2025 Ford Explorer Review | Fun For The Whole Family?

[@pooh6546]

Please bring back physical BUTTONS !!

[@DoubleHCreations]

Exactly. Until there’s a law requiring physical buttons, I’m never buying a car newer than 2015.

[@springertube]

Hopefully the new European laws being enacted will spill over to the US/North America.

[@hourbee5535]

Make buttons great again

[@justabrokeredneck]

@@DoubleHCreations pretty sure after 2026 all vehicles will be required to have a kill switch so. better get one before then. idk how true that is or if it’s just political garbage but i’ve heard it come up from different places

[@tspidey007]

Amen!

[@rightlanehog3151]

Alex, For those who tow with their CUV, it is good to see some RWD options continue from the mainstream brands.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Rear wheel drive and the high power output are a great combination. -Travis

[@haze1123]

It looks better and the infotainment looks like an improvement. Although nothing beats physical HVAC controls. The one thing that bothers me is the digital dash. I don't need my RPM and MPH numbers to be three inches tall. There should be options!

[@bfish9700]

Explorer is fine but just way too ridiculously expensive for what you get. I configured a limited trim, 55k (not even platinum). Thats more than Palisade Caligraphy which will have a lot more interior room and not that far off MDX.

[@JackSmith-qi7dr]

Except for third row legroom, the Explorer has some distinct advantages over the Hyundai/Kia. Better engine, rear wheel drive bias, better transmission. I will add the seat massage function is very good.

[@bogart5131]

i think that price is in Canada. i saw entry in US which is 30k+

[@Greg-bc5wm]

No Limited trim on the 2025.

[@Greg-bc5wm]

@@bogart5131 Don't think so.

[@artemgerman8958]

That's why I bought the PHEV Lincoln Aviator! I love this car so much!!!

[@Xingularity]

Personally, I like turn signals to be yellow...

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

You and Alex have that in common. -Travis

[@rryz19]

If the amber turn signals were already there, why did they take it away? It worked fine.

[@Xingularity]

@@rryz19 cost cutting? I understand why from a financial point, but I don't think it was a good idea to do it. Having both the brake and the turn signal on the same bulb does save money across 100s of thousands of vehicles.

[@rryz19]

@@Xingularity Good point.

[@bogart5131]

yellow turn signal is the best collor out there. so niticeable to other drivers

[@MBergyman]

Bums me out the lack of 3-row PHEVs. Wish there were more. They are the perfect around town mom-mobile for bigger families.

[@Greg-bc5wm]

Good job. Mine is waiting to be picked up at dealer. Did some test drives and comparisons and this was my choice (Platinum).

[@samwolf8151]

Hi Alex. Great review. Thank you. My family and I just bought a new jeep grand Cherokee L. We love it. After watching this review, I am glad I made the right choice.

[@gosman949]

haha let us know in about 3 years!

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Glad you're enjoying your purchase! -Travis

[@ebnhahn1993]

I think you made the wrong choice but you cannot take back your Grand Cherokee 😷😷. This SUV looks a whole lot better and better quality

[@joelc2020]

I'm with you Alex. The Acadia Denali is my top pick for my wife's new SUV. She is on the fence between the Acadia and the Grand Cherokee L Summit. I'm hoping I see your review on the Acadia before we pull the trigger. Coming from a 2013 Ford Edge.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Nick was able to drive the Acadia about a month ago, you can find that video posted to the channel! -Travis

[@future62]

I really like these. I have test driven the 3.0T AWD, XC90 T8, CX-90 PHEV and current base X5. Dynamically and refinement wise it's only 2nd to the X5. My biggest complaint- the cheap looking interior- seems to have been addressed. Bummed they killed the hybrid; should have made one from the 2.3T.

[@LarryVeblungsnes]

Well done. I have a new 2025 V6 Explorer and it does better than the mileage rating at 23mpg.

[@chiemekaa]

Is there a reason some manufacturers choose to keep the spare tire beneath the cargo floor inside as opposed to outside the vehicle? I'm just thinking how ideal it would be getting a flat on a road trip and having to empty out he entire cargo contents just to access the spare.

[@JD-yx7be]

could be for aerodynamics

[@jermainec2462]

imagine on nasty, rainy, cold night, and u got to crawled yo big ass up under the truck to get tat spare tire 😂😂😂😂....

[@chiemekaa]

@@jermainec2462 You'll still get rained on regardless

[@jermainec2462]

@chiemekaa but on the ground too ... nawl ... 😆

[@chiemekaa]

@@jermainec2462 If you have to empty your trunk to get to the tire, the stuff would still go on the floor.

[@MichaelHendershott-e6e]

Alex, this Explorer in platinum or Lincoln Aviator Reserve? How much quieter is the Lincoln?

[@legrandgroves8560]

Id pay for more quiet as i do many business calls in the car

[@harshaaleti5609]

can you do a comparison between Acadia and Traverse?

[@kasheppard503]

2:59 you mention that the turn signals are Red, but my eyes are seeing Amber signals flashing. Are my eyes deceiving me? 😅

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

It's the way the camera picks up the light which is why I always say if it's red or amber. Sometimes cameras just can't handle the high-contrast situation well.

[@afcgeo882]

Same and I have to say that it looks good with amber!

[@bigedd82]

Hi Alex! Love your reviews. Can you start talking about reliability? Cause the number of recalls on these Explorers is pretty interesting. Keep up the good work 👏🏼

[@yankeesusa1]

You’ll have to do that for yourself if you’re in the market. Check jd power. No numbers for this new model yet.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

The main issue is that we don't have any idea what reliability will be like in a new model and we honestly don't have good reliability information on existing models for the most part either. Consumer Reports's data has some major flaws that are getting worse as their data set continues to shrink dramatically,.

[@reserva120]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide that makes zero sense in real life - but not pissing off “ the big boys who pay the bigs”.. it makes perfect sense.. ( yes there’s reliability numbers -)..,

[@diesel6916]

@@yankeesusa1 JD Powers is a joke.

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

That kind of honesty doesn’t give you the free cars or trips

[@user-ss3ud7pp7f]

I’m holding out for that four row.

[@justabrokeredneck]

four row what?

[@taylorj959a]

I've always thought it was a great looking vehicle, loved the size but didn't care for the exterior black trim or some of the interior colors, but the real issue has always been the price of the thing, even before Covid increases.

[@Greg-bc5wm]

Like it. Did some test drives. I'm buying one.

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

Only alex ...only alex appreciates the reae wheel drive platform 😊

[@josedelarosa6449]

I notice all these reviews on the 2025 model don't specify if you have to subscribe to internet service for all these options on the infotainment to work?

[@rwh_]

Family owns a 2020 Explorer, first MY of this generation. I have found the steering to be twitchy at speeds over 65mph, feels very unstable in wind/passing and fatiguing to drive on long trips due to all the micro-corrections. Part of it feels like the steering wheel doesn't return to center as much as other cars. Did you notice anything like that/have they improved that in this refresh?

[@future62]

You might just need an alignment

[@paulpellico3797]

i actually really liked the last look, especially the grill. this looks, well, less police like.

[@mulenine9867]

I like the ford st line. already have one😊

[@SilverScarletSpider]

honda pilot vs ford explorer video comparison please

[@damilolaakanni]

1:03 you forgot the Dodge Durango...except if it's not coming back for 2025. BTW, the Grand Cherokee was designed to have a V8 under the hood from the start, the i6 engine was introduced after they had redesigned it. That doesn't mean it won't get that new engine though.

[@springertube]

@@damilolaakanni I've heard it's going to be renamed and perhaps many other changes including the V8 being gone..... but hopefully they won't screw up the 'Rango's successful formula of just right size, etc, entirely and will inherit the i-6. The Durango is not perfect but it has been a special product.

[@justabrokeredneck]

durango will return. but as a body on frame suv. wagoner based tahoe competitor

[@rogerworkman5813]

When will you review the new Toyota Crown Signa. Thank you for your videos!! Roger

[@itsjeffreyab]

I think there is no Hybrid on offer because all resources are going towards Maverick, F150 and Police intercepters. Ford can't make enough Hybrid units right now to meet demand.

[@hibanalovesshinra9070]

the back looks like a gmc Acadia

[@josemanuelruiz2036]

I always forget about this suv.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

LOL the base trim with I4 engine and RWD costs more than a Mazda CX-90 with I6 engine and AWD

[@bogart5131]

this has 21inches tire but only less 8inch ground clearance? how come?.... other SUV has only 18 inch tire but has more than 8inches ground clearance like fortuner, Pajero

[@tednugent1100]

They are going to sell tons of these things

[@mavsguy842]

I don’t get the desire to move away from V8 engines if we end up with 21mpg anyway…

[@naveenthemachine]

Think about it. Comparing this to an x5 in driving dynamics just goes to show how high this cars aiming. Remember an x5 is 20-30K more expensive yet the Explorer even at 40K drives like a much more expensive car So to be able to compare the two is exceptionally high praise for ford. Besides the Explorer isn’t even supposed to compete w the x5. That’s the aviators job

[@bikingmoments]

Let’s be realistic that shoppers looking for X5 won’t consider this Ford at all. They might cross shop with GLE, maybe cayenne / Q7…

[@naveenthemachine]

@@bikingmomentsbut the driving dynamics are more reminiscent of an x5 or GLE

[@afcgeo882]

@@naveenthemachineAs in they’re RWD CUVs.

[@slimtny]

@@naveenthemachinewouldn’t even been close. Double wishbone suspension with adaptive air on the X5 would out handle and out hustle the Exploder.

[@naveenthemachine]

@@slimtny the x540i and the explorer ST are neck in neck in performance and since the explorers lighter it’ll handle as well as an x540i. Remember the st doesn’t compete with the m60i or 50e

[@Jojoba-wz6ri]

I don’t have anything constructive to say, but I remember in college we always called my friend’s Explorer the Exploder lol.

[@MrRaitzi]

This could be great with 25kwh plugin system. Not much in this segment of plugins.

[@supermoop]

I'd get a van.

[@FuncleChuck]

Because you’re practical and haven’t been sucked into the “if it’s not a turbo 400-HP racecar then I’m not a real man” marketing.

[@future62]

@@FuncleChuck these are about 90-95% as practical as minivans (even more if you tow), priced pretty much identically to minivans (even with the bigger engine), and substantially nicer to drive. Yes, I owned a Toyota Sienna for about 3 years and couldn't wait to get rid of it.

[@VirajRao]

Anytime minivan

[@Tokamak3.1415]

@@future62 90-95%... maybe if you're only filling the front 2 seats. Minivans have much more space in both the human seating regions as well as the dog/cargo areas. Most 3 row SUVs short of the big boy Suburbans aren't wide enough to haul 4x8 plywood whereas a minivan has no problem. The main area the minivan fails compared to SUVs is offroad tire options and suspension travel and clearance. If you need to actually drive over large rocks or tow heavy boats/campers then get a SUV but otherwise the SUV is mostly for the aesthetic skin at the expense of fuel economy, lower center of gravity, ingress/egress ease, storage space, ride and handling assuming roughly the same pricing. Sienna is a great hauler but it's a snoozefest compared to the Odyssey or Carnival.

[@afcgeo882]

@@Tokamak3.1415I agree with you completely.

[@Richey24]

5:20 oops forgot to give it a score!

[@thyreason]

18 mpg?

[@DevonReclaimed]

Durango, CX-90, Grand Cherokee L are the only ones in the mainstream segment. Everything else is Luxury

[@davidcarroll8735]

I think the Chevy Traverse is mainstream, starting under $40k, although their top of the line is pricey; though not RWD.

[@DevonReclaimed]

@@davidcarroll8735 that has an East/West engine configuration. These are all the Longitudinal engine setup cars

[@monjurmorshed3731]

Everything looks standard. However the steering wheel should be more sporty.

[@kattine1]

Alex, why Ford "killed " the hybrid? 🤔

[@JeftaFastForward]

Alex, did I hear that right? You can video conference on this thing??

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

You can, to a point. WebEx is available through the Android infotainment screen and you'll be able to see the video conference when parked and participate audio only while driving. There's no camera for yourself in the car though. -Travis

[@dynamicremakes5592]

Better then pre refresh but still not the best in the competition

[@ItsAlive111]

2:54 wait, what?!?!

[@OzzVidal]

Looks nice, but im staying away from ford. They had to buy back my 2020 explorer st within a year. Than i got a mach e california route 1 and that had to be bought back as well.

[@jsfbay1]

Ouch! You'd think that the Explorer, now 5 years into production, would finally be reliable. Not sure the data shows that.

[@PapioRed]

Why wouldn't ford offer a hybrid for this thing? What a joke for power train options, the hybrid in the Lincoln Nautilis would work well here.

[@JackSmith-qi7dr]

They are maxed out in production for their police fleet. I guarantee they are watching the market to see if the hybrid needs to find its way back into retail sales.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Fiord just can't build enough of the components it seems. They decided that they needed to focus on the F-150 Hybrid which is selling much better than expected.

[@littlsuprstr]

it's still the Ford Rollover to many

[@rusticroads]

Only to those who don't understand that generational redesigns mean that past design issues no longer apply.

[@markw4012]

Requiring touch screens for functions frequently adjusted while driving is dangerous. NHTSA needs to step in and ban this nonsense.

[@justabrokeredneck]

it’s not an issue. you get used to it. especially on cars like this where the controls are in the same place all the time. you’re just old

[@tspidey007]

Ford needs to bring the 3 - row Edge to NA, and redesign the Explorer to its roots as a body on frame, 2-row boxy vehicle. Given the changing demographics in America, 3-row SUV sales has peaked. In addition, the Explorer’s third row is for a 3 year old, and only one 3 year old. No one who wants to put people in the 3rd row will buy this vehicle, they are buying Telluride/Palisade/Grand Highlander/Pilot/Traverse/Acadia/Enclave.

[@Greg-bc5wm]

I think the 3rd row is fine for going to a game, dinner etc. Probably not a longer trip.

[@nlmytube]

Per Consumer Reports, Explorer reliability is sub-par (35 out of 100).

[@sociopathmercenary]

And their reviews are mainly based on people that subscribe to Consumer Reports. Not sure how that affects the reporting but it certainly does because that is a particular subset of people.

[@afcgeo882]

Most of that was due to the infotainment system, which is why they changed it.

[@nicklyons4227]

@@sociopathmercenary CR has 6 million subscribers.

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

nice looking , like its rear wheel drive , I get car sick just thinking of sitting in the 3rd row , its a death seat , no way to escape, no window to roll down, no door to open , no o/s handle

[@afcgeo882]

Same in every van and SUV.

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

@@afcgeo882 I have to sit next to the door and roll window down for air flow

[@Greg-bc5wm]

@@youtubecarspottersguide1 You sound like my dog.

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

@@Greg-bc5wm he gets car sick in the 3rd row /

[@jnmaher1967]

Surprised it can’t tow that much. Only 5,000 lbs.

[@erichubbard7754]

Is that because it's a unibody? Even the competition is max 5,000 lb I believe

[@enmanueldelacruz9906]

Why does the front look like the new Mazda cx90

[@FunningRast]

I can’t stand this fad where it looks like they just glued on the screen on top of the dash. It’s an eyesore.

[@daweed980]

I used to think that but the higher it is the less your eyes are taken off the road

[@hereigoagain5050]

A Ford with comfortable seats! End of times.

[@HeyyyMikeyyy]

I'm disappointed with the lack of a hybrid powertrain. IMO, there's no excuse for new vehicles to not have a hybrid powertrain option or come standard with one. I think it's time for all manufacturers to adopt Toyota's way of offering products, making everything hybrid standard and no ICE only options.

[@sociopathmercenary]

Weight is a big reason. Especially if, like me, you don't like turbos because of the extra heat, pressure, maintenance, and cost

[@afcgeo882]

@@sociopathmercenaryWhat issue is the weight? The hybrid system is tiny and you’re saving weight moving from a V6 to an I4 anyway.

[@realitybites8558]

@@sociopathmercenary Yet both of the engines available for this are turbo's too. Logic not applied here?????

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

In this case it seems to be about production capacity more than anything. -Travis

[@boneeatingsilicate580]

Nah..climate hysteria is just that..liberal hysterics..im gettin one

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

for brand loyalists who never look at other brands and for fleets

[@afcgeo882]

Fleets for sure.

[@dynamicremakes5592]

And police departments 😂😂😂😂

[@afcgeo882]

@@dynamicremakes5592 Those are fleets.

[@jim99west46]

So its another Ford with a plastic oil pan that warps and has to be replaced. Added bonus a belt driven oil pump that takes hours n hours to replace. Alex, please warn buyers not just pour syrup on their heads!

[@guerro327]

Lots of ellity lighting.

[@FuncleChuck]

Who on Earth needs a 400 horsepower “family vehicle”

[@future62]

I dont need it, but I sure love to have it.

[@TheCosmicGuy0111]

No one needs it

[@Just2362]

I need it

[@Just2362]

When you have three kids, all the camping gear and a boat or camper on board you're really happy you have those ponies

[@L.L]

They do in America. People are starting to be pretty high calorie there you need to be able to move them around 😅

[@chrisb9478]

Nope, I’d buy a Honda Pilot

[@Greg-bc5wm]

LOL

[@TURTL05]

Hideous front end, either square it up like the lower fascia or keep it round , the headlights already look dated and the grill is so weak, it looks like a plastic bag filled with water.

[@markb3866]

Lazy update. No thanks

[@100M2B]

The grill design is just.... meh. It looks like a large pot. Well, at least, it beats the ugly Lexus grill.

[@bradyb9929]

That interior looks so basic

[@douglasgrillo]

It's crazy how many SUVs have amazing looks and specs but the user experience it's very disappointing. Poor materials, and finishes, unreliable and crazy expensive.

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

Please stop lying. It’s not full screen CarPlay if two of the sides on the screen aren’t CarPlay. Bottom of the doors is plastic because it’s cheap not because it’s durable, you don’t look at a Porsche and wish the leather was plastic because it’s the last word in durability.

[@AAutoBuyersGuide]

Lower door components are most certainly made from harder plastics for durability. In the 90s in response to consumers complaining some cars got slush molded plastics down there, or worse: carpet. Neother age well. Softer plastics tear and carpet looks like a 40 year old sweater after not too long. There's a reason they use hard injection molded plastics with specific textures. While they do get scratched, they hide the wear better.

[@whiteandnerdytuba]

@@AAutoBuyersGuide you ignored the first and second one, impressive. Older cars with leather down there don't look worse than plastic, funny that

[@reserva120]

4 or 5 billion in recalls?? Staggering..

[@atg1338]

3 row 400 hp rwd and it's a FORD👎💯

[@Throndl]

Too expensive. No thanks.

[@MeliorIlle]

Overpriced piece of crap.

[@kenziekyle1235]

Suv with lot of horsepowers meaning lot of gas to pump frequently 😂

[@chih6654]

The dealership service department will have much better fun at the checkout counter… 😂

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

Interior seems HEAVILY inspired by the Palisade/Telluride. Im not referencing the aesthetics.. I mean ergonomics. Not that the Hyundai and Kia necessarily invented this segment, but lets be honest they did do it better than most. And some key features I've been harping on like captains chairs for 2nd row to allow for middle passthrough, powered 3rd row folding/unfolding. Sounds like this is basically a beefed up Palisade a la Ford. I really like it. Nicely done Ford.

[@tb4326]

Is t the 2024 Explorer considered the worst or most recalled vehicle? Ford in general is the most recalled brand, if that the case why would anyone buy it? I do t like burning money so I’ll pass.