2025 Ford Explorer first look // Vastly improved interior!

This is a Motormouth couple car review of the updated 2025 Ford Explorer mid-size 3-row SUV. The 2025 Ford Explorer gets a refresh with some significant updates including a bolder exterior, a redesigned interior with softer touch points and additional technology like BlueCruise hands-free highway driving. The The 2025 Ford Explorer is also the first Ford to implement the Ford digital experience, it’s new software system that is designed to easily integrate a user’s favourite apps.
Ford has really cleaned up its trims for 2025 offering only four models and of course you can add packages to get some extra features. Gone is the hybrid for 2025.The The 2025 Ford Explorer has a bolder look with a larger grille, each trim has its own unique grille design. The Explorer is spelled out across the front, it has sleeker LED headlamps, LED fog lights, wider air curtains and an available black roof. The rear has new LED taillamps and Explorer is spelled out across the back. There are a variety of new wheel designs and sizes ranging from 18” - 21”. All The 2025 Ford Explorer, except for the ST model will come with a standard 2.3L turbocharged 4-cylinder matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission, 300 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The ST model has a 3L twin turbocharged V6 with 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. This V6 powertrain is available on the Platinum model. Ford said it tweaked the 10-speed automatic transmission to make it smoother. In the US, RWD and AWD models are available. In Canada, standard AWD. All Explorers come with a tow package and will tow up to 5,000 pounds. The interior is where you see the biggest changes with more soft touch materials being used at the centre console and door panels. It has a redesigned dashboard, it has been pushed forward giving the driver and passenger a more open and spacious cabin. There are USB connections in all three rows and the tray for the available wireless charger is under the touchscreen. There are new colour combos available with new materials and textures to elevate the interior of the Explorer. The The 2025 Ford Explorer has plenty of standard features including a 13.2” touchscreen with wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto and Alexa built-in. This is the first Ford to get the Ford digital experience, it’s new software system that is designed to easily integrate a user’s favourite apps, When the Explorer is parked, users can watch videos, stream content, and access a web browser. Google Play games will be offered, including some that will connect with a Bluetooth-enabled controller. It also has a standard 12.3” digital driver display, heated power front seats and Ford Co-Pilot 360 assist. The Explorer is a 6-7 passenger SUV, the third-row fits two people.
Active $50,535 CAD
ST-Line $56,535 CAD
ST $69,135 CAD
Platinum
2.3T $60,635 CAD
V6 $70,135 CAD
US
Active $39,625 USD
ST-Line $44,385 USD
Platinum $51,525 USD
ST $55,205 USD
Andrea Instagram / motormouth_andrea
Zack Instagram / motormouth_auto
0:00 Intro
0:33 Exterior
1:56 Power
2:36 Interior
5:28 Rear seats
7:21 Cargo
7:40 Final thoughts

[@jazzjokesjalopies]

It looks like an upscale cop is coming. 😊

[@andreaspencer9813]

You have to be careful when you see an Explorer on the road!

[@Llsek16]

🤣🤣🤣

[@alfreddeneumann]

Hope the reliability is greatly updated too

[@godblessamerica8335]

Very nice, I had three for explorer's in my time, I had the 99 explorer (traded@ 245k miles), the 2006 (traded@ 197k miles), now I have the 2012 explorer ,I got in 2014, had it ten years now and it's a v8 4.6l, I bought it with 77k miles on it, it now has 296k miles and still runs like a charm, only had to replace the ac last year. Going to get this 2024 when it comes out, I love the look of it.

[@Llsek16]

I have a 2012 too! I definitely want this one!

[@Ricky_Spanishh]

You bought a two year old car with 77k miles? Wtf. I have a 2015 bought new with like 80k currently.

[@ramanpreciado2241]

Nice but disappointed you think the 2014 explorer is "nice". They look like fake range rovers.

[@michaelbury1941]

I LOVE the shelf in the middle of the dash

[@bradbates2339]

More than my needs but seems like a well-thought out vehicle. My parents still enjoy their 2016 model.

[@mikepj1025]

I have a 2017 XLT model and it has been an absolute dream of a vehicle. Has everything that you could want and everything works. 150,000 miles on it and still a great ride. The Explorer has a bad rep for reasons I don’t know. Everyone I know that has one loves it. It’s still one of the best looking SUVs on the road.

[@michaelsylvester7272]

Hello - Nice look inside and out thanks for sharing.

[@Ryan2Bhonest]

It looks very nice :) thank you for the video! Anytime this type of vehicle is around me my posture instantly gets better and my hands are firmly in 10 and 2 lol😂😂🚔👀

[@andreaspencer9813]

lol! I feel the same!

[@donhgr]

That really looks amazing, it’ll be a big seller

[@TheCshort01]

Great review, thank you.

[@Michael_M991]

Can't wait to see one in person. Considering ordering one but want to experience the new interior first

[@johnmcalisterjr3913]

Nice review of the new explorer I like the changes on the ST model I have been thinking of buying one but didn’t like the display in the last year models

[@johnmcalisterjr3913]

Cant wait to see it in person I like the ST model

[@bbrewer609]

The curb appeal of the Explorer is second to none. The main issue Ford has is Quality Control. These are built in Chicago at the Chicago Assembly Plant and as a 6 time Explorer owner I just cant deal with any more recalls. After living through My Ford Touch, SYNC3, and a year long rear view camera recall with no fix I'm moving away from Ford and going GM. Hopefully Ford can improve QC in the next few years but right now there is a reason they are the most recalled vehicle manufacturer in the world.

[@liberalshaveitallbackwards4667]

GM is worse

[@ptg01]

I love you guys ! Great content DAILY !!!!

[@andreaspencer9813]

Thank you very much, we appreciate that!

[@10OF9OFBORG]

Very nice! Love the colour for both inside and outside. Awesome! Great show Andrea! 👍🏻👍🏻☕️☕️

[@andreaspencer9813]

Thank you really glad you enjoyed it. This is a new colour for the Explorer called Vapor Blue, I like it too.

[@10OF9OFBORG]

@@andreaspencer9813 awesome! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@Weeze2017]

Looks really nice 👍 I love my 2017 brought it used at 30,000 miles. I do have one thing I do want to say is I hope the screen won't be too distracting for people. 😮

[@jgs1564]

I read that the horizontal fabric strip that runs through the dashboard is actually a soundbar, similar to that on the Mustang Mach-E

[@jimjim2822]

My brother has been a mechanic for over 30 years. Of all of the probably thousands of vehicles that he has had to repair over the years the one that stands out is the Ford Explorer. In fact, about 20 years ago, he renamed this vehicle the Ford “Exploder”. True story!!

[@MrH786]

I wished Ford used the same digital screens as the Ford Mustang Dark Horse.

[@jmc6000]

Why when the digital screen in the Explorer are 10x better

[@brucebourgoin6834]

I'm waiting for the 2026 model. Hopefully they have more improvements.

[@jamespaul2587]

What drive mode do you recommend, Andrea? 😊

[@maulindesai5140]

Waiting for your reviews on Nissan Rouge 2024 and comparisons with other vehicles like Kia Sportage, Rav 4 etc.

[@davehoeght8405]

I’m glad you guys are showing some love to North American vehicles! 👍👍

[@andreaspencer9813]

The Chevrolet Traverse video drops on Monday, make sure you check it out.

[@davehoeght8405]

Have you ever reviewed a Lincoln Nautilus?

[@JB-lf5br]

How come the stiching is white on the ST while every other videos and pics are showing red stiching ? Dont see that option in the build and price configurator in Canada.

[@freddiecarr7602]

Stay with this look!

[@66skate]

Every reviewer mentions multiple wheels choices. Only problem is you need to pick a different model on most of them to get a specific wheel. I wish they kept the current wheel on the ST. The new one's take away some of the testosterone the ST is recognized for. Otherwise, pretty nicely done. I think they did the best job on the Platinum. The new grill looks far better. Only thing I'd like to see is a black or black and tan interior.

[@brucebourgoin6834]

I still don't like having most of the controls being touch buttons on a screen. Put physical buttons back in the car.

[@williamc4353]

Hope it has a better track record then the 2020 ST's. Seemed like allot of issues years past. What I wish ford would have done is give options for color interior like RED and black leather as an option. For 2025 they could have bumped up the HP a little to 425-450 tuners have been doing it since the 2020 ST but would be nice if Ford would have done it from the factory just for the ST model to make it a little more competitive with the other brands.

[@rafaelgutierrez9707]

I like your shows and reviews, but you guys don’t talk about the vehicle’s reliability, this explorer has a history of really bad reliability. It just looks good. Reliability talk reliability of all vehicles you review. Thanks. Keep up the good work.

[@mattdeboer9]

Reliability is very important obviously, however this channel reviews new models, so it’s hard to talk about reliability when the vehicle hasn’t been out long enough. They do bring up reliability once in a while, when they talk about peoples perceived reliability opinions based on old models from years ago, and also on their Q&A when people are looking to buy used. But today, in general, most brands are reliable , the technology has gotten a lot better.

[@ofcbob6391]

No piano black plastic! Wonderful.

[@tjinytjiny6615]

I’m in my 3rd Explorer. LOVE the vehicle. Very disappointed they’re not offering the Platinum in blue, considering it’s available for the ST. I won’t drive a vehicle in a color I don’t like. I’ll keep my 21..

[@richellefiscus9309]

I have a 2017, been waiting since covid to upgrade mine since they put a hold on the massage seats and took off hands free lift gate and no nack seat heat/air controls then giving u a $55 credit for those. , waiting to have all the items back. Not paying as much as I would withball of the features and not getting them, and after having them, not downgrading. I'm about ready to just go back to lincoln (yes, I know , it's the same) since they are close to the same price anyway. I was waiting to see the 2024, but...

[@kevinmatthews365]

I thought about a 2023 Explorer ST. Then a friend kind of said a dig about them just looking like a police car. So that put a tick against getting one. Not much more $ I stayed with Cadillac and got a 2024 XT6 Sport. Loaded up with everything but Super cruise. Very happy with the ride, feel and look of it. As well as my dealer support I get at my local dealer for my 3rd Caddy since 2015. I can’t say much favourable about Ford dealers in my city.

[@bdawg8907]

Guess the Timberline didn’t sell so well. 😕 Too bad, I liked that trim.

[@Arid379]

It does look vastly different

[@10tenman10]

The Explorer has a reputation for being unreliable. That is actually the main criteria I use in purchase of my vehicles.

[@1996ChevroletImpalaSS]

it’s getting up to grand cherokee level, but it’s not quite there yet

[@lenm2857]

2025? I'm still waiting for most 2024 models to come out (like F-150).

[@michaelsheedy]

Police departments prefer the hybrid Explorer because they do a lot of idling. So in order to satisfy police demand, Ford doesn't offer hybrid to dealers. However, Ford should have coupled the hybrid to 2.3 turbo that would have resulted in better fuel mileage.

[@MrRaitzi]

Europe had plugin hybrid with 3.5 turbo. Capacity was 13kwh. If they updated that to 20 to 25kwh, this would be EV alternative to many. That car is now discontinued because it is outdated and costs too much.

[@kevinn1158]

I was trying to build one with a rear seat cop cage thing.... can't find it.

[@weirdshibainu]

No worry. I have a friend that builds cages for vans and SUVS, strangely though he doesn't sell to law enforcement. Oh well, I'm sure it's fine.

[@kevinn1158]

@@weirdshibainu it’s for my kids. LOL

[@samial-enezi5900]

What color is this car?

[@kamawalker9866]

Here's the kicker, I have 2012 Ford explorer has the same thing in it except the Ford experience, the TV screen built like that . I have the 3liter 6 cylinder turbo limited with the sunroof and mine is AWD. I have Capt seats and leather stitched seats not much upgrades 😂

[@kevinW826]

You mean the 3.5 V6. Have you survived the faulty waterpump?

[@LL-mt2nz]

I wonder if the transmission still shifts abruoto

[@jmc6000]

Different tuning on the 10speed auto for the 2025

[@kennguyen3789]

Too bad they ruined the front! Looks less aggressive! The interior is a huge update!

[@stevebaretta1]

For that kind of $$, I want all leather or Softex seats.

[@georgedoolittle7574]

Biggest vehicle launch for Calendar Year 2024 remains the 2025 Model Year Ford Explorer as this will be a mass produced item meant to compete with the likes of the Toyota Rav4 and Honda CRV despite being a far larger vehicle. Prices very much in down trend will continue with this launch.

[@SuckitUButterCup]

I rented a 2024 st model, although the ride was nice, the infotainment was very glitchy, sometimes it would be disabled, need to reset several times, and this was only for a 3day experience. Personally I would never purchase or lease one.

[@alexvaliansky7707]

That figures. Ford’s production output lately hasn’t been anything to brag about.

[@maplelodge2]

More soft touch materials, higher price tag. More profit for ford!

[@oszyyte8008]

Is this can be a bit reliable, ford will have a new customer

[@ChoppedCheese2]

I hope Ford fixed the issues with their 10 speed transmission. Domestic vehicles are much more comfortable, but quality has been an issue.

[@David-gs9vw]

How reliable are those Ford Explorers compared to a Toyota Highlander?

[@brolyvi1211]

Good luck after warranty ends, hvac controls via screen? 😅😅 had an american car, thousands of dollars to replace the infotainment screen lol

[@1976axerhand]

Let's hope they vastly improved the electrics....xd

[@kajukuja]

🙂👍

[@user-po6ml3de9s]

No heads-up display is a deal breaker for me. Too bad, I was thinking seriously of ordering one.

[@jmartyt9810]

Haha... The large portrait "computer monitor" in the middle is gone.

[@ptknudson80]

Interior is still cheaper looking than many competitors, especially Kia.

[@bill4632]

Not really. My friend has a 2019 Hyundai Sonata. Hard plastic everywhere. Kia & Hyundai aren't that great. lol

[@dadoo985]

I want the quad exhaust by not 600 hp engine ST

[@markbrian2025]

Sad no head up display

[@stephenwierzbicki4463]

A & Z, I would Love to Hear Your Opinions about the 2024 KIA K5 LXS 1.6L Base model? Andrea, My Girlfriend loves the Red with Black interior. She is more interested in Your opinion 😎?❤

[@andreaspencer9813]

I really like the update, I think Kia did a nice job. We haven't been able to see it in person, we ran out of time at this show but will drive it when it arrives.

[@stephenwierzbicki4463]

​@@andreaspencer9813Thanks for the info, I will Let her know 😊❤ Keep Up the Amazing Work 👍

[@andreaspencer9813]

@@stephenwierzbicki4463 Thank you very much, we appreciate the kind words.

[@boxsterviper]

ford and chevy needs to work on interior design. its uninspiring at best. love the new 2024 kia telluride, hyundai palisade, santa fe and toyota landcrusier, sequoia interiors. good use of creative materials/textures. practical and feature packed as well. they are also hybrids...

[@Packinheat1175]

Hybrid is gone…YES!!!! Finally

[@stephenwierzbicki4463]

Andrea, I Want Your Opinion? Do You See the Automotive industry Staying Away from the Shiny Piano Black plastic, more often than before?!?

[@andreaspencer9813]

I thought it was getting better and then it showed up in the Honda Prologue.

[@JimAllder11]

Why on Earth are they badging a 2024 vehicle as 2025??? It is still only February, right?

[@Spikejou]

Think it only hits the dealerships in the summer, so a bit more time before it’s technically “out”. However, I do somewhat agree, I feel like a car should just be named the year it goes into production.

[@tinmen5943]

No way she's 5ft 7 also I kinda wish they changed the back roof

[@kdomster9141]

Better interior but lost projector headlamps replaced by cheap reflector type like in 20K compact cars...

[@pilfjd]

Quality and reliability TBD

[@BRUINSS]

I wish Ford would have hidden the rear wiper😢

[@gregp.7148]

And vastly improved efficiency?

[@gregp.7148]

No. Hybryd’s gone.

[@northdakotaham1752]

All the interior additions mean nothing without a reliable drivetrain.

[@kellingtonlink956]

Let’s be honest… the Ford Explorer will never be the ‘Family Hauler’ it once was (1990’s). Realistically, the average person who looks at these (these days anyway) are people being pulled over by the Police (or from the backseat… gulp!). Personally, I would be most interested in the Fleet vehicle packages (car hires/rentals) and the Police package (Police Interceptor Utility) statistics. Think… of that classic’Blues Brothers’ scene. Thanks for the video.

[@northdakotaham1752]

2012 was the last year of the "real" Explorer.

[@kellingtonlink956]

The AWD versions were a refreshing update… the only disappointing news on those years, was that the base versions were FRONT wheel drive! What was that all about? It certainly didn’t help it’s towing figures.

[@northdakotaham1752]

@@kellingtonlink956 the V8 Limited, 2010 model and older, were probably the highlight of the Explorer. After 2010 buyers were left with only the Expedition or F series truck to pick from.

[@Edward-wd5gl]

How much will Ford charge per month for DIGITAL INTERNET CONNECTIVITY 😱😝

[@yummy1234098]

Maybe the interior looks better in person.....

[@Ittou-Ogami]

Почему Субару не скопировал его ??

[@mr.2cents.846]

Does look rugged. The tacked on display inside looks out of place through. Like an afterthought. Man I miss the build-in touchscreens or the 2010s. ❤

[@edwardwd3zk]

, the cops ruined the image of explorer by using them as cruisers. I do drive an 10 explorer sport trac limited. That looks like new still but it’s different than a regular explorer as it has a truck bed .😊

[@mdshamsrazishopnil5087]

Front looks like honda pasaport.

[@daryljohnson255]

All I want to know is why the fk we can't get the China version of the explorer

[@dukejukebox775]

What can go wrong with Ford Exploder🤣

[@senraq6332]

Fix or repair daily

[@willoverkill8461]

Below the screen looks like Oscar the Grouch with the vents as eyes, unibrow above and open mouth for the shelf. I can't unsee it!

[@chenhong1225]

Subaru Forester 2025.5😂

[@hmprahaable]

This television in the middle is horrible 😝

[@thomobrien1854]

I hope you like Ford service department coffee … you’re gonna be hanging out at the dealership a whole lot if you opt for one of these … Ford quality and fit and finish is really not great?

[@hgoodman9]

I just wish Ford made a vehicle I liked.

[@calebwany8422]

Ford Everest?

[@cwqrpportable]

Why do you wish that? You can always get yourself a sexy Toyota Corolla.

[@calebwany8422]

@@cwqrpportable last time I tried to drive one, I fell asleep and almost hit the curb

[@northdakotaham1752]

How about a vehicle with some ground clearance and a reliable, non- turbo engine.

[@cwqrpportable]

@@calebwany8422 Oh Toyota! What a feeling!

[@sealoftheliving4998]

6 seater SUV

[@rizingpho3nix]

Front-wheel drive is better but it is good to know AWD is an option.

[@brianb7844]

I work right by the plant that makes these. Would not buy one if they gave it to me for free. The stories, oh the stories.

[@kneecute6317]

Please share 😳

[@66skate]

Stories are often just that.

[@brianb7844]

@@66skate Yes, but those same stories are from several that actually work there.

[@66skate]

@@brianb7844 Does that make them part of the problem?

[@sammanganellojr5533]

land rover want a be??

[@ezeess7239]

doesn't the explorer have a history of being unreliable?

[@andrewwang8421]

Best selling 😂

[@gobbler1957]

Motor will be questionable.

[@chrisa.8175]

Police 🚔 car..lol. people move out of your way..

[@MyHumanWreckage]

lol! Cops hate them.

[@denislokator]

​@MyHumanWreckage Really 🤪😱? Never heard about it.

[@turboash78]

Are these still based on the old Taurus platform? Also screens are the biggest bullshit marketing scam, give me a vehicle without please.

[@trenton737]

This is the CD6 platform

[@user-pk7hk3vb4s]

Poor reliability standard

[@RickyJohnson-nt1km]

Yes lose front ends to hs ha no more ford's for me chevs yes

[@fleetgt]

Directional wheels 🤮

[@66skate]

Directional wheels have been around since the 90's at least.

[@fleetgt]

@@66skate what an iconic era. those 90s viper 3 spoke wheels.... they weren't good then . ain't good now either.

[@markb3866]

Waste of sheet metal. What improvement? Waste of time and engineering

[@northdakotaham1752]

Same crappy problem plagued engines.

[@jmc6000]

​@@northdakotaham1752nope not true as the base 2.3 is totally different

[@northdakotaham1752]

@@jmc6000 it's an Ecoboost. Won't be good.

[@WARHEADBR]

Well the 2020 model is a dream for the mechanics transmission is terrible and the engine too that’s what I hear