Ford’s Latest Explorer Invigorates the Driving Experience
Photo Source: Ford
While Ford continues to support vehicle electrification with upcoming support for the NACS charging standard and a new partnership with Resideo to help electric vehicle buyers lower energy bills, Ford’s three-row midsize family SUV, the 2025 Explorer, is only available with internal combustion engines. Ford Motor Company recently announced the 2025 Explorer as the best version yet, calling out the SUV’s enhanced connectivity, more comfortable interior, and increased access to Ford’s optional BlueCruise hands-free highway driving.
The Ford Explorer has been a popular SUV since its debut in 1990 as a 1991 model. From 2020 to 2024, Ford offered the Explorer a hybrid V-6 engine option, which is not available for the 2025 Explorer. Even though battery electric vehicles are the future, many automakers are hedging their bets with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. Unless the Blue Oval alters its strategy in the near future, the current plan for Ford vehicles is battery electric, such as the F-150 Lightning and the Mustang Mach-E, or internal combustion engine only, as with the new 2025 Explorer.
Shifting the Trim Lineup
For the 2025 model year, Ford changed the trim lineup for the Explorer, reducing it from eight trims in 2024 to four for 2025. The long-familiar XLT and Limited trim names are gone. As such, the new Explorer lineup consists of the Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum trims. All trims have rear-wheel drive as the standard drivetrain with optional four-wheel drive.
That said, all 2025 Explorer SUVs have interiors and technology features upgraded from previous years. For example, one of the most noticeable changes is increased space for front-seat passengers, a feat Ford achieved by pushing the dashboard forward; that is to say, the dash no longer extends as far back. Ford also utilizes new, softer-feeling materials on the dashboard, console, and interior door panels. Additionally, there is a sizable tray under the touchscreen and cabin controls, while USB ports are now available in all three rows.
Technological Content
New technology features for all trims include a massive 13.2-inch touchscreen and the Ford Digital Experience with Google Play and Google Maps. Of note, Google Play is incorporated to manage streaming content. Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa are also onboard, with Google Assistant being the default. Not to mention, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wireless compatibility are standard.
The brand also announced that its BlueCruise hands-free highway driving hardware is installed in all 2025 Explorer vehicles except the introductory-level Explorer Active trim. It is worth noting that previously, BlueCruise was available only on Explorer Platinum trims. BlueCruise assists with accelerating, steering, and braking when driving on highways, but it is not a completely autonomous driving system. Using BlueCruise requires a Ford Connected Services subscription. To clarify, new customers can opt for a 90-day trial or activate an annual or monthly subscription.
The 2025 Explorer, with a starting price tag of $41,220 MSRP (Plus destination fee), will be available at Ford dealerships in the second quarter of 2024. If the streamlined Explorer has piqued your interest, please come visit Sunrise Ford. After all, we can help sell your current vehicle or bring it back to life like new with an online service appointment to our service center. We know what it takes to provide a worthwhile experience.