The refreshed 2025 Ford Explorer was revealed early last year, debuting a revised interior, updated exterior, and a wealth of tech features that help it stand out in its class. But all that styling is worth nothing without an engine to motivate it, and the Explorer affords its buyers a choice when it comes to the engines offered up in the sporty crossover.
There are two engines offered on the 2025 Ford Explorer: the turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost I4 and the twin-turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost V6. Both engines can be fitted to models featuring rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD), although availability depends on trim level.
The smaller of the two, the 2.3L EcoBoost, is no slouch. Lifted right from the Mustang EcoBoost, this small but mighty powerhouse clocks in at 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine is standard on the 2025 Explorer Active, ST-Line, and Platinum trims, and is exclusively mated to Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission.
Meanwhile, opting for the 2025 Ford Explorer ST grants the 3.0L V6; this engine is also offered as an optional upgrade on Platinum trimmed models. Good for 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque, this six-cylinder engine is also paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission.
Note that the 2025 Ford Explorer does not offer a hybrid variant as the crossover has in the past, at least for the mass market. As Ford Authority covered previously, Ford decided to delete the hybrid from the regular customer units so the automaker could focus on prioritizing that particular powertrain for the Police Interceptor Utility. In fact, that’s the only way to get a hybrid Explorer for the 2025 model year, which means it’s not available to the average customer.
Other changes that dropped for the 2025 Explorer include the new Sun and Sound Package. The crossover also offers quite a few wheels, depending on trim level, as previously covered by Ford Authority, and eagle-eyed owners might stumble across the Explorer’s five Easter eggs. Looking ahead, a Tremor trimmed model is on the way.
Production of the 2025 Explorer continues at the Chicago Assembly plant, and began in May 2024. Pricing starts at $38,670 for the new base Active trim, and it’s worth noting that certain trims are actually more affordable than the outgoing 2024 model year.
Comments
Budgeting for a ’26 Explorer, hoping for a hybrid version to be available. Anyone with insight on that happening in my lifetime ( I’m 78) ?
Why not then wait and buy a used 24 Hybrid?
Ford should create a Mustang brand current line plus four door and AWD with off road capability. Think Porsche and Lamborghini new off road. But make sure the 5.0 doesn’t go away. Then create a Lincoln but with a v/10 hybrid on the same chassis. Though cost could dictate 5.2 supercharge. Why pander to eco boost when my 2014 5.0 gets same MPG as my wife’s Corsair!
They havent learned yet….customers dont need all the extra power….they want less time in the garage and recalls….give us a simple engine…non Ecoboost…a non trubo v6,,,option
I would stick to the 2.3. Gasoline is expensive enough, so why have to buy premium for the 3.0, especially in Canada, where the prices are out of control!! I had a 2022 Explorer with the 2.3 and it had more than enough power!!!
Anything on the 2025 Edge. The wife and I are tall. Need head and leg room. Driving a 2014 F150 Fx4 5.0. At the moment, but do not need a truck anymore.
I agree, ford needs to fit the 400hp 5.0 coyota engine as an option in the explorer, with 10 speed and awd. Basically just lift f150 v8 drivers in and place in explorer.
If they bring the hybrid back they have a potential customer-me. My dealer has been trying to source a Ford employee off-lease 2021-23 for me without much success.
Jim Farley and his cron, stopped listening to the customer years ago in favor of largest profits from each sale, instead of selling more vehicles. The fact that Ford continues to not offer the Explorer as a fuel efficient Hybrid to the public, just to police, is another bit of proof Ford will do things Jim’s way or no way.
I used to pine for a Explorer hybrid, holding my breath, but now know it will Never Happen in my lifetime. Jim’s plan of transitioning to full EVs as the Dem. Leaders want has taken sales from Ford, and moved a lot of their manufacturing out of the country. The Maverick mini trucklet proves there is a gigantic market for hybrids, to bad no one at Ford gets that !
We need the Explorer here in Australia asap…