The 2025 Ford Explorer went under the proverbial knife last year, receiving a substantial midcycle refresh to breathe new life into the crossover. Its trim level lineup includes the base Active, ST-Line, ST, and Platinum trims. While the fully loaded ST can exceed $65,000, the entry-level Active trim offers great value at a more affordable price point. Ford Authority takes a closer look at the 2025 Explorer Active trim, detailing its standard features and, of course, its price tag – especially now that The Blue Oval plans to make the model more widely available.
The 2025 Ford Explorer Active is fitted with quite a bit of standard goodies. Outside, that means a black molded-in-color liftgate scuff along with wheel lip moldings. It features body color bumpers out front and back, while configurable daytime running lamps (DRLs) decorate the front end. It breathes through a sporty black mesh insert grille with chrome bars while body color door handles help create a streamlined profile. The sides are also underscored by black bodyside paneling with chrome accents, creating continuity with its black roof rails stationed up top. A set of 18-inch Sparkle Silver painted aluminum wheels carry the whole ensemble.
Inside, passengers of the 2025 Ford Explorer Active are treated to Unique cloth seats with power adjustable, heated captain’s chairs in the front row. Black carpet floor mats are standard fare in both the front and second rows, while tri-zone climate control helps keep occupants comfortable no matter the weather outside. Door sill scuff plates emblazoned with Explorer script welcome them into the cab.
Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+ is also standard, fitting the 2025 Explorer Active with a wealth of tech like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, evasive steering assist, a rearview camera, and more. Other standout tech features include the Ford Digital Experience, which is run on the 12.3-inch color touchscreen infotainment display, featuring Alexa Built-In, Google Assistant, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. It also boasts the Terrain Management System, which adjusts various vehicle subsystems for ultimate control in any terrain. The crossover also features the SecuriCode keypad as an option once again.
As for the mechanical bits, the 2025 Ford Explorer Active is motivated by the turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost I4 engine, good for 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, plenty of power for the entry level crossover. Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) is standard while four-wheel-drive (4WD) is optional at a premium. Pricing starts at $42,045 for the 2025 Explorer Active RWD, while opting for the 4WD model bumps the price to $44,045 including destination freight charges (DFC). And if you’re still unsure if it’s a good buy, Consumer Reports certainly thinks so, adding the crossover to its list of recommended vehicles.
Comments
Personally, I don’t like the new trims. They took an all or nothing approach. We want a vehicle with leather seats (faux or real) because it’s easier to keep clean. With the 2025 Explorer, it’s either the stripped down Active at $48K or the Platinum with at $58K. There is no in-between like the former Limited trim and it’s frustrating.
It sounds like you want the Active with Comfort Package, which includes ActiveX seats. It’s about $45,000 including destination. There’s also the ST-Line trim between the two you mentioned.
ST-Line with ActiveX seats would be a good middle ground between Active and Platinum. Unfortunately, it only comes with cloth.