2025 Ford Explorer ST Review: A Surprise and Welcomed Contender in the Three-Row SUV Segment

• The 2025 Ford Explorer ST is one of the few high-powered three-row SUVs still using a gasoline engine.

• With 405 hp and a sport-tuned suspension, it delivers an entertaining driving experience without being harsh.

• The interior upgrades and refreshed exterior make it more appealing, but the rotary gear selector is frustrating.

If you’d asked me a few years ago where the Ford Explorer ranked on my list of midsize three-row SUVs, it wouldn’t have been anywhere near the top – probably closer to the bottom, in fact. Well, things change. My perspective has shifted after spending a full week with the 2025 Ford Explorer ST. It hasn’t completely blown me away, but it’s more impressive than I expected.

This isn’t my first go at the 2025 Explorer—I reviewed the refreshed version a few months ago. But a short test drive is one thing, and a week behind the wheel is another. And let me tell you, this SUV makes a strong case for itself. It’s powerful, well-equipped, and—dare I say—actually fun to drive. That’s not something you hear often about three-row family haulers.

A Three-Row SUV That Likes to Move

The ST trim gets a 3.0L twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 pumping out 405 hp and 415 lb-ft of torque. That’s proper muscle for this segment, and when you stomp on the gas, the Explorer moves in a way that makes you forget how big it is. The torque massively kicks in at 3,500 rpm, and acceleration is strong throughout the rev range.

What’s even better is the rear-wheel-drive bias in the all-wheel-drive system. Unlike some competitors that feel overly front-end heavy and dull, the Explorer ST enjoys being driven. The sport-tuned suspension helps keep things composed, and while none of the controls are sports-car-sharp, the drive is controlled, rewarding, and comfortable. Even on Montreal’s unforgiving roads, it handles bumps well without punishing passengers.

Fuel economy isn’t bad either—at least in theory. Official ratings put it at around 11.3 L/100 km, which, considering the power, isn’t far off from less exciting alternatives. Whether you actually hit that number depends on how heavy your right foot is.

Big Improvements and One Big Annoyance

Ford made some meaningful updates inside, and they make a difference. The dashboard design is beefier, the materials are better assembled, and the massive 13.2-inch touchscreen serves as a striking centerpiece. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is clear and easy to read.

The ST offers comfort and convenience, with heated and ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain’s chairs, and a panoramic sunroof. The 14-speaker B&O sound system delivers impressive audio quality, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensure seamless smartphone connectivity.

Passenger space is solid, too. The second-row captain’s chairs are comfortable, and the third row is actually usable for adults—at least for shorter trips. Cargo space is decent, with 462 litres behind the third row and 1,356 litres behind the second. It’s not class-leading, but it’s practical.

Now, onto the part I don’t like: the rotary gear selector. I hated it when Ford first started using it, and I still hate it now. It’s unintuitive, and when you’re trying to make quick back-and-forth movements (like a three-point turn), it’s just annoying. It’s almost a deal-breaker. Almost.

In the looks department, the Explorer ST gets the blacked-out treatment, which makes it look more aggressive than lesser trims. The updated front fascia, bigger grille, and quad exhaust tips give it a presence that the pre-facelift version lacked. The 21-inch wheels help complete the visual impact, and the colour options—especially the extra-cost ones—are worth considering if you want something more distinctive.

Few Real Rivals

This is where things get interesting. The options are limited if you’re looking for a three-row SUV with this kind of performance. You’ve got the Mazda CX-90 with its turbo inline-six, the Toyota Grand Highlander with the i-Force Max hybrid, or the Dodge Durango R/T with a V8. The Durango is probably the closest thing in terms of driving character, but even it doesn’t quite have the same mix of power, handling, and usability as the Explorer ST.

Then there are the more refined options, like the Volkswagen Atlas, which is more spacious and has a better interior but lacks this level of power. Electric alternatives are also creeping in, but if you want a traditional gasoline-powered SUV that can still get your heart rate up, the Explorer ST is one of the last of its kind.

More Fun Than It Should Be

I wasn’t expecting to like this SUV as much as I did. It’s genuinely engaging to drive, sounds good, and delivers strong performance while still being a practical family vehicle. The refreshed interior is a big improvement, and while the price tag is steep—around $70,000 in Canada—it’s somewhat justified given the performance and features.

Is it perfect? No. The gear selector is frustrating, and some competitors offer more interior space. But the 2025 Ford Explorer ST is an SUV I could see myself truly wanting to drive daily. And that’s not something I can say about most three-row SUVs.

2025 Ford Explorer ST

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