Text by Tom Appel
2025 Ford Explorer Platinum 4WD
Specs
Class: Midsize Crossover
Color: Agate Black Metallic
Seating Capacity: 8
Miles driven: 151
Real-world fuel economy: 22.4 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B+ |
| Power and Performance | B+ |
| Fit and Finish | A- |
| Fuel Economy | B+ |
| Value | B |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | A |
| Tall Guy | A |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 400-horsepower 3.0-liter |
| Engine Type | Turbocharged V6 |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving mix: 60% city, 40% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 18/25/21 (city, highway, combined)
Fuel type: Regular gas
Base price: $54,250 (not including $1595 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Ultimate Package ($4615)
Price as tested: $61,155
Pros and Cons
The great: Roomy, refined, plenty of power
The good: Upscale cabin, European-style ride and handling
The not so good: We weren’t ready for a $60,000 Explorer
Review
It’s hard not to empathize with the Ford Explorer. Now 34 years old, Ford’s midsize crossover not only bears the burden of legacy (the 1991 Explorer was arguably the nation’s first mainstream, family-friendly, right-size “SUV”), the popular 3-row Ford must now cover for the 2-row Edge, which was dropped from the Blue Oval lineup during the 2024 model year.
Having literally created the segment—some credit goes to the Toyota Highlander for first making use of a unibody car chassis—the Explorer now battles for customers in a class of some 25 vehicles, each of which has it merits.
Updates
But despite the competition, and new showroom responsibility, the Explorer seems ready for business, having recently hit the spa for a fairly significant makeover. The 2025 Explorer features updated trim, a new and larger infotainment touchscreen, as well as an updated center console. Interestingly, despite covering for the departed Edge, Ford has actually cut the number of trim levels offered for ’25.
Also of interest, Ford has chosen to drop the hybrid powertrain from the 2025 Explorer engine bay, though it is still offered in police versions of the vehicle. Expect to see a more-efficient hybrid option when the Explorer is completely redesigned for the 2027 or 2028 model year.
Prices and Trim Levels
About those trim levels: For 2025 the Explorer is offered as the entry-level Active ($41,350), sporty ST-Line ($46,110), plush Platinum ($53,745), and high-performance ST ($55,755).
Gone are the Base (replaced by the Active), XLT, Limited, Timberline, and King Ranch. The off-road themed Timberline is expected to be replaced at some point by a similar Tremor trim level. A Tremor package is already offered on the Ford F-150 large pickup, and we expect to see the package/trim level eventually expand throughout the Ford model portfolio.
Available on some trim levels are 2nd-row captains seats, which reduces total passenger capacity from seven to six.
Engines
Explorer power comes from either a 2.3-liter “EcoBoost” turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, or a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 also dubbed EcoBoost. The smaller engine is rated at 300 horsepower, while the V6 boasts 400. Bother engines mate exclusively to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Both engines are offered with rear-wheel drive or AWD.
Options
Consumer Guide recently spent time with an AWD 2025 Explorer Platinum in Agate Black and equipped with the Ultimate Package. The Ultimate Package brings with it the V6 engine, 21-inch “dark alloy” wheels, the Lux Leather Package, and Ford’s Blue Cruise semi-autonomous driving system. All told, our well-equipped Explorer came to $61,155 including destination charge.
Design
While we never found much to dislike about the Explorer stylewise, we like the new, bolder grille, and appreciate how the optional 21-inch wheels match the grille and body trim. The updated Explorer looks just a little cleaner and sportier than the previous version did.
Connectivity
Inside, the Explorer still feels like a Ford crossover, though the larger touchscreen and reorganized controls help to simplify the landscape somewhat. This author was disappointed, however, by the lack of color on the touchscreen, finding the general black-and-white motif a little drab. That said, the system is well organized and simple to use, and the screen is easy to read even in bright light. The screen also responds immediately to touch inputs.
Cabin
The general ambience is upscale, and like so many upper-trim-level popular-brand crossover these days, the Explorer Platinum very much fills the role of luxury vehicle. The Lux Leather Package, included in the Ultimate Package, brings with it such niceties as upgrade leather seating surfaces, quilted-look door inserts, and contrasting leather stitching, all to excellent effect. This is a classy crossover.
There’s also plenty of space—a hallmark of Explorer ownership. Even big guys will find plenty of room in the first and second seating rows, and large door openings help make entering and exiting the Explorer easy. The third row is generous enough, and even nimble high-schoolers will be able to sneak in back with little difficultly. Adults may want to confine themselves to the front rows.
Power and Performance
We have complained in the past about uneven low-speed power delivery from the EcoBoost 3.0-liter engine. We are happy to report that the issue seems to have been resolved, as our test Explorer proved to be both polished and powerful, with the V6 delivering plenty of muscle, and the 10-speed automatic providing smooth and timely shifts. While we find the Explorer’s 4-cylinder engine more than sufficient for crossover duty, the potent V6 seriously ups the midsize Ford’s power game, making easy work of highway merging and passing; it also sounds good when pushed.
Ride and Handling
For years now, larger Ford products have always been among the best handling vehicles in their respective classes. This is true for the F-150 large pickup, the Expedition large SUV, and the Explorer. For 2025, the Explorer stays true to form, and serves up balanced and arguably sporty moves, while still delivering a firm, but very refined, ride. Long-trip comfort is excellent, thanks to excellent highway composure, comfortable seats, and a very quiet cabin. A nice surprise, too, and something that will make extended road trips even more pleasant, was our observed fuel economy. Over 150 miles of mostly city driving, our test AWD Explorer with the optional V6 engine returned better than 22 mpg, impressive given this crossovers size and power. And, Ford recommends regular-grade fuel for the Explorer, regardless of engine.
Value
The tweaks for 2025 don’t fundamentally change the nature of the Ford Explorer, and that’s OK with us. Ford’s popular midsize crossover is as functional as ever, and, if ordered with the Platinum trim level, functions as an affordable luxury vehicle. If your budget doesn’t allow for such extravagance, we think you’ll find more a less-expensive trim level, equipped with the responsive 4-cylinder engine, nearly as satisfying. So, happy 34th birthday, Ford Explorer. You grown up to be a fine crossover.
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2025 Ford Explorer Platinum Pictures
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