Following a bit of a delay, the refreshed 2025 Ford Explorer debuted this past February, bringing about a few welcome changes for the long-running model. As is typically the case with a mid-cycle refresh, these changes are more evolutionary than revolutionary, though the 2025 Ford Explorer does have a few notable updates such as the addition of the brand new Ford Digital Experience software, coupled with a pared-down powertrain lineup.
Ford Authority will be driving the 2025 Ford Explorer this week at a media drive event, giving us the chance to check out all of these changes up close and personal before the updated model officially launches. Thus, this gives us the perfect opportunity to ask our readers – what do you want to know about the refreshed 2025 Ford Explorer?
As a reminder, the 2025 Ford Explorer is available in Active, Platinum, ST-Line, and ST trim levels, and features a few minor styling updates, including a revised fascia that varies slightly by trim, slimmer LED headlights, and lower, wider air curtains. In the rear, the taillights now extend to the nameplate appliqué, while Platinum, ST-Line, and ST customers can also opt for a black-painted roof. The same goes for the interior, which gets new soft touch surfaces, available ActiveX seating, silver mesh accents, and a redesigned dashboard that’s been moved forward to increase front row legroom.
With no hybrid powertrain available – at least for now – 2025 Ford Explorer customers get two choices in that regard – the turbocharged 2.3L I-4 EcoBoost, which is standard in the Active, Platinum, and ST-Line, and the twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 EcoBoost, both of which are mated to the 10-speed automatic transmission.
Soon, we’ll have the chance to drive the 2025 Ford Explorer and check out all of these updates ourselves, meaning that we’ll also be able to answer all of your questions about the refreshed model in a few days. So until then, outline your burning questions below and we’ll be answering them soon!
We’ll have more on the 2025 Ford Explorer soon, so be sure and subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford Explorer news and comprehensive Ford news updates.
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Something many enthusiasts have always wanted.
What's worse, not using a blinker or using the wrong one?
Looks as good on display as it does sideways.
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Why are you putting HVAC controls in touchscreen when most prefer real buttons and knobs?
1) How does the new infotainment system compare to the Sync systems which it replaces? Pros and cons of that change. How buggy is the new system? Do CarPlay and Android integration work well?
2) Why is the 2025 Explorer shipping with BlueCruise 1.2, when 1.3 has been available on the Mach-E for almost a year? When will the 2025 Explorer receive BlueCruise 1.3? To that end, what does the future of BlueCruise look like? You have reported the Ford CEO saying they are close to Level 3 autonomous driving, and should have a product ready in 2026 - will that eliminate or replace BlueCruise? Will there be architecture or hardware changes which render current generations of BlueCruise immediately obsolete?
3) Are the EPA mileage estimates for the 3.0L V6 available, and if so, what are they?
4) Will the hands-free liftgate feature ever come back? Even as a dealer-installed option?
5) What types of sales incentives will the 2025 Explorer launch with, if any?
6) When does Ford expect the 2025 Explorer to be available in dealer stock? You have reported on the manufacture-and-hold process for quality checks - when will that process complete?
4) I seriously hope not....the amount of time that thing whacked me, or tried to dent the liftgate anytime you were messing with the hitch on our old Escape was infuriating....I would have turned it off it I could
Naturally interested in handling and overall performance of the ST version. Does it have the same solid feel cruising at 85mph+ that my Durango R/T does with ease? Looking for a potential replacement for the R/T in a year or two.
MY BIG QUESTION IS: WHEN ARE THEY GOING TO RELEASE THE 2025 EXPLORER'S BUILT IN MAY, MINE WAS BUILT MAY 23, HAS NOT LEFT "IN PRODUCTION" PHASE????
Everybody wants to know this. Mine finished production 6/5 and has been on quality hold ever since. I’m about ready to head out and buy a Mazda or Toyota. I’m giving them to the middle of August.
Your biggest mistake was buying a vehicle that hadn't been built yet. Go to any used lot right now, pick one up, and drive it home today for less money.
Yes and will get much better gas mileage.
All of the above, but especially when are they going to start shipping the ones built in May and early June? And also the questions about Blue Cruise, and whether it's going to be obsolete in a year.
Does the 10 speed automatic shift more smoothly than in past years of this generation?
Especially with the V6.
They have been manufacturing the 2025 since mid May but have shipped none of the estimated 30,000 built units.
When will the built 2025 models be shipped ?
My 2025 Explorer has been built with an ETA of July 10-16. The 16 is tomorrow. When can I expect my vehicle to arrive?? Order #4569
Wit, you ordered a vehicle and had to wait for it? You poor thing. If only you could just buy one, possibly used and at a discounted rate, at a dealership. Then you could just drive it home today.
Is the interior still a cheap penalty box? The 2020 Explorer was a huge step backward in interior trim appearance and feel.
As an owner of a 2020 Explorer ST which I do like very much I am very disappointed in the 2025 model. Ford has for some reason taken away many standard features on my car. Some are no longer available. The lack of a quality redesign of the interior is awful. Instead of a real state of the art dash design like the Chinese Explorer they continue to just stick a big screen in the middle which looks like an afterthought. The 2025 if more money for less vehicle. But mostly a disappointing interior for a vehicle costing 60K or more. No leather seats either. I can have any color interior as long as it’s black! Ford needs new interior designers. I have been a Ford customer for 35 years. It appears they no longer want my business. In another note stopping to make the Edge is another huge mistake. I know at least 6 people who will buy another brand since the Edge will soon be no longer available. What gives at Ford?
Since the chassis of the 2024 and 2025 are the same...why did the towing capacity drop from 5600 to 5000 pounds?