Ford Motor Company: Understanding the history and legacy of automakers
From groundbreaking assembly line innovations to iconic cars like the Model T, Mustang and F-150, we explore the rich history of the Ford Motor Company.
- The 2025 Ford Explorer is a three-row medium-sized SUV.
- Prices range from $39,625 to $57,205, depending on the model.
- Previously, the optional 5,000 pound towing package became standard.
The 2025 Ford Explorer Midsize SUV introduced new features and lost the less popular one when Three Row Family Hauler hit dealerships in July 2024.
overview
The Explorer is a vehicle that began moving towards medium-sized SUVs when it debuted as a 1991 model. The 2025 model comes in either rear or all-wheel drive.
Under the hood
Explorer comes standard with a 300 horsepower 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The 400 horsepower twin-turbo V6 is an option on the Explorer Platinum and is standard for ST. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard.
Key new features
In addition to notable external changes for 2025, including new headlights and taillights, grilles, and front and rear fascia, the most meaningful changes are inside, including:
- The new 13.2-inch touchscreen incorporates Google’s voice recognition, navigation and other features, including the ability to stream games and videos when Explorer is still. It also includes WebEx for video conferencing.
- Available Bang & Olufsen Audio is audio with up to 14 speakers and a fabric wrapped soundbar that runs across the dashboard to the door, up to 980 watts.
- The soft vinyl surface has improved the indoor look and feel.
- High-resolution equipment clusters can view navigation, new brightwork, standard Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
- Blue Cruises will perform hands-free driving updates such as changing automatic lanes and relocating lanes for more rooms from adjacent vehicles. Also, approaching a sharp curve will slow you down. The system is free for 90 days and then comes with monthly or annual plans.
- Previously, the optional 5,000 pound towing package was standard.
- The heated seats are standard on the ’25 model.
The feature is no longer available
- Automatic parking. A Ford investigation showed that owners rarely use automated parking.
- A hybrid standalone model sold in a small number. Ford dropped it from the Explorer retail lineup, but continues to offer it with police vehicles that benefit from the ability to power AC and other accessories without running the engine when parking, as patrol vehicles often spend a lot of time.
Trim level and price
- Active: Rear drive for $39,625. $42,625 AWD
- Cent Line: $44,285 rear drive. $46,385 AWD
- Platinum: $51,525 rear drive. $53,525 AWD
- ST: Rear drive for $55,205. $57,205 AWD
Source: Price excludes destination charges of $1,595.
Major competitors
Chevrolet Rubbers, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Telluride Kia, Mazda CX-90, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota Highlander, and Subaru Ascent.
Our Critic’s View
I drove a rear-drive V6 Explorer Platinum with a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 engine and rear-wheel drive.
On rural highways and surface roads west of Detroit, the 2025 Ford Explorer was smooth and quiet, and powerful enough to accelerate the highway. The Blue Cruise worked well with fast traffic, including some automatic lane changes. I reduced my time on all-wheel drive 2.3L St. Line wheels, drove on dirt roads, gentle off-roading on meadows, and two muddy trucks through the wood.
The new display and interior materials also gave a sense of appearance. Google navigation and smartphone pairing worked well.
Why buy it?
The 2025 Ford Explorer’s Welcome New feature adds functionality to an already excellent medium-sized SUV. It’s a shame there’s no hybrid model.
Main specifications of the test vehicle
- Output: 400 HP; 415 pound-feet of torque
- Estimated fuel economy: 18 mpg city/25 expressway/21 sets total. Regular gasoline.
- Height: 70.2 inches
- Ground clearance: 8.2 inches
- Wheelbase: 119.1 inches
- Length: 198.7 inches
- Width: 78.9 inches (89.3 with mirror)
- EPA Passenger Volume: 146 cubic feet
- Cargo compartment: 16.3 cubic feet behind the rear seat. 46 after two rows. 85.3 behind the front seat.
- Towing capacity: 5,000 lbs
- It was assembled in Chicago
Please contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark_phelan. Please read more Auto And sign up for us Automotive Newsletter. Become a subscriber.
