2025 Ford Explorer: Trims, Engines, and Which One Fits

The 2025 Explorer was a substantial refresh — a redesigned interior built around a much larger screen, a restructured trim lineup, and safety content that moved from optional to standard.

Here’s how it breaks down and which trim makes sense for which buyer.

The Engines

Two, both paired with a 10-speed automatic.

The 2.3-liter is enough for most buyers. Three hundred horsepower moves a loaded three-row SUV without strain, and it’s the more economical engine to live with.

The 3.0-liter V6 in the ST is a genuine performance engine, and the ST is a genuinely quick three-row SUV. Choose it if that appeals to you, not because you think you need it for family duty.

Towing runs up to 5,000 pounds with the available Class III Trailer Tow Package when properly equipped — enough for a small camper, a boat, or a utility trailer. Confirm the rating on the specific configuration.

The Interior Is the Story

This is where the 2025 refresh earns its keep.

A 13.2-inch touchscreen running Ford Digital Experience, with enhanced voice recognition and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster for configurable driver information.

Seating for up to seven, with an available third-row PowerFold seat that drops the rear row at the touch of a button — the feature you appreciate every time you’re loading the back with your hands full.

Higher trims add leather-trimmed seating and heated, ventilated multicontour front seats with Active Motion massage. That last item sounds like a gimmick until a four-hour drive.

Standard convenience content includes tri-zone automatic climate control, one-touch power windows, and multiple USB ports.

Safety

Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ brings adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering, evasive steering assist, and a 360-degree camera.

Standard driver assistance includes blind-spot monitoring, collision warning with pedestrian detection, and a driver attention monitor.

Adaptive cruise with stop-and-go is the feature families notice most. It turns the crawling stretch on 435 or I-70 from exhausting into manageable.

The Trims

Active — the entry point, and better equipped than most base trims. The 2.3-liter engine, Co-Pilot360 Assist+, and the 13.2-inch touchscreen are all here. A lot of buyers stop looking after driving this one.

ST-Line — sport styling on the four-cylinder, plus a B&O sound system and BlueCruise hands-free highway driving. This is the value sweet spot for most families: the look and the technology without the ST’s cost or firmer ride.

ST — the 3.0-liter V6, sport-tuned suspension, red-painted brake calipers, 21-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels, and premium interior upgrades.

Platinum — the luxury trim, with heated and ventilated multicontour front seats with massage, a twin-panel moonroof, and the fullest technology content.

Outside

Standard LED low and high beams with auto high-beam functionality, with available LED fog lamps. A power liftgate, roof rack side rails, and body-color door handles.

The ST adds the red calipers and 21-inch wheels, which is the easiest way to spot one on the lot.

Which One Should You Buy?

• Tightest budget, still want the tech → Active
• Best all-around value → ST-Line
• You want the quick one → ST
• You want the nicest one → Platinum

The advice we give most often: drive the Active first. It has the same screen, the same safety suite, and the same engine as the ST-Line. If it feels like enough, you’ve saved real money. If you find yourself wanting specific things it lacks, you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for when you step up.

Before You Decide

How often will you use the third row? If it’s a few times a year, a two-row SUV gives you the same cargo space for less. If it’s daily, evaluate third-row comfort and access closely.

Bring the car seats. Third-row access with a seat installed in the second row is the thing that surprises people, and it’s a five-minute test in our lot.

Do you need the V6? Most buyers don’t. Drive the 2.3-liter before assuming otherwise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What engines does the 2025 Ford Explorer offer? Two: a 2.3-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, standard on most trims, and a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft on the ST. Both use a 10-speed automatic transmission.

How much can the 2025 Ford Explorer tow? Up to 5,000 pounds with the available Class III Trailer Tow Package when properly equipped. Confirm the rating on the specific configuration.

How many people does the 2025 Ford Explorer seat? Up to seven across three rows, with an available third-row PowerFold seat.

What trim levels does the 2025 Ford Explorer have? Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum. The Active is the entry point, the ST-Line adds sport styling with a B&O sound system and BlueCruise, the ST carries the V6 and sport suspension, and the Platinum is the luxury trim.

What size screen does the 2025 Ford Explorer have? A 13.2-inch touchscreen running Ford Digital Experience, paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.

Does the 2025 Ford Explorer have BlueCruise? BlueCruise hands-free highway driving is available from the ST-Line up, operating on mapped highway sections with an active subscription.

Where can I test drive a 2025 Ford Explorer near Kansas City? Greenway Ford at 9505 E 350 Hwy in Raytown, MO. Browse our Explorer inventory or contact us at 816-482-3921.

Come Compare Them Side by Side

Four trims is a lot to sort out on a website. Twenty minutes with two or three parked together settles it faster than any comparison chart.

Browse our Explorer inventory and used inventory, check current Ford offers for pricing and incentives, or see how the Explorer compares to its competition.

If you need more room, the Expedition is the next step up. If the trim and color you want isn’t on the lot, our vehicle finder service can locate it.

Before you visit, estimate a payment, value your trade, or get pre-qualified with no impact to your credit score.