Review: The 2025 Ford Explorer ST Is A Sporty SUV

By Gary Gastelu |

Jun 27, 2025

The Ford Explorer has been updated for 2025. It’s not all-new, but did get a couple of tweaks.

Prices start at $41,380 for an Active trim Explorer with a 300 hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, but we teed the sportier Explorer ST that gets a 400 hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 and starts at $55,835 for a rear-wheel-drive model and $57,835 with all-wheel-drive.

Both Explorer STs come with a 10 speed automatic transmission, performance-tuned suspensions, a half-inch lower ride height and unique 21-inch wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Zero tires. They also have upgraded brakes with larger pads and red calipers.

The dashboard has been redesigned with a new landscape-oriented touchscreen display equipped with the new Ford Digital Experience infotainment system. This has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, Alexa and Google Built-in with downloadable apps from the Google Play store, including YouTube, which works when the vehicle is parked.

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Ford removed most of the physical controls from the dash and put the climate controls on the touchscreen, but kept a volume knob and a few buttons below it. One of them is for quick access to the 360-degree camera system.

The Chicago-built Explorer ST has a six-passenger seating configuration with second-row captains chairs that slide fore and aft. They are upholstered in a grippy suede-like material and the front seats are well-bolstered. Tall passengers will fit in the third row if the second row shares, but it is best for small children and has a power-folding function to expand the cargo area. The Explorer ST is rated to tow up to 5,000 pounds if you’d prefer to load up a trailer.

The Explorer ST has both the Ford Copilot360 package of electronic driver aids with a blind spot monitor, automatic emergency brakes and lane-centering adaptive cruise control, but the Blue Cruise highway driving system is also included. It allows for hands-off driving on certain highways and can perform lane changes when you hit the turn signal. It requires a subscription to operate and several plans are available.

The one major option is a $2,995 Sun and Sound package that adds massaging front seats, a 980-watt 14-speaker audio system and a panoramic sunroof.

Even if you’re not looking to drive the Explorer ST like a sports car, I think the changes make it better to drive than the other trims. The body control is excellent, the ride isn’t too harsh and 400 hp plus 415 lb-ft is plenty to get it moving.

In fact, the Explorer ST price includes a day at a Ford Performance ST SUV Experience, which are instructional performance driving held in Park City, Utah, and Asheville, North Carolina. You don’t have to bring your own Explorer ST, but you do have to pay your own way to get there.

You might want to drive your Explorer ST, though, because both are in areas with great roads and I think you would enjoy the trip.