Interior gets massive, needed update [First Drive]

Though the 2025 Ford Explorer doesn’t hit a new generation for this model year, it does get a significant refresh with an interior overhaul and a new infotainment system. Here’s a quick first look at what’s new as well as what we liked (and didn’t like) about this popular three-row SUV.

What’s new on the 2025 Ford Explorer?

From the side profile, the 2025 Ford Explorer looks relatively unchanged. In fact, the exterior really only gets minimal design tweaks. You’ll see a new grille treatment, with each trim getting its own design, and some redesigned taillights. 

It’s the interior that takes center stage with the design refresh. You have new, softer materials throughout – and on all trims – and the infotainment gets a complete overhaul. In addition to a new 13.2-inch touchscreen, you have a redesigned center stack with a phone tray and available wireless charging as well as a new operating system. Ford calls it the Ford Digital Experience, which is marketing speak for Google built-in or the Android Automotive operating system. So, yep, Ford Motor Co. joins the growing list of automakers who’ve Googled-up their OS. This means you get native apps you can download, access to the Google Play store and a nifty Google Assistant that can change your cabin temperature with a voice command. Your native navigation is also Google Maps. However, all of this is available for a free trial that becomes a fee-based subscription when the trial ends. (Insert sad trombone.)

[Video review: 5 Good/Bad Things for the 2025 Ford Explorer]

The good news, Ford keeps Apple CarPlay and Android Auto intact, so you can opt out of the Googly goodies and simply use your phone mirroring system. For free. 

The 2025 Ford Explorer also gets Blue Cruise for the first time, and it will be available on every trim except the base Active model. This is the Level 2 hands-free highway-driving system that is rolling out in Ford vehicles. This is a 2.0 version that offers hands-free lane changes and new lane centering technology. This is another subscription-based feature, and you’ll get a 90-day free trial, after which it will cost $75 per month or $800 per year. If you know at the time of purchase that you want Blue Cruise, you can get a discount on your first year of the service at $700. 

Another big change: Ford has simplified the trim structure, and you only have four trims: Active ($42,045), ST-Line ($46,805), Platinum ($53,945) and ST ($57,795). (Editor’s note, base pricing includes $1,595 destination and $695 acquisition fee.) Which trims have been nixed? The base Explorer, XLT, Limited, Timberline and King Ranch. It’s also worth noting in 2024, the Platinum trim was top tier, and now it’s the ST.

[Related content: No Apple CarPlay? Yes, it is a problem]

Driving impressions

I’m just going to start with the top-tier ST trim because it’s my favorite. I mean, it’s pricey, but it’s also exceptional. Equipped with the 3.0-liter V-6 EcoBoost, the ST delivers 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. This is a nice power equation for a three-row vehicle, and while it doesn’t feel “sporty” per se, it does feel athletically inclined. That means you have good acceleration and a throaty-tuned exhaust note that speaks to my soul. We had the opportunity to toss it around on an auto cross, and while it’s not exactly nimble, it doesn’t lumber around either. 

The base engine in the 2025 Ford Explorer is the 2.3-liter I-4 EcoBoost that delivers 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This is standard in Active, ST-Line and Platinum, and it does a good job of pushing around a vehicle that weighs around 4,500 pounds. The engine noise is a little more present in a not good way with this powertrain, but I didn’t feel like the vehicle struggled to accelerate on the highway. 

One of my biggest complaints about the Ford Explorer has always been the high beltline, and as a petite driver, I feel like I don’t get as good visibility out the front or side windows as I could. My drive partner, who was 6 foot, 6 inches, said the high belt line made him feel a little claustrophobic. I can’t help wishing Ford would use the kick-down window side windows it puts on the F-150 here. That would help open up the cabin a lot. 

We had a couple opportunities to test the Blue Cruise system on the 2025 Ford Explorer, and this 2.0 system is much better than the OG Blue Cruise. It doesn’t bobble you between lane lines, and it feels more trustworthy overall. I was disappointed it doesn’t have automatic lane changes like General Motors’ hands-free system, but overall it does a good job of modulating speed and reading the traffic around you.

Good things

There are a lot of things to like about the 2025 Ford Explorer, but the biggest thing has to be the interior overhaul. The dash design is well done, and I love the phone holders situated below the large 13.2-inch touch screen. The materials throughout are updated and upgraded, and there are very few cheap touch points. 

In addition to liking the location of the available wireless charger, I will point out it works fairly well and in the hour that I had my phone in the charger, my phone didn’t overheat.

I’m also a huge fan of the Google built-in operating system – for as long as the free trial lasts. That’s why I’m an even bigger fan of the wireless phone mirroring capability from Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

Also worthing noting on the good list: Platinum and ST trims have massaging seats.

The 2025 Ford Explorer also has what I like to call marriage saving features, aka dual automatic climate controls. So, I can set my temperature at 72 degrees, and my husband can drop it down to 65 and we’re both happy. Furthermore, rear passengers have their own climate controls, which makes for an all-around happy family. Heated seats are standard on all trims, and vented seats are available as you travel up the trims.

When you move back to the third row, I like the fact that you have only two seats back there – instead of having three people jammed in like sardines, and you have a couple of USB charge ports.

There are a host of other small things that I really like on the Explorer, including the hidden design Easter eggs (Chicago skyline FTW!) and the power folding third-row seats that operate singly or together with a single button press.

Bad things

There’s a lot to like about the 2025 Ford Explorer from the drivability to the overall passengerability. (Yes, I know that’s not a word, but I’m using it anyway.) And, to be honest, there are really only a few things on the do not like list – none of which are dealbreakers for me.

First, access to the third row is a bit tough for anyone other than a child or smaller adult, and legroom is certainly at a premium. I made my drive partner climb back there with me, and he said he could do it but only for very short distances. So, if you’re looking for a three-row vehicle and only intend to put children in there, it’s no big deal. If you’re occasionally putting adults back there, also no big deal. However, if you’re regularly carting around larger children or adults, you’ll really want to have those passengers check this out before buying to ensure they’re comfortable with the access and legroom.

I’m also not a fan of the piano black lacquer used on the upper trims and some of the cheapy finishes on the covered cubbies and armrest. Since everything else was so well done, this just feels like a non sequitur.

I’m also still not sold on HVAC controls embedded in the infotainment screen. It’s not a problem when you are in park, but while driving, it can be distracting. 

The bottom line

In general, I like the 2025 Ford Explorer. The interior materials and design take a huge leap forward, and the powertrain in the ST trim is downright zippy. If you are looking for a three-row SUV for carpool – and occasionally carrying adults to dinner – the Explorer should be on your must-test list.

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