2025 Ford Explorer review

2025 Ford Explorer Review: 

The Ford Explorer, a three-row SUV, offers an enjoyable driving experience. This year's updates brought several cosmetic and tech upgrades, including a standard 13.2-inch touchscreen with a Google-based infotainment system. It also features standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Ford's BlueCruise hands-free system is impressive, though it does require a monthly subscription fee.

While the Explorer has seen improvements, it's not Edmunds' top pick for three-row SUVs. The Kia Telluride, a favorite of ours, surpasses the Explorer in interior space and refinement, offering more room for passengers and cargo despite similar dimensions. However, if a powerful engine and sharp handling are priorities, and you're considering a used vehicle, the Explorer could be a good value.

The Ford Explorer is a midsize SUV that ranks 19th out of 26 in its class, according to RepairPal®. Its average rating is 3.5 out of 5.0. With an average annual repair cost of $732, the Explorer has average ownership costs.

• Technology

• Comfort

• Cargo and storage

• Ease of use

• Driving

What tech does the 2025 Ford Explorer have?

Connectivity

The Ford Explorer boasts excellent smartphone integration, with standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. It also includes a wireless charging pad and multiple USB ports spread across all three rows, making device connection to the touchscreen effortless.

Infotainment

The 13.2-inch touchscreen in Edmunds tests exhibited excellent performance with no noticeable lag. Google Maps, now the default navigation system, functions flawlessly, though your experience may vary depending on your preference for Apple Maps. Both Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are displayed with exceptional clarity on the touchscreen.

Driver-Assist Tech

The Explorer comes with several standard driver aids, including forward collision warning, blind-spot warning, and adaptive cruise control that maintains a set distance between you and traffic ahead. Ford's BlueCruise system offers excellent hands-free driving, but it does require a monthly subscription. Additionally, upper trims provide a surround-view camera system, which greatly simplifies maneuvering in tight parking spaces.

How comfortable is the 2025 Ford Explorer? 

Front Seating

The front seats are notably supportive and comfortable. Edmunds highly recommends opting for an Explorer with heated or cooled seats, as they prove very effective. While the available massaging seats were less impactful in Edmunds' evaluations, the ample front seat padding should cater to the needs of most drivers.

Rear Seating

The Ford Explorer's rear seats, especially in the second and third rows, are notably less comfortable than those of competitors like the Kia Telluride. The flat, unsupportive seating and limited legroom are particularly problematic in the cramped third row, which is only suitable for children and may even be uncomfortable for them on extended trips. While most adults can manage in the second row, overall rear passenger comfort remains a significant drawback.

Ride Quality and Interior Noise

The Ford Explorer delivers a smooth ride, capably absorbing minor road imperfections in urban environments and ensuring comfort on highways. However, it is generally louder than its competitors, especially models equipped with the more powerful V6 engine. Edmunds' testing has also uncovered some shakes and rattles, suggesting a somewhat subpar build quality. Since everyone's experience can be different, Edmunds recommends taking a long test drive on all sorts of roads before you make up your mind.

Does the 2025 Ford Explorer have good storage?

Cargo 

The Explorer's cargo capacity behind its third row, at 16.3 cubic feet, is on par with space in other midsize three-row SUVs. (For reference, a standard grocery bag is approximately one cubic foot.) While respectable, it's less than the Kia Telluride's 21 cubic feet. A notable advantage of the Explorer's cargo area is its flat loading surface, making it easy to load items. Additionally, the third row can be conveniently folded flat to increase the available space.

Storage

A convenient shelf located beneath the center touchscreen offers storage for small items, and the center console, despite its compact size, remains quite functional. Storage options in the second and third rows are primarily limited to door pockets and a small shelf, which is a common characteristic among midsize SUVs.

How easy is the 2025 Ford Explorer to use?

Entry, Exit, and Car Seats

Thanks to wide door openings, getting into the front is pretty easy. But that's not quite the case for the second and third rows. The big rear wheelwell tends to get in the way of where you'd naturally step in, making car seat installation more of a pain than it should be. Plus, the second row doesn't have a lot of legroom, so squeezing a rear-facing car seat behind a tall front-seat passenger is a real headache.

Interior Layout and Visibility

The new touchscreen on the Ford Explorer is impressive. Unfortunately, Ford replaced the physical climate control buttons and knobs with touch-sensitive controls, which are more difficult to use. For Explorers equipped with a 360-degree camera system, however, a dedicated button is provided. Additionally, the steering wheel buttons are easy to use for features such as adaptive cruise control and adjusting stereo volume.

What’s the 2025 Ford Explorer like to drive?

Driving

The Ford Explorer delivers an enjoyable driving experience across its engine options. The standard four-cylinder engine offers average acceleration, with the SUV reaching 60 mph in 8.5 seconds. For a sportier feel and quicker highway merging, the ST trim's V6 engine shaves nearly 2 seconds off that time.

Unlike many large three-row SUVs, the Explorer handles remarkably well. It maintains stability through curves even at higher speeds without the typical body roll. However, the automatic stop-start system is a notable drawback. While it aims to save fuel by shutting off the engine at idle, it's slow to restart, hindering its effectiveness.

Towing

The Ford Explorer, when properly equipped, offers a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds

. This capability is on par with other vehicles in its class and is plenty for the needs of most drivers, allowing for towing a midsize camper. However, for those requiring more substantial towing capabilities, a full-size truck or truck-based SUV like the F-150 or Expedition would be a better fit.

Fuel Economy/Electric Efficiency

The Explorer offers impressive fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 20-24 mpg combined

. This figure can vary depending on the engine and whether the vehicle has all-wheel drive. Notably, the Explorer's efficiency surpasses many rivals, a welcome advantage for an SUV that's also a pleasure to drive.

EPA Fuel Economy Estimates 2025