The 2025 Ford Explorer features a redesigned interior, the all-new Ford Digital Experience, and other qualities designed for driver comfort.

The new 2025 Explorer lineup – from Active, to the ST-Line, ST, and Platinum – has a more refined cabin and introduces the new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system.

Those who opt for ST-Line, ST, and Platinum models will also have access to Ford BlueCruise hands-free highway driving. Fleet managers can disable the feature if desired.

"We have refined almost every part of the new Explorer – focusing on a redesigned interior, additional technology like BlueCruise hands-free highway driving and special editions like the 400 horsepower Explorer ST. It’s the right combination of delivering what the next generation of customers want and love in a large SUV,” Ford Blue President Andrew Frick said.

Ordering for the new Ford Explorer is open now, with a starting MSRP of $41,220, including destination and delivery charges, according to a news release.

Boosted Interior Comfort for Fleet Drivers

The redesigned interior has new wrap-and-stitch soft-touch surfaces on the center console, door panels, the redesigned dashboard, and available ActiveX durable and premium synthetic seating material.

The dashboard has been pushed forward to give front-row passengers a more open and spacious cabin. An integrated tray below the touchscreen houses an available wireless phone charging pad.

Introducing the Ford Digital Experience

The 2025 Explorer is the first Ford vehicle to include the new Ford Digital Experience. It is designed to allow greater connection and personalization for our drivers through profiles.

The displays on the 13.2-in. touchscreen allow for easy control.

The Ford Digital Experience platform is designed to enable more apps and services in the future and help make the vehicle better over time through over-the-air software update capability, available for the first time to Explorer owners.

5G wireless technology brings fast connectivity. There is also an option to activate a Wi-Fi hot spot that gives Internet access to up to 10 mobile devices while working in the field.

Standard features on the Explorer include:

• 10-way power, heated driver's seat

• 4-way power, heated passenger seat

• Ford Digital Experience infotainment system

• 13.2-in. LCD touchscreen

• 12.3-in. color LCD digital cluster

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless compatibility

• Alexa Built-in

• 8 USB ports – including two for third-row passengers

• Three 12-volt powerpoints

• Ford Co-Pilot360 Assist+

• FordPass Connect embedded modem

• Class III Trailer Tow Package

• Rear-wheel drive (4WD available)

• Recalibrated 10-speed automatic transmission

• Power liftgate

• LED headlamps

Front ends include a larger grille, sleeker all-LED headlamps, front skid plate, and lower, wider air curtains that help lower the vehicle’s visual center of gravity.

More Power from the ST

Engineered by Ford Performance, the special edition Explorer ST continues in the lineup. 

Powered by a specially tuned 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine that produces 400 hp and 415 lb.-ft. of torque, Explorer ST comes standard as a rear-wheel-drive performance SUV. Four-wheel drive is available. 

Here's how the Explorer lineup breaks down:

Platinum

• 2.3-liter EcoBoost standard

• 400 hp 3.0-liter EcoBoost available

• Rear-wheel drive standard; four-wheel drive available

ST

• 400 hp 3.0-liter EcoBoost

• Rear-wheel drive standard; four-wheel drive available

ST-Line

• 2.3-liter EcoBoost

• Real-wheel standard; four-wheel drive available

Active

• 2.3-liter EcoBoost

• Real-wheel drive standard; four-wheel drive available

Vehicles are expected to start arriving in dealerships in the second quarter of 2024.

Will There Be a Hybrid Option?

Beginning with the 2024 model year and on, the hybrid Explorer is no longer available.

A Ford spokesperson told Government Fleet that to meet the demand for the Ford Police Interceptor Utility hybrid and other Ford hybrid vehicles, the other Explorer models will only be offered with the 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost and 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6.

According to the spokesperson, those two engines account for the majority of Explorer sales.