Textual content by Tom Appel
2025 Ford Explorer Platinum 4WD
Specs
Class: Midsize Crossover
Coloration: Agate Black Metallic
Seating Capability: 8
Miles pushed: 151
Actual-world gas economic system: 22.4 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | B+ |
| Energy and Efficiency | B+ |
| Match and End | A- |
| Gasoline Financial system | B+ |
| Worth | B |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim degree evaluated, and will not replicate Shopper Information’s impressions of the complete mannequin lineup. | |
| Large & Tall Consolation | |
| Large Man | A |
| Tall Man | A |
| Large & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Large” score based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 400-horsepower 3.0-liter |
| Engine Sort | Turbocharged V6 |
| Transmission | 10-speed computerized |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving combine: 60% metropolis, 40% freeway
EPA-estimated gas economic system: 18/25/21 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gasoline sort: Common gasoline
Base value: $54,250 (not together with $1595 vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at car: Final Package deal ($4615)
Worth as examined: $61,155
Professionals and Cons
The good: Roomy, refined, loads of energy
The great: Upscale cabin, European-style experience and dealing with
The not so good: We weren’t prepared for a $60,000 Explorer
Evaluation
It’s laborious to not empathize with the Ford Explorer. Now 34 years previous, Ford’s midsize crossover not solely bears the burden of legacy (the 1991 Explorer was arguably the nation’s first mainstream, family-friendly, right-size “SUV”), the favored 3-row Ford should now cowl for the 2-row Edge, which was dropped from the Blue Oval lineup through the 2024 mannequin yr.
Having actually created the section—some credit score goes to the Toyota Highlander for first making use of a unibody automobile chassis—the Explorer now battles for purchasers in a category of some 25 autos, every of which has it deserves.
Updates
However regardless of the competitors, and new showroom accountability, the Explorer appears prepared for enterprise, having not too long ago hit the spa for a reasonably vital makeover. The 2025 Explorer options up to date trim, a brand new and bigger infotainment touchscreen, in addition to an up to date middle console. Curiously, regardless of masking for the departed Edge, Ford has truly reduce the variety of trim ranges supplied for ’25.
Additionally of curiosity, Ford has chosen to drop the hybrid powertrain from the 2025 Explorer engine bay, although it’s nonetheless supplied in police variations of the car. Anticipate to see a more-efficient hybrid possibility when the Explorer is totally redesigned for the 2027 or 2028 mannequin yr.
Costs and Trim Ranges
About these trim ranges: For 2025 the Explorer is obtainable because the entry-level Energetic ($41,350), sporty ST-Line ($46,110), plush Platinum ($53,745), and high-performance ST ($55,755).
Gone are the Base (changed by the Energetic), XLT, Restricted, Timberline, and King Ranch. The off-road themed Timberline is anticipated to get replaced in some unspecified time in the future by an analogous Tremor trim degree. A Tremor package deal is already supplied on the Ford F-150 giant pickup, and we count on to see the package deal/trim degree ultimately develop all through the Ford mannequin portfolio.
Out there on some trim ranges are 2nd-row captains seats, which reduces whole passenger capability from seven to 6.
Engines
Explorer energy comes from both a 2.3-liter “EcoBoost” turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, or a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 additionally dubbed EcoBoost. The smaller engine is rated at 300 horsepower, whereas the V6 boasts 400. Hassle engines mate completely to a 10-speed computerized transmission. Hassle engines are supplied with rear-wheel drive or AWD.
Choices
Shopper Information not too long ago frolicked with an AWD 2025 Explorer Platinum in Agate Black and geared up with the Final Package deal. The Final Package deal brings with it the V6 engine, 21-inch “darkish alloy” wheels, the Lux Leather-based Package deal, and Ford’s Blue Cruise semi-autonomous driving system. All instructed, our well-equipped Explorer got here to $61,155 together with vacation spot cost.
Design
Whereas we by no means discovered a lot to dislike concerning the Explorer stylewise, we like the brand new, bolder grille, and recognize how the non-compulsory 21-inch wheels match the grille and physique trim. The up to date Explorer appears just a bit cleaner and sportier than the earlier model did.
Connectivity
Inside, the Explorer nonetheless looks like a Ford crossover, although the bigger touchscreen and reorganized controls assist to simplify the panorama considerably. This writer was disenchanted, nonetheless, by the shortage of colour on the touchscreen, discovering the final black-and-white motif a bit drab. That mentioned, the system is properly organized and easy to make use of, and the display is straightforward to learn even in brilliant mild. The display additionally responds instantly to the touch inputs.
Cabin
The final atmosphere is upscale, and like so many upper-trim-level popular-brand crossover lately, the Explorer Platinum very a lot fills the position of luxurious car. The Lux Leather-based Package deal, included within the Final Package deal brings with it such niceties as improve leather-based seating surfaces, quilted-look door inserts, and contrasting leather-based stitching, all to wonderful impact. It is a elegant crossover.
There’s additionally loads of area—an indicator of Explorer possession. Even massive guys will discover loads of area within the first and second seating rows, and huge door openings assist make coming into and exiting the Explorer simple. The third row is beneficiant sufficient, and even nimble high-school boys will be capable to sneak in again with little difficultly. Adults might need to confine themselves to the entrance rows.
Energy and Efficiency
We’ve complained previously about uneven low-speed energy supply from the EcoBoost 3.0-liter engine. We’re glad to report that the problem appears to have been resolved, as our take a look at Explorer proved to be hassle polished and highly effective, with V6 supply loads of muscle, and the 10-speed computerized offering easy and well timed shifts. Whereas we discover the Explorer’s 4-cylinder engine greater than ample for crossover obligation, the potent V6 significantly ups the midsize Ford’s energy recreation, making simple work of freeway merging and passing; it additionally sounds good when pushed.
Experience and Dealing with
For years now, bigger Ford merchandise have all the time been among the many finest dealing with autos of their respective courses. That is true for the F-150 giant pickup, the Expedition giant SUV, and the Explorer. For 2025, the Explorer stays true to kind, and serves up balanced and arguably sporty strikes, whereas nonetheless delivering a agency, however very refined, experience. Lengthy-trip consolation is great, due to wonderful freeway composure, snug seats, and a really quiet cabin. A pleasant shock, too, and one thing that can make prolonged street journeys much more nice was our noticed gas economic system. Over 150 miles of principally metropolis driving, our take a look at AWD Explorer with the non-compulsory V6 engine returned higher than 22 mpg, spectacular given this crossovers measurement and energy. And, Ford recommends regular-grade gas for the Explorer, no matter engine.
Worth
The tweaks for 2025 don’t essentially change the character of the Ford Explorer, and that’s OK with us. Ford in style midsize crossover is as practical as ever, and, if ordered with the Platinum trim degree, capabilities as a cut price luxurious car. In case your price range doesn’t permit for such extravagance, we expect you’ll discover extra a extra inexpensive trim degree, geared up with the responsive 4-cylinder engine, almost as satisfying. So, glad 34th birthday, Ford Explorer. You grown as much as be a effective crossover.
Hearken to the Automobile Stuff Podcast
2025 Ford Explorer Platinum Footage
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