Explorer Defies Aging Process

YARMOUTH PORT, Mass. – The continued success of the Ford Explorer, including its position as the most common law-enforcement cruiser on America’s roads, means it has become almost invisible. But the newest version reflects a maturity of design, with proportions fitting its 198-inch length just right; its angles working perfectly together to produce a handsome sport-utility vehicle (SUV) which would stand out if there were not so many brethren with evolutionary development on the road.

And on the inside, Ford’s designers, as they have in vehicles like the F-150 full-size pickup, have created a comfortable environment in which they have cleverly configured cubbies and storage beyond the norm, making the 2025 refreshed Ford Explorer an excellent space in which a driver can settle with his/her driving gear.

The 2025 Ford Explorer ST AWD I recently spent a week driving surprised me with its mature, refined characteristics, excellent performance (5.1 seconds 0-60 according to Car and Driver) and 24.5 miles per gallon efficiency to become one of my favorite mid-size SUVs.

ST means performance

Three of the four Explorer trim levels feature a 2.5-liter, 300-horsepower four-cylinder engine with the ST getting the 3.0-liter as standard equipment. This 60-degree V6 has a graphite iron aluminum block and aluminum head. The valvetrain is a double-overhead camshaft design with roller finger follower, four valves per cylinder and twin independent variable camshaft timing. The pistons are cast aluminum

The results of this engineering are 400 horsepower and 415 pounds-feet of torque. This power flows through an automatic 10-speed transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, into (in the case of the review model) an intelligent (Ford’s words indicating the vehicle’s sensors and computers determine the amount of power to transfer from rear-to-front depending upon outside conditions and driving characteristics) all-wheel-drive (AWD) system.

The platform lives up to the ST designation

The suspension design is simple, straightforward: independent, coil sprung up front and multi-link with leaf spring in the rear. The engineers tuned the ST for a bit more handling performance than the other trims, including unique sway bars front and rear.

Red calipers distinguish the ST’s performance-oriented brake system with heavy-duty brake pads and four-wheel discs. Anti-lock (ABS) is part of the system.

The standard wheels are 21-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum mounted with P275/45R21 All-Season tires.

The sum of the powertrain and suspension system is a large mid-size SUV which is fun to drive, handles well but without bone-jarring chassis activity. Satisfying in anything short of sports-car activities. And, as I mentioned earlier, the combination of performance (5.1 0-60) and efficiency (24.5 mpg – compared to the federal Environmental Protection Agency overall rating of 21 mpg, 18 urban and 25 highway), contributes to the driving satisfaction.

Overall, this is a fun, reassuring SUV to drive. Much more enjoyable than I imaged it would be before trying it.

Full slate of ADAS

Under the company’s Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist 2.0 umbrella, the Explorer ST includes the following advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS): Adaptive Cruise Control, BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) with cross-traffic alert, Exit Warning and Trailer Coverage; Lane-Keeping System; hill start assist; rearview camera; surround-view camera; auto headlamps with auto high beams; Pre-Collision Assist with automatic emergency braking with Pedestrian Detection, forward collision warning and dynamic brake support; post-collision braking; Evasive Steering Assist; Intersection Assist 2.0; Rear Cross-Traffic Braking; front parking sensors, and Reverse Parking Assist.

Comfort and premium appointments inside

The interior of the 2025 Ford Explorer ST is a very comfortable place to spend time, whether on a long highway journey or a simple jaunt to a local place for supper. The front seats are power adjusted, heated and ventilated (the driver’s having memory which also includes the power-adjusted steering wheel).

The second-row captains’ chairs are heated and fold easily for quick access to the two-person third row (which has power folding seating to make going from four-to-six-passenger capacity a snap).

Cabin comfort is further enhanced with a tri-zone automatic climate-control system.

Explorer is the first Ford vehicle to include the new Ford Digital Experience, which the company says, “allows customers to access their digital life inside the car. It is designed to allow greater connection and personalization for our customers through profiles, content and apps, helping make time behind the wheel more enjoyable, even when parked.”

The heart of this experience is the 13.2-inch touchscreen at the top, center of the dash. Ford opted for a Google operating system as the base for this program with Google Assistant the primary voice-command system allowing for control of many vehicle functions without touching buttons or the display.

In addition to the complete infotainment with navigation (Google maps) system for on-the-go interaction, the Explorer ST’s Digital Experience is designed to provide activities while the SUV is parked. According to Ford, while parked, Explorer occupants can:

• Watch videos and stream their favorite movies and TV shows with apps such asYouTube, Prime Video and more to stay entertained while out and about on daily journeys.

• Surf the web using the available Vivaldi Browser app – as well as Google Chromecoming soon – including with a Bluetooth-connected keyboard to make typing easier.

• Play games on the touchscreen by selecting from a growing list of games available on Google Play, including a Ford-exclusive version of racing game Asphalt Nitro 2; users can connect a Bluetooth-enabled gaming controller for a more immersive experience.

The Ford Digital Experience is designed for future expansion.

Regardless of the source, the sound coming from the infotainment system is provided by 14-speaker B&O premium audio system.

Additionally, the Explorer ST comes with Ford BlueCruise hardware enabling hands-free driving on certain mapped highways in the United States and Canada. Once the speed is set, the BlueCruise can change lanes (following a tap on the turn-signal stalk), adjust speed and braking to maintain position within traffic and reposition the vehicle within its lane to maintain the proper spacing with other vehicles.

Mature value for mid-size SUV buyers

The 2025 Ford Explorer family offers SUV buyers a nice choice in rear and all-wheel-drive mid-size, three row vehicles. The range begins with the Explorer Active RWD at $39,785 progressing through to the Explorer ST AWD at $55,505. The review model had no options, so with the $1,595 destination & delivery charge included the bottom line came in at $57,100.

Considering its extensive premium content, performance and driving capabilities, the 2025 Ford Explorer ST AWD represents excellent three-row value for a premium mid-size SUV.