Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Ford Explorer

PUBLISHER'S NOTE: You may have noticed that the vehicle review column has changed names. Instead of "My Thoughts Exactly," it has now become "Our Thoughts Exactly." Why? Well, V&R consists of two folks – Randy and George. Our combined work comes into play when we do both the written and video content for a particular vehicle. In most cases, all of them.

Now that we cleared this up, enjoy the vehicle review…

Thirty-five years ago, American consumers ran to Ford dealerships to get their hands on this new SUV. An SUV that practically helped the cause of this type of vehicle. 

While it was still on a truck frame – specifically, the Ranger of the era – it was built for families to be coddled in comfort with a ride that was more compliant than other body-on-frame SUVs. 

The formula worked. Ford sold loads of Explorers. They navigated some headwinds along the way and found themselves in public safety fleets across North America.

Last year at the Chicago Auto Show, we were treated to the debut of the updated sixth and current generation of the Ford Explorer. This mid-cycle refresh was what this midsize three-row SUV needed.

How so?

The first thing you will see is the updated front clip. The grille area has grown with a distinctive design for each trim level – not just the ST and ST-Line models. The LED headlamps units were also reshaped for better illumination. 

Out back, the LED taillight signature extends onto the trim panel on the liftgate. They almost followed the new trend of extending the rear lamps across the tail end, but Ford decided to stop short of the Explorer badge. It is a tasteful touch, nonetheless.

The rest of the Explorer’s exterior design remains the same. They did not change anything about the glasshouse and the doors. That’s perfectly fine with us. 

A set of 21-inch dark finished alloy wheels and chrome grille trim finishes out the exterior design of our Platinum tester.  

As with a lot of recent mid-cycle refreshes, a lot of attention was paid to the interior. A new instrument panel design with plenty of trim elevates the Platinum model’s inherent quality. The driver gets a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that is easy on the eyes and full of key information. Controls throughout the Explorer are tactile and logical. Yes, that includes the rotary transmission controller. 

The Ford Digital Experience is the new driver for the 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen sitting on top of the center stack. You have all of the requisite connectivity options including smartphone mirroring. The connectivity was smooth – something we all appreciate. Plus, with Google Built-in, you have direct access to their apps. Google Assistant helps you to access controls through your natural voice. Bang & Olufsen – rather, B&O – supplied the sound through 14 speakers throughout the cabin. That includes a subwoofer. 

When you get into the Platinum trim’s cabin, you are treated to leather seating in the first two rows. The front seats were comfortable with plenty of support for the driver and passenger. The adjustable second row Captain’s Chairs offer similar comfort and flexibility for all passengers. Access to the third row is with a push of a button on top of the second-row seatbacks. Third row seating is better suited for children. 

Loading items for shopping and road trips yields a generous cargo hold. It starts with a 16.3 cubic feet space behind the third row, that ultimately expands to 85.3 cubic feet behind the front seats.

You can choose between two engines on the Platinum trim. Our tester has the optional 400-horsepower 3.0-liter EcoBoost twin-turbocharged V6 engine, that also puts down 415 pound-feet of torque. The engine is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission driving all four wheels. 

If you ask us, this is the correct choice. This engine’s performance suits the Explorer the best, yielding great acceleration when you need it. Cruising was also just as good. Blue Cruise was available on this tester, which makes driving a bit easier to manage. In terms of fuel economy, we averaged 20.2 MPG. 

Overall ride quality was quite good. There was a tinge of firmness, but there was a lot of poise and confidence the Explorer exuded. In terms of handling, there was some lean and roll. There was also plenty of control when it came to evasive maneuvers. 

The steering system was also quite good. On-center feel was just fine. It will center in the lane once you engage Blue Cruise. Turning radius was quite fine, as well. Brake pedal feel was responsive to the wheels. The system turned in good stops in normal and panic situations.

For the mid-cycle refresh, Ford simplified the lineup to four trim levels for the 2025 Explorer. You also have a choice between rear-drive and all-wheel drive models. Standard is the 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine on Active, ST-Line, and Platinum models, while the V6 EcoBoost is standard on the ST model and an option of the Platinum model. Pricing starts at $39,785. This Platinum all-wheel drive tester equipped with the optional EcoBoost V6 was stickered at $59,865. 

During the 35-year trek from changing family transportation forever, the Ford Explorer had its ups and downs. This 2025 model is an “up.” They took the current formula and evolved it into the vehicle you and your family will enjoy. 

The updates worked very well here. Everything you wanted out of an Explorer has become exactly that. No short cuts. Just pure transportation for families with more than two children. 

To praise Ford on a “job well done” may seem dramatic and a bit of overkill. With this segment getting more crowded and offering more space than the next rival, if you have to look at the competitive set, one will hope you include the Ford Explorer. In particular, this one. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by the Ford Motor Company – our opinions are of our own

All photos by Randy Stern