conditions. If you need off-road performance, you can opt for four-wheel-drive capability.
2025 Explorer ST-Line
The Explorer ST-Line builds on the standard equipment of the Active model with LED fog lamps, LED signature lighting, and black skid plate elements on the front and rear. The molded-in-color black rear bumper step pad, black mesh grille insert, and Explorer badging give the ST-Line street style.
Ford provides a driver-assistance package that includes lane-keep alert, lane-keep assist, driver alert, and reverse brake assist. A leather-wrapped heated steering wheel with all your audio and cruise controls comes standard.
2025 Explorer ST
The sporty Explorer ST has quad chrome exhaust tips, black roof-rack side rails, black skid plate elements, and a black mesh grille. LED headlamps, fog lamps, signature lighting, and taillights illuminate the ST from every angle. Unique blackout treatments on the headlights and taillights and the Explorer badge on the hood turn heads as you drive by.
A four-door intelligent access system and push-button start get you ready to roll. Door-sill scuff plates, a universal garage door opener, and a wireless charging pad come standard. The first-row heated and ventilated seats have Ford’s ActiveX seating material, which is an attractive and durable synthetic. There are heated second-row seats for additional comfort, and the third row has power-folding seats to accommodate your cargo easily.
2025 Explorer Platinum
A chrome and ebony grille, adaptive headlamps, LED lighting, roof-rack side rails, and silver-painted skid plate elements enhance the Explorer Platinum exterior. You get easy access to the cargo hold with a power liftgate. Body-color flourishes on the door handles and rear spoiler add modern style. The heated power-folding exterior mirrors have turn signal indicators and security approach lamps.
You’ll enjoy several interior upgrades in the Platinum, including a wireless charging pad, multicontour front seats with Active Motion massage, and an ambient lighting system. Leather upholstery with Miko micro-perforated inserts adds luxurious comfort to the heated and ventilated seats.
Explorer Performance & Engine Options
The Active, ST-Line, and Platinum trim levels come standard with Ford’s 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine and 10-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain produces 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The Platinum model has an optional 3.0-liter turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 engine supplying 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. The Explorer ST comes standard with this V-6 engine.
Tuned Suspension
The 2025 Ford Explorer’s Terrain Management System offers six selectable drive modes to optimize the SUV’s performance for the driving conditions. The sport-tuned suspension system of the ST trim has stiffer springs and dampers to deliver sharper handling and a more responsive driving experience.
Tier Technology and Safety Offerings
Ford equips every Explorer with a base suite of technology and safety systems. As you move up the trim levels, you see additional features. The base suite includes:
- Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ with adaptive cruise control
- FordPass Connect with 5G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot capability
- 13.2-inch touch screen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Lane-keep assist, lane-keep alert, and driver alert
- Rear parking sensors
- Rearview camera with backup assist grid lines
Higher trims add a wireless charging pad, a 360-degree camera system with split-view capability, and reverse assist. The ST trim has an interior ambient lighting system and a Bang & Olufsen 10-speaker audio system with subwoofer. The Platinum trim includes reverse brake assist and a 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system with subwoofer.
Ford Explorer Trim Comparison
The 2025 Ford Explorer starts at an MSRP of $39,755 and tops out at $54,260 for the performance-oriented ST trim. The Active model offers plenty of standard equipment if you’re looking for value. The ST-Line and ST have similar exterior and interior upgrades. If you prefer a more spirited driving experience, you’ll love the ST’s V-6 engine. Drivers who want more economical driving can opt for the ST-Line’s four-cylinder. With the Platinum model, you get top-tier furnishings and the option to choose your engine.
Which Ford Explorer Trim Level Is Right for You?
The answer to this question depends on your personal preferences and budget. We invite you to browse our online inventory to gain insight. Once you find a few vehicles that interest you, visit our Jenkintown, Pennsylvania, showroom or schedule a test-drive. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will answer your questions, show you the various trim levels, and help you find the right Explorer for you.
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