During a recent media drive event, Ford Authority was able to check out the refreshed 2025 Ford Explorer up close and personal, inside and out, giving us a solid look at all of the changes present on this long-running model, which has already landed on dealer lots. Earlier this week, we took a tour of the exterior changes that have taken place on the luxurious Platinum, which are actually quite plentiful – at least, up front and in the rear. Now, we’re taking a closer look at the exterior updates present on the high-performance 2025 Ford Explorer ST, too.
As is the case with the rest of the lineup, the front fascia of the 2025 Ford Explorer ST – which in this case is finished in Agate Black – has changed quite a bit compared to the outgoing model, and features new headlights and a new, larger grille, for starters. That grille contains a red ST badge, which was the case with the previous generation. However, the headlamps are now split into two binnacles, one for high beams and one for low beams, coupled with a daytime running light accent up top and orange marker lamps on the side.
Moving down the side, we see a pair of fog lamps, along with a rather stylized front section with functional air curtains flanking the fog lamps. The Explorer script on the bottom lip of the hood remains, while the lower portion of the front fascia has been redesigned and is fitted with sensors for the model’s adaptive driver assistance systems. The hood itself, like the rest of the lineup, has some muscular lines and raised surfaces as well, giving it some visual appeal.
As is the case with the rest of the lineup, the side profile of the 2025 Ford Explorer ST hasn’t really changed, though this model does feature 21-inch wheels with a unique tri-five spoke design of sorts, framing red brake calipers. Those wheels are wrapped in Pirelli Scorpion Zero all-season tires, measuring 275/45. New for 2025 is an optional black-painted roof, though since this one is finished in black, that isn’t really necessary.
In the rear, one will find a few new items including the taillamps, which are newly redesigned with Ford’s signature C-clamp look with new inner graphics and hashmarks, and they also protrude into the center of the tailgate appliqué as well. Down below, we see a hitch and towing hardware, which is standard on all 2025 Ford Explorer models.
As Ford Authority previously reported, the 2025 Ford Explorer will soldier on with Active, Platinum, ST-Line, and ST trim levels, as the King Ranch has been deleted from the lineup, though the Timberline is likely to return at some point. Otherwise, the refreshed 2025 Ford Explorer features a host of other updates compared to the ongoing model, including the addition of some nifty Easter eggs, and, perhaps most notably, the deletion of the outgoing model’s hybrid powertrain for retail customers. The 2025 Explorer does utilize the new version of the turbocharged 2.3L I-4 EcoBoost engine that debuted in the 2024 Ford Mustang, however.
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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