2025 Explorer® near Aurora, OH
The 2025 Ford Explorer® is a sport utility vehicle designed with structural integrity, multiple drivetrain options, and advanced engineering. Built at the Chicago Assembly Plant using a unibody construction, this model emphasizes strength and balanced performance across four trims: Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum. Each trim shares a consistent structural foundation while offering specific technical enhancements to meet diverse driving requirements.
Engine Configurations and Mechanical Design
The standard powertrain for the Active, ST-Line, and Platinum trims is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost® inline-four engine, while the ST trim comes equipped with a 3.0-liter EcoBoost® V6. Buyers of the other trims may also choose the available V6. Both engines employ modern aluminum or graphite-iron block construction paired with aluminum heads, allowing a balance of strength and reduced weight.
The inline-four configuration displaces 2.261 liters, utilizing an 84 mm bore and a 102 mm stroke. The V6 delivers a larger displacement of 180.4 cubic inches, or 2.956 liters, with an 85.4 mm bore and an 86 mm stroke. Both engines employ forged steel crankshafts, cast aluminum pistons, and forged connecting rods. Each uses a dual overhead camshaft valvetrain with roller finger followers, four valves per cylinder, and twin independent variable camshaft timing to maximize breathing efficiency.
The compression ratio is set at 10.634:1 for the inline-four and 10.5:1 for the V6. Both are managed by the Ford powertrain control module with coil-on-plug ignition. The intake manifolds are composite designs with integrated exhaust gas recirculation systems, while the exhaust manifolds are integrated directly into the aluminum cylinder heads.
Performance is rated at 300 horsepower with 310 pound-feet of torque in the 2.3-liter engine, while the V6 produces 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. Ford notes these ratings are based on premium fuel. Regular-grade unleaded gasoline is recommended for both engines.
Transmission, Drivetrain, and Towing
Every 2025 Ford Explorer® pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The ST trim offers additional SelectShift® functionality with paddle shifters, allowing direct control of gear changes. Gear ratios begin with a 4.174 first gear for quick starts and move progressively to a 0.636 tenth gear for efficient highway operation. Reverse gear is set at -4.885.
Rear-wheel drive is standard across all trims. Intelligent four-wheel drive is available on every version, enhancing traction and control in varying conditions.
Towing capacity for both the 2.3-liter and 3.0-liter engine configurations is rated at 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Axle ratios vary, with the 2.3-liter paired to a 3.58 ratio, while the V6 features a 3.31 ratio in the Platinum trim and a 3.58 ratio in the ST trim.
Braking Systems and Driving Control
All versions of the 2025 Ford Explorer® come equipped with standard four-wheel disc brakes supported by an antilock brake system. Performance brakes are included as standard equipment in the ST and ST-Line trims to support the additional capability of these models.
Hill start assist is included across the lineup, and Hill Descent Control™ is offered on all-wheel drive configurations. These systems are designed to maintain consistent control on steep grades or inclines.
Exterior Dimensions and Ground Clearance
The 2025 Ford Explorer® maintains consistent exterior dimensions across trims, with a 119.1-inch wheelbase and an overall length of 198.7 inches. Width measures 78.9 inches excluding mirrors, 82.7 inches with mirrors folded, and 89.3 inches including mirrors. Height varies slightly, ranging from 69.6 inches on the Active and ST-Line trims to 70.2 inches on the Platinum.
Ground clearance spans from 7.6 inches on the Active and ST-Line to 8.2 inches on the Platinum. Approach angles measure between 19.7 and 20.5 degrees, while departure angles range from 20.6 to 21.5 degrees. Ramp breakover angles fall between 16.5 and 17.6 degrees depending on trim. These numbers provide the 2025 Ford Explorer® with a balance between road accessibility and light off-road capability.
Wheels, Tires, and Options
Wheel selections range from 18-inch Sparkle Silver-painted aluminum designs standard on the Active to 21-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels included with the ST and available on the ST-Line with the Street Pack. Platinum trims can also be fitted with exclusive 21-inch Dark Alloy polished aluminum wheels through the Ultimate Package.
Tires are matched to wheel size and trim level. Active trims feature P255/65R18 all-season tires, while the ST-Line and Platinum use P255/55R20 all-season tires. The ST employs P275/45R21 all-season tires, which are also available on the ST-Line and Platinum.
Interior Dimensions and Cargo Volume
Interior dimensions highlight the versatility of the 2025 Ford Explorer®. Seating capacity ranges between six and seven depending on trim and configuration. Headroom in the first row reaches 40.7 inches in most trims, with the Platinum slightly reduced at 38.9 inches. Second-row headroom measures 40.5 inches in the Active and ST-Line, with 38.2 inches in the Platinum. Third-row headroom is 38.9 inches across all trims.
Legroom extends to 43 inches in the first row of most trims and 42.9 inches in the Platinum and ST. The second row offers up to 39 inches, while the third row provides 32.2 inches. Shoulder room in the first row reaches 62.1 inches, while the third row measures 54.6 inches. Hip room is 59.2 inches in the first row, 59.1 inches in the second, and 40.9 inches in the third.
Passenger volume peaks at 152.9 cubic feet in the Active and ST-Line trims, 151.8 cubic feet in the ST, and 146 cubic feet in the Platinum. Cargo volume behind the third row is 16.3 cubic feet, expanding to 46 cubic feet behind the second row and up to 85.8 cubic feet behind the first row.
Additional cargo measurements include a maximum interior cargo volume of 145.8 cubic feet in certain trims. Lift-in height is measured at 31.1 inches, while cargo lengths extend to 84.1 inches with the second and third rows folded.
Technology Systems and Connectivity
Technology is a central component of the 2025 Ford Explorer®. Standard equipment includes a 13.2-inch center stack touchscreen, the Ford Digital Experience, Alexa built-in, and Google integration. Wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility are included as well.
Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist+ is standard across the lineup, bringing a comprehensive package of driver-assist technologies. These include Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System with cross-traffic alert, Exit Warning with Trailer Coverage, Lane-Keeping System, Pre-Collision Assist® with Automatic Emergency Braking, forward collision warning with dynamic brake support, post-collision braking, Evasive Steering Assist, Intersection Assist 2.0, Rear Cross-Traffic Braking, and Reverse Parking Assist.
Optional upgrades include Ford BlueCruise® hands-free driving technology, available on the ST-Line, ST, and Platinum trims with a 90-day trial and three-year plan option. Ford Co-Pilot360™ Assist 2.0 extends capability with a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, and Intersection Assist 2.2.
Safety Design and Systems
The 2025 Ford Explorer® is equipped with an extensive range of safety features integrated into both its structure and its systems. Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and forward collision warning form part of its advanced Pre-Collision Assist® suite. Lane-keeping, blind spot monitoring, and cross-traffic alerts work alongside adaptive cruise control to maintain awareness in dense traffic. Post-collision braking and evasive steering assist add secondary layers of control.
The unibody design provides rigidity and consistent weight distribution. Standard airbags and restraint systems are integrated to support these technologies, while braking and traction systems work to stabilize handling.
Exterior Color Selections
The 2025 Ford Explorer® is offered in a variety of finishes designed to complement its technical presence. Colors include Star White Metallic Tri-Coat, Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat, Iconic Silver Metallic, Vapor Blue Metallic, Carbonized Gray Metallic, and Agate Black Metallic. Availability varies by trim, with certain finishes restricted to specific models.