The 2025 Ford Explorer rolled in with a solid batch of upgrades, including the introduction of a new base trim: the Explorer Active. Positioned as an affordable entry level option, it still packs a respectable list of features for the price, and the Explorer Active can comfortably support up to seven passengers depending on which seating arrangement it’s equipped with – one of which includes standard captain’s chairs.
Second row captain’s chairs
Second row bench seat
As a reminder, captain’s chairs are designed to support only one person, as opposed to bench seats, which can seat multiple passengers. While both are available in the second row of the 2025 Ford Explorer Active, captain’s chairs are standard. This setup allows the Explorer to seat six passengers while ensuring ease of access to the third-row bench seat. The power E-Z Entry system can be activated via the Power-Assist Fold Feature, eliminating the need to manually fold the seats down to access the third row.
Meanwhile, the 35/30/35 bench seat, which supports three passengers, is optional on the 2025 Ford Explorer Active, although its addition does not increase the overall cost of the crossover. Selecting this setup enables the Explorer to carry up to seven passengers, and while it also features E-Z Entry, it must be manually activated using levers mounted on the seats themselves.
For reference, the second-row captain’s chairs are standard not only on the 2025 Explorer Active, but on the ST and Platinum trims as well. The bench seat is standard on ST-Line and Premium Package-equipped models, and, of course, optional on Active.
And speaking of the 2025 Ford Explorer interior, the crossover features a generous 13.2-inch touchscreen across all trims, a new addition for the refreshed model. This touchscreen is the only one available, supporting full color and the all-new Ford Digital Experience. Meanwhile, another (more mundane) update sees the deletion of the standard spare tire, which was replaced with an inflator kit.
Pricing for the 2025 Explorer starts at $39,755 for the base Active trim, up slightly after receiving a mid-year price increase.
Comments
In my experience, the captain’s chairs are better for access to the third row if you can live with six seats instead of seven. If a child can’t operate the bench seat access, the driver has to get out and do it.
I also think a third-row-delete option would be attractive to some customers who value a larger cargo area.
A 2 row opt and a Fx 4 off-road version Yes police version has no 3rd row it gets a under floor stoage locker for hiding drones and other goodies