When the world got its first look at SUVs, it was clear they were intended for somewhat rugged use. The “sport utility” portion of SUV was evident from the start.

In fact, the Ford Explorer was one of the first “modern” SUVs to catch people’s attention more than 30 years ago.

Today, people are much more likely to cruise the carpool lane at school in an SUV than grind over rocks in a stream bed. So car makers have duly targeted their products to reach these suburban warriors.

The Ford Explorer feels right at home in this environment, and deservedly so. It ticks almost all the boxes for busy families in the city.

The Basics

For 2025, there’s not much different, other than a few aesthetic adjustments, such as the front grille, headlights, and taillights, along with a few interior embellishments.

Ford did everyone a favor by actually reducing the number of trim levels available—we tend to get paralyzed by too many choices.

So now you get four to choose from, starting with the base level known as Active, the ST-Line, the Platinum, and the ST. All of them come standard with rear-wheel drive, but you can opt for all-wheel drive, too.

The Active, ST-Line, and Platinum feature a turbo 2.3-liter, four cylinder engine that produces 300 horses. Step up to the ST and you’ll get a 3.0-liter V6 that proudly delivers 400 horsepower. I drove the ST for a week and I certainly never hungered for more power.

The Inside

The Explorer has satisfied legions of fans through the years without going over the top with interior finishes. That’s perhaps one area where it has come up short against competitors who place a bit more emphasis on luxury details.

But for 2025, Ford directed more attention inside. There’s a new palette of color choices, but also an upgrade on materials. The dashboard and center panel are getting nice reviews. I enjoyed the seat stitching and the accents on the doors and dash.

Space is no problem either, unless you’re forcing an adult body into the third row. But honestly, I rarely find third rows that are designed for anything more than children and maybe some introverted adults who just want to hide from everyone.

Most of the time, unless you have a large brood to haul around, that third row will be laid flat to accommodate more cargo space in the way-back.

Ford even put some design thought into the new dashboard in order to provide a bit more space in the front seats.

Visibility for the driver is good, and the seats are comfortable. You can’t ask for much more than that.

And the dashboard is, in a word, stunning. More on that in the tech section.

The Drive

As mentioned, the 400 horses pumped out by the ST’s V6 provide a lot of confidence when merging onto the highway or heading up the hill. The 10-speed automatic transmission was smooth.

If zero-to-60 times are important to you—hey, football teams still seem enamored by 40-yard-dash times—you won’t be disappointed. While the Active, ST-Line, and Platinum get you there in about six seconds, the ST shaves about a second off.

No, it won’t set anyone’s hair on fire, but it’s plenty peppy.

Steering, handling, and brakes all made for an enjoyable week behind the wheel. The Explorer may not wow with luxurious sizzle, but it will never let you down with the way it drives.

The Tech

Here’s where the engineers really rolled up their sleeves.

So much is refreshed with the 2025, but it couldn’t have come a moment too soon. The Explorer was in danger of being left in the dust by competitors who really came to play, and Ford answered the bell.

Let’s start with the dash. You now get a dazzling 13.2-inch touchscreen that is one of the best I’ve worked with. It’s crisp, clear, and responsive. And instead of the old, vertically aligned screen, this one is oriented horizontally, which just looks way better.

Ford has partnered with Google to provide the infotainment system in the 2025 Explorer. They call it the Ford Digital Experience, and it provides you with Google Maps and Google Assistant. You’re able to download additional apps from the Google Store.

The screen is large enough to accommodate all of the various functions you want. The map display can even show up in the driver’s 12.3-inch display.

All of this is intuitive and works well. Each Explorer comes compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You’ll even be able to play games on your big screen—IF the vehicle is in park, thank you very much.

There are USB outlets galore, plenty for everyone in the vehicle, including a couple in the third row.

And, last but not least, we are becoming spoiled to the wireless charging pad for our phones. Love it.

The Bottom Line

Let’s be real: Ford has their hands full when it comes to competition in the mid-size SUV category. With America’s insatiable love affair with this style, everyone has come to the party with their best offerings.

The Explorer may have been in danger of being left behind, regardless of its long, storied history. But Ford stepped up, and the changes are all for the better.

This is a fun, sporty, and well-appointed SUV that’s (relatively) affordable, starting in the low 40s and working up to the upper 50s. Fuel economy is not the greatest, perhaps one of the only dings on the scoresheet. But it’s also not terrible.

I went into my test week thinking it would be more of the same, but was very pleasantly surprised. If you’re in the market for a family truckster, this is a solid choice to consider.

The Details

2025 Ford Explorer ST

3.0-liter V6

400 horsepower

10-speed automatic transmission

Fuel economy: 18 mpg city / 26 mpg highway

MSRP: $57,100 before options

Reviewed by Dom Testa

Vehicle provided by manufacturer