Should You Buy the 2025 Ford Explorer?

The first time I slid behind the wheel of my father’s second-generation Explorer, teenage me wasn’t impressed. The boxy SUV felt enormous, the steering vague, the brakes spongy. But over weeks of practice, something clicked—I began to appreciate its commanding view and go-anywhere confidence.

Fast forward to today, and I’m experiencing déjà vu with the refreshed 2025 Ford Explorer Platinum. Initial indifference gradually transformed into appreciation as the miles accumulated. Yet a persistent question lingered: In a segment dominated by the refined Kia Telluride and versatile Honda Pilot, has Ford done enough to make the Explorer worthy of your garage space and bank account?

2025 Ford Explorer Platinum | Photo: Olivier Delorme

Key Facts About the 2025 Ford Explorer

The 2025 Explorer arrives with a comprehensively redesigned interior while maintaining the sixth-generation platform introduced in 2020. Ford has streamlined the lineup to four models—Active, ST-Line, Platinum, and ST—all featuring standard four-wheel drive built on a rear-wheel-drive architecture. The base Active starts at $52,830, while the performance-oriented ST tops the range at $71,430.

Two powertrain options anchor the lineup: a standard 2.3-litre EcoBoost four-cylinder delivering 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque (standard on Active, ST-Line, and Platinum), and a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre EcoBoost V6 producing 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque (standard on ST, optional on Platinum). Both engines connect to a recalibrated 10-speed automatic transmission. The four-cylinder returns approximately 10.4L/100 km combined fuel economy. All models include a Class III Trailer Tow Package supporting up to 5,000 pounds of towing capacity.

Technology receives a substantial upgrade with the new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system, featuring a 13.2-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The system integrates Google and Amazon services, supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and enables over-the-air updates. Higher trims now offer Ford BlueCruise2 hands-free highway driving technology, while all models come standard with the Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ safety suite.

Why You Should Buy the 2025 Ford Explorer

Dashboard real estate boom: Ford engineers pushed the dashboard forward, creating a genuinely more spacious front cabin that feels open and airy. This architectural change transforms the driving experience more than you’d expect, eliminating that cramped, cockpit-like feeling that plagued earlier models. The new soft-touch materials and available ambient lighting with seven colour options elevate the space from merely functional to surprisingly pleasant.
Digital concierge, not just a screen: The new 13.2-inch touchscreen isn’t just larger—it’s smarter. Google Maps displays simultaneously on both the main screen and the digital cluster, creating a coherent navigation experience that keeps your eyes on the road. Voice commands through Google Assistant handle everything from climate adjustments to destination searches without the frustrating misunderstandings of previous voice systems.
Twin-turbo authority: The optional 400-horsepower V6 delivers highway passing power that transforms mundane merges into moments of genuine satisfaction. This isn’t about juvenile stoplight drag races—it’s about effortlessly accelerating past a slow-moving truck on a two-lane road while carrying a full load of passengers, all without breaking a sweat or raising your heart rate.
Highway autopilot evolved: BlueCruise transforms long-distance driving from draining to refreshing. The system confidently handles steady-state highway cruising, while Lane Change Assist executes lane changes with just a tap of the turn signal. After experiencing this on a 200-kilometre stretch, returning to constant steering input felt oddly primitive and unnecessary.
Cargo Tetris Champion: With up to 2,486 litres of space with seats folded, the Explorer swallows furniture, camping gear, or home improvement supplies with room to spare. The one-touch folding second row makes reconfiguring the cabin quick and intuitive, adapting to your changing needs without requiring an engineering degree or contortionist skills.

Why You Should Not Buy the 2025 Ford Explorer

Third-row grudge match: The Explorer’s third row remains an uncomfortable compromise. Seats positioned too close to the floor force adult knees skyward at an awkward angle. Headroom disappears for anyone over 5’9″, and legroom requires second-row passengers to sacrifice their comfort. This is not only unwelcoming for adults but also creates discomfort for teenagers, especially on longer journeys.
Subscription fatigue: BlueCruise requires an ongoing subscription after the initial trial period. This transforms what should be a premium feature into a recurring bill, creating a psychological disconnect when you’ve already paid for a higher trim specifically for this technology. The subscription model adds financial irritation to what should be a standout selling point.
Stop-start hesitation: The auto stop-start system creates a noticeable delay between pressing the accelerator and forward motion. This hesitation proves particularly frustrating at busy intersections or merging into fast-moving traffic—precisely the situations where immediate response matters most.
Suspension identity crisis: The Explorer’s ride quality struggles with the duality of sporty handling and family comfort. It transmits too many road imperfections directly to occupants, creating a constant jostling over Quebec’s winter-ravaged roads. The resulting ride fatigue undermines the premium experience the refreshed interior works so hard to establish.
Captain’s chairs without captaincy: The second-row captain’s chairs lack proper bolstering and sufficient padding for long-journey comfort. Their narrow design feels particularly constrictive for adults, creating a disconnect between the premium price point and the actual seating experience. The competition simply offers more thoughtful accommodation for second-row passengers.

Conclusion

The 2025 Explorer delivers meaningful improvements where they’re most visible—interior design and technology. The Explorer makes a convincing case in the crowded three-row SUV segment if you prioritize cargo flexibility, raw power, and innovative infotainment. Previous Explorer owners will appreciate the modernized cabin and digital upgrades.

However, the unchanged platform means the fundamental compromises with ride quality and third-row accommodations remain unaddressed. Combined with a starting price pushing well into the $50,000 range, the Explorer faces tough competition from the smoother-riding Honda Pilot and more refined Kia Telluride.

Like my evolution from reluctant teenage driver to Explorer appreciator, I gradually warmed to the 2025 model. But unlike my formative driving experience, today’s market offers too many excellent alternatives to settle for “growing to like” a vehicle when you could immediately connect with something else. The Explorer isn’t a bad choice—it’s just not the best one.