2025 Ford Explorer | New Updates
This car tour is coming from the New York Auto Show! I’ve been thrilled to finally get a chance to see the refreshed 2025 Ford Explorer and its latest updates. Although the Ford Explorer is a classic family vehicle, how does the newest version compare to other SUVs in its class?
If you’re new here - welcome! I’m Kelly the Car Mom and as a mom of almost four (if you missed the life update click here), CPST, and a huge car fan, I can’t wait to walk you through all the features of the 2025 Ford Explorer to help see if it’s right for your family.
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2025 Ford Explorer Exterior
With the Platinum trim I’m walking you through today, this SUV has an MSRP of $51,000. For 2025, we are going to see a larger more expressive grill and also sleeker headlights on the front end. Ford really had to do this to compete looks-wise with the new Traverse and Palisade coming out soon. Their very sleek designs called for an upgrade on Explorer’s end.
2025 Ford Explorer First Row
The Ford Explorer has been America's best-selling SUV for about 35 years, but these interior upgrades were much needed. I am very impressed with the complete interior overhaul from the technology to the materials used. It’s definitely more lux in competing with its class and this is going to be the first Ford SUV to feature the new digital experience.
I want to specifically point out how the Platinum trim level is seriously impressive and the newer materials on this mid cycle refresh focuses on not changing, but upgrading.
Infotainment System
With Ford’s new digital experience, on the 13.2 inch digital dash you are going to get things like Google’s built-in Alexa, the wireless Apple Carplay, and a more seamless transition from outside of your car to inside your car. I'm so here for it! They've also pushed this dash back a little bit, so the cabin itself feels airier.
Ford’s BlueCruise is also available, which is Ford's semi-autonomous driving version and it’s stellar. How it works is there's certain roads mapped across the United States and if you're on a mapped road (which is any major highway) the car drives completely hands free. The vehicle monitors your eyes to make sure you're at least paying attention, but you do not have to touch the wheel.
2025 Ford Explorer Second Row
Second row amenities include:
Excellent knee and head clearance
Heated seats
Ceiling vents
Second row climate controls
Panoramic sunroof
Built-in sun shades
This second row is absolutely loaded with amenities. At the New York Auto Show, I only have the captain’s chairs available, but I talked to a Ford Explorer specific representative (shout out you Andrew) and he told me you can get the bench seat on any trim except for the ST - which is their sporty off-road version.
2025 Ford Explorer Third Row
The main thing to note is that the third row will have two seats, so this is either going to be a six or a seven passenger vehicle depending on if you get the bench or the captain's chairs. I love when there are only two seats in the third row because this means you have two real seats instead of like two and a half fake seats.
As for third row access, we have the Tilt and Slide. It's power on the top, which is pretty easy to use and very responsive. I just love these two seats back here because of how wide and comfortable this bench feels.
The only cons with the third row are headrests are non-removable, which can be an issue for car seats, and the floorboards are slightly elevated. This creates a little bit of that like knees to chest sensation, which can make things a little bit more uncomfortable.
2025 Ford Explorer Trunk
In the 2025 Ford Explorer, power tailgate now comes standard. I am loving this new trend of manufacturers putting more equipment on their standard models and a power tailgate is one of my favorite features, so I'm obsessed.
As for the trunk space, it's not the biggest trunk in its class, but I do appreciate we have a little bit of extra storage underneath. The third row seats are very easy to fold with just two buttons to push on the side. Obviously, with the third row down - the space is excellent.
2025 Ford Explorer Wrap Up
Before I completely wrap up, I want to point out that Ford Explorer did second row IIHS testing and was one of the few vehicles to receive a good rating. Second row pretensions are a solid reason why, but also the design of the vehicle itself helps. Overall, this is an incredibly solid family SUV that deserves a test drive, especially with all the great tech available.
To see a complete walkthrough of the 2025 Ford Explorer, watch my car tour here.
What do you think of the new 2025 Ford Explorer updates? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with the latest family vehicles on the market, check out my recent posts:
