Breaking cover in early February 2024, the refreshed 2025 Ford Explorer began arriving at dealerships a few months ago, putting the crossover that much closer to the hands of its buyers. But the Explorer isn’t just an everyday hauler – it’s offered with the sportier ST-Line and ST trims. While both these trims are similar in name and equipment, they do have a few important differences, so today, Ford Authority outlines what’s included in both trims and how to tell them apart.
The 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line gets all the equipment that the base Active trim gets, with a few distinctions. That includes a blacked out grille with a black mesh insert, along with a unique blackout treatment applied to both the headlamps and taillamps. The ensemble rides on a set of 20-inch Ebony-painted machined aluminum wheels, while ST-Line badging adorns the exterior and interior. And speaking of the interior, the Explorer ST-Line gets an Ebony colorway shot through with red stitching on the steering wheel, doors, and seats.
The 2025 Ford Explorer ST-Line harnesses the turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost I4 engine, which is rated at 300 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque and mated to the 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel-drive (RWD) is standard while all-wheel-drive (AWD) is available at a premium. Pricing for this trim starts at $46,905 including destination freight charges (DFC).
The Explorer ST is offered as a step up from the ST-Line trim. The biggest advantage that it offers over the ST-Line is the twin-turbocharged 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine, which is tuned to produce a healthy 400 horsepower and 415 pound-feet of torque. As with the ST-Line, RWD is standard while AWD is optional. It also gets an upgrade in the form of the 21-inch Magnetite-painted aluminum wheels, which are situated in front of red-painted performance calipers all around. Paddle shifters help control its 10-speed automatic transmission. In another departure from the ST-Line, the ST also features a sport-tuned suspension.
Outside, the 2025 Ford Explorer ST is treated to the same aesthetics as the ST-Line, but its door sill scuff plates feature the Ford Performance logo rather than the ST-Line logo. It also gets the Ebony interior with red stitching, but is treated to ambient lighting to set the mood. It also gets front captain’s chairs with accent stitching and the ST logo, while the second row passengers benefit from heated seats and captain’s chairs as well.
All those upgrades drive the cost of the 2025 Ford Explorer ST to $56,550 including DFC, or roughly $9,000 more than the ST-Line trim. However, it’s worth noting that both trims also offer the optional Sun and Sound Package, a $2,996 extra that enhances the crossover’s sound system while adding the Panoramic Vista Roof.
Ford Authority had the opportunity to get a firsthand look at the 2025 Ford Explorer ST both inside and out, taking a detailed exterior walkaround and touring the interior in depth.
Comment
So cheesy to water down the ST moniker. Imagine doing this with everything. Tremor-line, Raptor-line. Farley thinks low quality is secondary to name recognition. Clown.