Is the 2025 Ford Explorer ST the AWD king of midsize SUVs?

The ST is the performance version of the 2025
Explorer. On the outside you fond 21in wheels, unique grill and new LED lighting. On the inside tnere is a 13.2in infotainment system, 12.3in digital gauge cluster and leather imterior. Under ths hood is a 3.0L twin-turbo V6 churning out 400HP & mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
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videography: Steven Flood 🎥

[@prod.firril]

Babe wake up new Raiti's Rides car review just dropped

[@RaitisRides]

I really appreciate your support!

[@arizonacolour8793]

Joe shut the heck up and buy a Koenigsegg already! We know you have the wing wangs 🪙🪙🪙 you deserve it, my king​@@RaitisRides

[@Diddy_Do_It2037]

Ghey

[@CTR-Keith]

We went and test drove the ST after your feedback between the Acadia and the Explorer and we absolutely fell in love! We bought it a week later and have enjoyed it thoroughly. Thanks for your help!

[@davidp2888]

No matter what kind of day I'm having, I know that at 2:00 every afternoon the day will get better when Joe drops a new video.

[@RaitisRides]

I’m so glad that I can did that for you

[@anticssmantics8446]

@@RaitisRides if you could tell the world the cost of the videos in ALL of your videos at 2:01, we'd all be so grateful.

[@RINGOTVReactions]

I own a fully loaded 2024 Ford Explorer ST. Love it. And you're right about putting things on the top of the SUV. I never put anything there.

[@atom0824]

How is the 3rd seat. Good for a family of 4 small kids?

[@noelbgood8845]

I love the ST always been a fan of it

[@RaitisRides]

That is so great to hear!

[@gdcc1989]

The soundbar being integrated in front of the dashboard is genius. Hope other brands pickup on this idea

[@jeschr3462]

This is a badass looking SUV. I was looking at the MDX, Pilot, and Grand Highlander but this blows it away imo. I will do more research on it! Thanks!

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very welcome!

[@fastbuckwu]

If you care about speed, and driving dynamics then the ST kills all of those

[@nickd7861]

But if you give a damn about reliability Ford shouldn’t even be an option, look at consumer reporting for 24

[@fliptomylou8880]

Go with the MDX it'll give you more performance than the pilot and more reliability than Ford

[@jst2889]

You’re not buying anything. A year from now you’ll still be driving your 2014 outlander.

[@chabbysrides]

Love it Joe! Great stuff! My favorite SUV. Thanks for bringing it to us.

[@RaitisRides]

Of course my friend!

[@Got_No_Motion]

Been a fan since 2020, ive been loving these videos keep up the good work dude

[@RaitisRides]

I really appreciate you being on this journey with me!

[@alexb4302]

Absolutely love the competition between this and the traverse. The bar keeeps getting set higher!

[@fit4ya1975]

So do the prices

[@noahventura3668]

i think im addicted to your reviews haha i love how you show the engines power in every car ,love how you point out the zoinks and i loveeee when you say on throttle haha gets me hype everytime

[@WFO.]

Congrats on the ST. How’s it been in the last three months?

[@chairrider2462]

My son bought one of these for his wife. Its a beast! Being a more conservative older guy, I opted for the Active 4wd with the 2.3. Still plenty of power. A great daily driver that does everything well for me! I saved a buncha money over the ST as well.

[@dexterm7466]

You know what I find so amazing, is that a few years back I started following you , you had 18k subs. Man you made it, congratulations!!!

[@isaacramos1297]

Haven't been a fan of the explorer design until now. They did a great job on the front end and a nice facelift of the back end.

[@draaz3n633]

Just got one and road tripped it 1,400 miles! Blue Cruise was amazing, but taking it through the mountains driving it myself in sport mode was a blast. It does not drive like a midsize SUV, much less body roll. First step will be FORSCAN to remove the piped in engine noise and a sportier exhaust, my hope is potentially finding an active exhaust since ill be doing business trips in it as well.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks you for sharing this stellar ownership experience

[@Hatfieldzeke83]

I couldn't agree more about the rims. The outgoing all black were SOOO nice brother!! Thats where Ford slipped up.

[@RaitisRides]

You have great taste!

[@Dotngg6050]

The new wheels looks great with the black livery but the other colors, you are right

[@owierussell88]

Listen i love raitis ride so much he can always put a smile on my face, i live in the Caribbean, Trinidad to be exact and watch Raitis ride every day as a rule

[@elizibeth12340]

Im from Trinidad and I enjoy all his reviews

[@RaitisRides]

Thank you for watching from a distance.

[@RaitisRides]

That is so fantastic! It is such a small world!

[@NotAPrankk]

You just got a new subscriber i love ur energy ur different from the other ❤

[@RaitisRides]

Oh wow! That is so wonderful of you to say!

[@billeichenberger5370]

I luv those wheels, especially with that grey color Explorer. Good looking SUV. THANKS JOE. 👍🇺🇸

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very welcome for taking the time to say that!

[@mgess11]

I like the old wheels too, over these.

[@RaitisRides]

You have great taste

[@mikejames-drummerreginacan1386]

Isn't this a sharp looking SUV.........good job FORD. Thanks Joe for all you do.

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very welcome Mike!

[@Crose7747]

I like to out going wheels a little better great job as always Joe and Steven!

[@RaitisRides]

We appreciate you tuning in Courtney!

[@bamabas2236]

Traded my 2023 Explorer ST for the 2025 AWD that is reviewed here. Love all the improvements! Agree that the spoke wheels on the 23 were a cleaner look but I don’t hate the new wheels either. Great, informative review.

[@stevennaumovski6734]

Always so great to hear you explain the car. I feel like buying the car, it's a great car.

[@dominickirkwood]

Joe and Lori and Steve keep up the good work real true and I love the video 👍

[@RaitisRides]

You are the best!

[@famasmaster2000]

Excellent video and as usual very informative, great job Joe ! Nice work too Steve 👏

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting us share it with you

[@viperBSG]

I have a explorer police interceptor already and I love it. yeah it is "BASE" model it's still a good dependable SUV, but the ST is my dream car.

[@raymondco2225]

This explorer inside out is a home run love it ❤❤❤

[@georgehristov9516]

Bought the 2025 ST - my family loves ❤️ everything about the car best family SUV on the market

[@michaelclark1036]

Purchased one. Excellent quality.

[@bryy2053]

With a name like "Exporer" I would think ford would have brought a Raptor or equivalent version of this SUV to go off road. Especially with the off road trend we are seeing the industry turn to. Same thing with the Expedition. The mustang raptor concept looks like a lot of fun. I looked into getting the explorer ST but wanted something a bit more capable, so I have a shelter green ranger raptor that was just built and currently on a train to my dealership as we speak. Its my first enthusiast vehicle and first pickup truck and I couldn't be more excited!

[@MarcusTurner-b5p]

Nice video keep up the great work Joe

[@RaitisRides]

You got it Marcus!

[@Scruffalicious]

Love your videos dude. You helped me into a new Mustang (which is fantastic). And I really like this Explorer ST...

[@RaitisRides]

I am so grateful that I can share my car passion and help!

[@pjjew3478]

Thank you for the information and the tour guide That vehicle is hot. I love it.❤❤❤❤

[@stevenpolanco8069]

Great video! Love your videos! Great performance suv inside and out!

[@LarryVeblungsnes]

You definitely do not live in a cold climate. I have a 2025 Platinum Explorer and would not want the wheel trims painted. The ice and snow here would destroy paint on the wheel trims. Good review. You said the Explorer was AWD several times, it is a 4WD and is badged as a 4WD.

[@alaninny]

There's a company that tune the Explorer and the Mustang Ecoboost, Engineered Motorsports Solutions (EMS). I'd like you to review some of their Ecoboost machines ❤⛽🚦 Love your videos Raiti, always a great time watching them‼️

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share it with you!

[@Mike-te1xx]

Gotta black out the blue oval like on the Super duty black out package. The flat black would be body colored as well.

[@RaitisRides]

I like the way that you think

[@Thebuscommunityleader]

Great review Joe and I am really like this SUV.

[@RaitisRides]

I can see you goin on throttle with this one.

[@snoopergnar3719]

Wish it was in my budget. Drove one. It’s pretty freaking sweet!

[@RaitisRides]

Maybe one day soon

[@shaunasmith8834]

This guy is a great presenter. Could have done with less side chatter though. Had i seen this review before I probably would not have ordered this. Reason being this guy is so thorough pointing things out I'd never think of. He's absolutely right about the same color over all on exterior , black rims, the ugly roof racks, that fin on back and aluminum pedals. I would have liked to see more video of the sun roof. Overall great review 👏

[@jonathanschamuelian6338]

Wheels are nice in gray with matching gray body

[@66skate]

After recently watching the 25 Expedition video, the fog lights on the Explorer stand right out. That's what Ford should have done on the Expedition.

[@DMT267]

Gosh, that's nice. My favourite combo pack. Please send one to Australia.

[@Theonestrongbusleader]

Yes of course Joe & I would rather buy this.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for always tuning in!

[@fastbuckwu]

They're tuned pretty conservatively out of the factory. They take to tuning very well. I got the Ford Performance tune on my 2023.

[@vegeta6555]

I am planning on getting a ST in this color soon myself. I prefer the new wheels over the only ugly wheels.

[@RaitisRides]

That sounds like a great plan

[@KaroKayK]

Definitely gonna test drive one after this video

[@artmac9181]

Totally agree with your thoughts about the Transformers.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for that!

[@evanwilliams4920]

Love this...exactly the colorway Im planning to go with since silver is oddly not an option for this model year. Also loved the Burgundy but they replaced it with a brighter red which is a no go, so grey it will be!

[@michaels7984]

If you haven't seen it in person yet, the red actually looks pretty good, not a good as mazda's red, but still pretty good. Of course that is very subjective, but worth looking at in person first.

[@evanwilliams4920]

@@michaels7984 Good to know. For vehicles, I tend to like a more toned down burgundy shade. Not a loud/bright red. I willcheck it out in person.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this one Evan!

[@marufio]

Gonna have to zonk those rear lights on such an awesome suv

[@ScottHandrahan]

Agree 100% on the wheels 👍🏻

[@richardtimetorock9340]

Thanks for keeping me entertained Joe! love the ST, you may have me sold!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for going on throttle with me!

[@jnegooyen]

Honestly it’s the best balance between size and speed. Nothing really competes with this.

[@PatrickC139]

"not that p word" 😂 classic joe.

[@concretecharlie51]

I'm looking forward to seeing your Carnival hybrid review.

[@RaitisRides]

Stay tuned because we will be bringing it to you!

[@willspann9894]

I like it, but I don't like the 57k price. Wish it was more like 49k.

[@RaitisRides]

I know how you feel.

[@socaljarhead7670]

I bet you can get it for close to that out the door.

[@StrangeTimesNear]

Or find a good 2023

[@Irishmanbikes]

The Maryland State Police and the county police where I live all drive Ford Explorers with all wheel drive.

[@RaitisRides]

Oh wow! That is good to know

[@Irishmanbikes]

@@RaitisRides a lot of them are unmarked too

[@RaitisRides]

@@Irishmanbikessame in my neck of the woods

[@ronnieblea4422]

It’s like that in Colorado too.

[@mattmartin6405]

And they show no mercy on the Eastern Shore of MD 😂

[@omegadetailinglv782]

As someone who is only alive because of a solid steel strut brace, there’s no way I am trusting this with my life! Did you see the amount of movement when he tapped on it with his hand?

[@RaitisRides]

I’m glad that you are still here

[@AlonzoH20]

TO THE DOOR PANEL !!

[@RaitisRides]

Heck yeah! That is how we roll!

[@DominionAnako-bb7ry]

I love Ford 150

[@RaitisRides]

That is so fantastic

[@DominionAnako-bb7ry]

@@RaitisRides Welcome

[@anthonyvigneault3389]

i love the ford explorer

[@RaitisRides]

That’s so great to hear

[@crouchb15]

it's the king of recalls for windshield leaks

[@Got_No_Motion]

My dad has a 21 explorer xlt and i love it

[@RaitisRides]

That’s so fantastic to hear!

[@rickjames6867]

Not perfect but very solid all around. Great content Joe.

[@RaitisRides]

I think that is a great way to put it!

[@ismaeltorres3975]

Very nice looking suv. I like those rims.😊

[@66skate]

I agree that the older wheels look better, I've commented it many times. They just seem to have a more rugged appearance in keeping with the ST theme.

[@bbxkickboxing8905]

I agree that the wheels on the previous model were better and the wheel rims were more beautiful.

[@karimelmoutawakil7295]

People make fun of me or what people think or say about my car is what kept us in America with over $1.7 Trillion in car loan debt and people lives paycheck to paycheck. I drive a 20k Sedan and guess what every year I save and invest that extra 30k to 40k and as a result I am very happy to retire early and travel the world while others that laugh complaint about paycheck, or not having enough to retire or they regret having $600 to $900 car payment for something just to take them from home to work and park it.

[@bshariatutk]

Nailed it. 100% agree.

[@davonne225]

I actually like those wheels, the Ford badge should be black instead of blue. And the fenders should be body color or gloss black. Love the updated interior. No gloss black in the interior is nice.

[@docclovve447]

11:33 if im not mistaken, VW had issue with Beetle being used in the movie(too violent), that's why they changed it i believe.

[@RaitisRides]

That could be it!

[@JDsgreatz28]

Are the engines still blowing up?

[@EdTorres-v6i]

Like it! Great review!

[@icymayne]

Okay now time to upgrade my 2015 explore 🎉

[@RaitisRides]

Sounds like a plan

[@IndySportsFan72]

Will the 2024 wheels fit the 2025 or do the larger brakes not allow for that?

[@javy.airlines]

I Totally Dig The Ford Explorer ST😍❤️💖🚙💨!!!

[@guillermopacheco5005]

What’s that on the top of the steering wheel? My ST doesn’t have that.

[@soidus]

That's the sensor for BlueCruise (self driving for Ford cars. It's there to make sure you're paying attention to the road ahead.

[@gamerpodium13]

I could have told you that! But it won't be perfected until the Podium master gets his design of the Ford Explore VENOM Edition completed. With three special (GP13) Editions for me as payment!!!

[@omarcortes5754]

One of my favs from the segment. Practical and fun to drive.

[@RaitisRides]

You have great taste

[@garyjohnson6999]

Seems like the functional pass-through vents on the lower lip of the grill would add downforce because of the size cutting through the air - would like to see this design in the wind tunnel.

[@jabariphillips8855]

Those wheels are straight off of the 2014-2022 Range Rover Sports. Imitation truly is the sincerest form of flattery.

[@davidchoeun]

Thx. Love it!

[@JB-lf5br]

Joe, how about a comparison between the ST and the Platimum with V6. Undecided between the two and really wondering if you can feel the difference on the Platinum with softer suspension and 3.31 gears and smaller brakes too. Love the white interior on Platinum but is performance as good as on the ST…..

[@charlesmccullough7892]

I knew the rear windshield wiper was going to get a zonk! 😂 I like it, but there is just something missing on the front end, can’t quite figure out what it is…🤔

[@lamontwaters510]

Wonder why they didn't upgrade the engine at all. That vertical infotainment looks much better than the horizontal. But if it's the exact same engine than theirs no reason for me to get a new one as opposed to a used one.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for your great insight

[@michaelharris8228]

The ST model should get the "Raptor" grill! Set it apart!;;

[@skotward]

So, what is the difference between the ST and the "ST Line"?

[@DayTradingAcademyCO]

Less HP

[@josephlotrecchiano9359]

wheels are real nice

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Well, it looks like Ford is committed to producing an honestly good product that they can be proud of. Joe, I'm glad we have automotive journalists and media people like yourself to make sure they continue to do a good job. The design engineers at Ford might want to blow me away, but I don't think the gray on gray looks good on the car. Good overall review, Joe.

[@elvisfreitas3757]

I loved the wheels

[@mikesfifty]

You should do a side by side review on this and 2025 CX90

[@ericrainey8224]

An Explorer is much bigger than a CX 90. Compare that with a Sorrento,lol

[@danieljenkins4791]

Did he mention the massage seats for the driver and passenger?

[@johnhart900]

Great review. I've always liked the Ford Explorer. However, if you had to choose, Ford Explorer ST or Dodge Durang Hellcat?

[@Cornbread-gi6kt]

Thanks👍

[@atb002]

The roof rails are actually an option, you don’t have to get them. Majority have them though.

[@RaitisRides]

That’s good to know

[@andydunaway9358]

Does any of the Explorer series have heads up display?

[@oOEddyOo]

Zonking no 2nd row bench option :[

[@RaitisRides]

You are not the first to say that

[@brianb7844]

I second that ZONK!

[@montyburns2899]

Great review once again. Too bad Ford didn’t make the interior like the re-fresh in China last year. Still so cheap looking inside 🫣

[@RaitisRides]

You are so very right about that!

[@TheeNoobPolice]

Only complaint is that area with the usbs, I feel like they couldve just put a tray there, and then opened the bottom underneath it as another storage some, the cover lid is strange.

[@nelsonsantos757]

Gotta zonk no painted wheels flares or no hitch cover .

[@RaitisRides]

Totally agree with you!

[@mgess11]

@@RaitisRides I have to say, with how bad the roads have gotten, the unpainted portions help with rocks and debris

[@GulfCoast-i7h]

@@mgess11 what happened to build back better??