The, It’s Not A Cop Car // 2025 Ford Explorer ST Review

[@SpaceEngineerErich]

The tips were altered to point down to prevent exhaust fumes from being pulled into the cabin while cops sat idling for long periods of time. Apparently that was an issue and that was the engineer's solution and Ford didn't want to make 2 separate exhausts, one for police and one for civilian, so all of them do that.

[@hamhat6471]

I worked at a Ford dealer when they recalled the Explorers for that reason. They just put on new tips.

[@azarahwagner2749]

That makes absolutely no sense at all 😂

[@RandThompson-dd3sk]

They could have routed exhaust thru donut box and used donut holes for a fume reducer. Cops n donuts ❤

[@FeuerhammerX]

That is genius. Thanks for the info.

[@Anthony-fd8mh]

They also help keep the tips clean so less cleaning which is nice. I can live with it because you can't really tell unless its cold out or ya look really close. Going down the road no one will know and they function the same.

[@SupergurlKara]

Not only did you wear white to match the exterior color, but you wore a shirt to match the interior for the segments where you're inside the car. And the💄 💋 color just pops! Belissima! Your OCD really pays off in attention to detail, Sarah. Including, obviously, in the thoughtful, thorough reviews, the best of anyone on KZbin, IMO.

[@beefnacos6258]

Impressive huh? 😂

[@Hosenhoffen]

I love how your outfits always match the cars, nice touch!

[@loki6626]

Amazed by your knowledge of owls. That is exactly the sound they make.

[@scottlp2323]

Immaculately matched outfit as always. 👌 With the lab coat added I was getting serious 'Sarah Night Fever' vibes as well. 😁👍👍

[@Primus54]

Those exhaust tips…lol. Well, at least what you can see won’t get all blacked up with carbon. Great review in the new shop. Thank you, Sarah. 👍👍👍

[@henrymatthews9365]

I always see these Fords with these and every time I think a center punch and a drill would do wonders.

[@flickerblip9044]

I think it's to let the water out, but still...

[@M-PASTA]

That’s the exact reason they do this. they noticed with the direct inject engine engines. The exhaust tips got really sooty so to keep them shiny They direct the exhaust at the bottom.

[@Primus54]

@ Well I’ll be darned!

[@ClanOgilby]

@@M-PASTA Wish my car had them. I clean them often or the carbon coating hardens like rock.

[@LearningJeff]

The sound test is really apparent in your new building. 👍 I like the look of this new Ford. I don’t think anything is too over done. Nice vehicle, great review.

[@TheNismo777]

Minnesota sheriffs tested one their interceptors with a stage 1 tune, gained power from 400hp to 500hp. Thats impressive! So these have great potential!

[@Jay-me7gw]

These things have tons of potential. You can get up into the 650whp range with E85 and stock turbos.

[@gonepostal9101]

@@Jay-me7gwsaw one at a strip with non-stock turbo’s, downpipe, tune, etc, and that thing rocked the world of some pretty hot cars.

[@krisusracing]

​@Jay-me7gw they will never make that kind of power on stock turbos.. 540whp is about the max with e50 and full bolt ons..as they can not run e85 with stock fuel system. I know because I have a modified ST.

[@iamgermane]

Turbo on it?? I suppose they will like it for 70K until they get rid of it. They are not paying for it.

[@user-g968h93r]

Its a pos ecoboost turbo ready to blow 😂😂😂😂

[@Jay-me7gw]

RWD with no LSD is completely savage. Especially because they offer a Torsen LSD in the Timberline model.

[@patricksullivan4329]

The bolstering test is the highlight of my week.

[@3dandyrandy3]

I like to hit the settings button and slow it down to .25😅

[@luisamoa2500]

If you only knew the truth😂😂😂

[@JS-bf9dw]

Guys, you will love the bolstering test in Subaru Legacy 2025 Sarah did a month ago (time stamp 5:38)

[@rickgrant9580]

Sarah, you’re such an elegant person. I really enjoy your reviews and your content when your cars and I love your wardrobe you look so gorgeous❤❤❤

[@tha_Wingman]

I loved my Lincoln MKT with the 3.5 ecoboost AWD. It was basically a Taurus SHO in SUV form.

[@tomdrummy4984]

Love the names of your detailing products ! 😃

[@stephenchamp-op2cn]

These reviews are where you really shine as a host. The reviews are nicely structured but your improv humor makes it so much fun to watch. Love it when you suggest that someone who just went into $55,000 in debt should replace the rear end immediately…….once a gear head always a gear-head ❤️🦦👍

[@Yielar1]

Or just get the AWD version

[@leer.2137]

love ya' sarah ~ my life would be so incomplete without your reviews

[@stratocasterblue]

Really like Sarah. An suv that gets other drivers to take it easy around you is valuable I am going to consider one just for that. Thanks for the in depth review, Nice outfit

[@RichKent]

Just keep in mind everyone will slow to the speed limit in front of you. You’ll never get anywhere fast in a white, dark blue or black explorer.

[@davidsimmons6197]

I've been driving the PIU (police package) for several years now in my job. The police package is very much stripped down in the luxury department, but it rips. We use the AWD model and it handles fantastic. I'm in charge of our fleet and we do all of the up fitting, adding the lights, push bumper and prisoner cage area. These Interceptors are easy to work on and pretty simple to maintain. Sometimes I miss the old Crown Vic, but these Explorers are a worthy replacement. You are spot on about the older transverse drive train...they suck to work on. As always, excellent review Sarah. Thank you and keep up the great work.

[@scatpack440]

Sarah's reviews are the best. Hey automania, this is the person to review your vehicles with the most real life reviews. Love the reviews Sarah!

[@bronzestarvue]

I had a '22 ST, RWD, no moonroof, massaging seats, 2nd row bucket seats, performance brake package, really hard to find. It had Steeda lowering springs / front STB / rear sway bar, AWR rear diff brace, 295 tires, and a full-size Steeda intercooler with a 93 octane tune. That was one fast SUV, got over 30 mpg on the highway!

[@jonranper]

I was pulled over by the New Mexico State Police in 2022 just outside of Alamogordo, NM. They admired my Corvette but I admired their Explorer. Very impressive vehicle.

[@beefnacos6258]

Lol

[@user-g968h93r]

"Very impressive vehicle" lmao

[@guymaggi1]

I love the way your brain works. If I were the producer of American Top Gear you would be at the top of my list for presenters. Don't ever change, you're amazing. 🐧

[@19581998]

Still the best car reviews on the net

[@stratfanstl]

"One thing I notice when driving this... people around you tend to drive exactly at or slightly under the speed limit." LOL. I will give Ford credit... I've always liked the styling on this incarnation of the Explorer. They sell gobs to police departments. I wonder how many more would sell to consumers without the "cop car" vibe.

[@JaredJanhsen]

Easiest way to tell; Interceptor utilities don't have roof rails. The White/Black STs with the black alloys definitely look the part though.

[@davidgold5961]

PIU (Police Interceptor Utility) Explorers all have a round keyhole on the tailgate. It's on the right, usually on the black horizontal trim but on slightly older model years, and also the previous generation, it's on the painted metal just under the black trim. Police departments asked for this to secure weapons in the back regardless of remote keyfob functionality, or lack thereof.

[@DriveFastLookGood]

Hi Sarah, glad to see the new shop is up and running. I appreciate this review as I’m considering replacing my 2013 Explorer with a 25 Explorer ST. Hopefully you get an AWD drive version that you can take off road. I don’t have high expectations of its off road capability. I wouldn’t trust my current Explorer off road.

[@raymondmiller2780]

As always, an excellent and thorough review! Well done, Sarah!

[@rollotomasi9403]

As an Explorer ST owner I can say with a proper tune and bigger intercooler these things really move.

[@nateyoung6331]

Too bad they don't have the 3.5 turbo anymore. I think it was only offered a couple years.

[@rollotomasi9403]

@ I had the 3.5 turbo in a Platinum just prior to the ST. No comparison the 3.0 is smoother, faster and quicker revving. Even stock my ST was much faster than the Platinum.

[@chrisecoff6155]

Another fine review!! If they made an AWD 2-door version, I'd get two of 'em. I loved my old Explorer Sport, even if it was half as powerful as this one. Ideal snow vehicle, bar none.

[@Variable-2-actual]

that look is on fire 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@ICNine]

Re: exhaust tip holes - direct injection engines can produce more particulate matter than port-injected engines. The holes stop the soot from collecting on the bottom edge of the exhaust tip. This also explains the design of the 2025 CR-V exhaust tip that you commented on in your review.

[@danielfoster2339]

Another great review Sarah!! Love how you have matching outfits too🎉🎉

[@gordonwallin2368]

Love your techical (adult)comedy mix. Knowledgable humour is the best. Cheers from the Pacific West Coast of Canada, where we have "not a cop car" cop cars too. I think here, they're all 4x4's though.

[@Dnc95]

I always appreciate your coordination 👍🏻

[@GregoryBaker]

I’ve never seen a more enthusiastic bolstering test!😅

[@strnvii]

early morning upload nice! My days already better👍

[@turtle1723]

As usual Sarah is looking fabulous, always matching her car review.

[@spamtes]

*his car review

[@bigchimpin4215]

Then you can get a solid 10% bump in powertrain output with the ford performance tune. Keeps the 36/60k warranty too.

[@renchjeep]

I am a police unit mechanic for a medium sized city in SoCal, and we have several of the 2022-23 Explorer PIU (Police Interceptor Utility) AWD models, unfortunately with the 3.3 N.A. engines. Yes, they are big and comfy, and ride nice. Lots of room for stuff and the Officer's worn equipment/weapons. The handling leaves a bit to be desired. The power level is lacking without the turbos. It's basically a slug, to be honest. Although a nice slug, LOL. The fact is that in the new world of policing, pursuits are kind of a thing of the past. No more 440 cubic inch V8's hammering down the highway. As a mechanic, I'd honestly LOVE to have a new, updated Crown Vic....like the 2011 model with the 2.3 turbo and 10-speed auto from the Mustang, and updated brakes as well as some aero improvements. And body on frame construction, of course! Those Crown Vics are like tanks. The cops on our force that were in Crown Vics lament their loss as much as I do. The Vics were victims of CAFE standards, which is kinda ridiculous as they could have continued on in a limited production, law-enforcement only capacity. The real kicker is that with the 2.3 turbo and 10-speed auto, they could very likely achieve the numbers demanded by CAFE standards. Oh well. I'll just keep my 1999 Crown Vic LX and my 2007 CVPI former gang task force unit (that I bought from the city I work for at auction, and have worked on from day one!) and keep hammering down the highway as intended! Take care, Sarah! Really digging your Celica build! That thing will be an awesome ride, for sure.

[@gonepostal9101]

My buddy has an ex-LE Explorer with the 3.3, and when you’re standing next to it when it’s idling, you can’t hear it. Very quiet and smooth motor, but, yeah, the 300-ish hp ain’t really enough to get that barge moving with authority.

[@renchjeep]

@gonepostal9101 Yeah, they are nice quiet and solid feeling units. Just no guts with the naturally aspirated 3.3.

[@matthewgaines10]

People tell themselves lies they would like to believe. The Crown Vic’s weren’t a victim of CAFE standards. That’s ridiculous. First, it’s not economically feasible to maintain low rate production just for law enforcement. It’s just completely impractical from a business perspective in the long term. The prices would have to rise significantly to offset the loss of volume at the civilian level. The Crown Victoria wasn’t a big money maker anymore. Next, the Crown Vic is a victim of its own demographics. The average age of its civilian buyers was increasing while its sales were decreasing. That isn’t a recipe for model longevity. If the model was creating sales volume, it would’ve stayed in production. As much as lovers of the Crown Vic lament its loss, it simply didn’t generate volume anymore. It was an aging platform that did not generate enough profit and volume to invest in a new generation of vehicle. It did not generate enough revenue to continue on the old platform. As iconic as it was, it was going to be eliminated due to its acceptance on the market. As much as people like to sing its praises, they didn’t buy enough of them for those praises to matter. Get out of your fantasy and accept the facts. In 2005, Ford moved 63,939 units. By 2010, they were selling 33,722 units. In 2011, the Ford Explorer sold 135,704 units. At its peak, Ford sold over a quarter million Explorers in a year. Facts and data matter more than emotions.

[@ptw2408]

If you want to see recent V8 police pursuits. KZbin Arkansas Police Pusuits Officer Byrd.🚔🚨🚓

[@renchjeep]

@ptw2408 Yeah, they still let them do their jobs in some places. Arkansas being one. I watch On Patrol Live and really dig when they are in Arkansas!

[@UESide]

I do think this looks really handsome! A nice refresh

[@chrisb9478]

Neat family unit if you want a Ford. I was issued the police version of this, same thing but Awd. First chase it got in and high temp light came on. When I was able to pop the hood, one of the coolant hoses had popped loose. Dealer said, just looks like the factory didn’t put the hose on all the way and position the clamp right, sorry. Easy fix, but shouldn’t have happened to a vehicle less than a year old & 18k miles. 😮 Another reason for my family vehicles we only buy: Subaru, Toyota, Honda or Mazda. 👍🏻

[@robvange]

YEP Toyota or Honda..................

[@johngidman4574]

A number of years ago, a co-worker bought a yaris. It failed to start after a few weeks. Turned out, they forgot to tighten up the starter cable. Stuff like that happens to all manufacturers.

[@Mattribute]

Been driving the ST since 2021. It’s strong points are power, and stability in snow. 100% agree on longitudinal power train. A minivan with features was $50k at that time, and this with features plus 415 Lb-Ft torque was $54k. Since I enjoy that torque every time I drive this car, I think it was worth it.

[@erich1843]

I appreciate your outfits color coordination. However, I missed the lightening bolt graphics bouncing around the tailpipes during the beans test. As always, a great fun to in-depth review.

[@thomashrubecky1663]

The lightning bolts were hiding under the vehicle where the tips turn down. I'm convinced that Sarah's (self-confessed) OCD compelled her to include them but they were simply obscured by the SUV. This is my belief and I'm sticking to it (until Sarah says otherwise.)

[@donE37100]

The down turned exhaust means that the exhaust tip will stay clean. Pretty cool.

[@Pesimeagle]

I truly didn't know that the Explorer ST came also in two wheel drive. Nicely done video.

[@dpaulwilliams309]

Merry Christmas Sarah !

[@johnmbell4642]

Hey Sarah, that was a great review. and yes, I get tense every time I see one of these I’m not doing anything generally, probably almost always exceeding the speed limit, but not by that much🙂 I hope everything went well with the big move and you found some stuff you thought you had lost. Have a great one.🐧🐧🐧👍

[@davidgold5961]

PIU (Police Interceptor Utility) Explorers all have a round keyhole on the tailgate. It's on the right, usually on the black horizontal trim but on slightly older model years, and also the previous generation, it's on the painted metal just under the black trim. Police departments asked for this to secure weapons in the back regardless of remote keyfob functionality, or lack thereof.

[@ianandrews4518]

I've never thought of how an owl sounds giving birth I'm suitably informed now 😂

[@villesorjonen5779]

Must give 10+ To Sarah very clear speaking these car revies i am finland and easy understand what you say 👌

[@Drewcardello]

I have the direct ancestor of the timberline- the 2004 Explorer NBX. I love the longational architecture, shame it isn't naturally aspirated or port injected.

[@wesringeisen4109]

My wife has the twin turbo v6 lincoln aviator and that thing hauls butt!

[@stephensangalli]

Sarah, not only are you prettier than most, you are also brilliant and a joy to watch giving your test vehicles 🚗 the beans!

[@iamgermane]

;P You can't be serious.

[@sylviawelsh9518]

Best auto reviews on Earth.😜❤️🇺🇸

[@roymurray6374]

🎶Flat bottom steering wheel, you make the rockin Exploder ST go round!!!🎶🤣 Happy Friday Sarah!!! As a Crown Vic dork, I think I would really enjoy this vehicle. Stay excellent!!!😎

[@TommyRibs]

I saw one of these today. Great looking truck. It was black with black rims.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

I did enjoy the review, and I learned what an owl giving birth sounds like.

[@kevincraftsbcs4488]

Direct injection engines produce more particulate matter, similar to diesel engines. In Europe, many new gasoline direct injection (GDI) vehicles are equipped with particulate filters, much like diesels. The soot from these engines tends to dirty the tailpipe tips. To address this, many new GDI vehicles have downward-facing exhaust tips or use cutouts, like the one on this Explorer, to help hide the soot and prevent the tips from getting dirty. Additionally, the detail about altering the tips to point downward to prevent fumes from entering the cabin is an interesting and practical consideration.

[@getlosttoday4045]

Early Friday video at work! I'll take it!

[@LabCat]

I wonder how that 3.0L EcoBoost would act in an S550 Mustang. Lighter body, still RWD... I loved the price comparison graphics with the throwback IBM PC... your editing skills never fail to delight.

[@SpaceEngineerErich]

We have these at my work, in fact this one may be one of ours, and after taking them out on the track I was immediately impressed. A used Explorer ST was on the shortlist for my next daily driver. Ultimately went for something more sensible for myself, but don't sleep on these ST's. Fast, comfy, lots of utility.

[@DeeEllEff]

@@SpaceEngineerErich Yep. I recently leased a similarly priced Mazda CX-70 (340 bhp, 369 lb-ft torque, 13.7”-13.9” brake rotors) & I wonder how these two heavyweights would do on the track….

[@stevemawer848]

As you've changed sides for the score board would you also consider putting your wheelcam for the braking test on the other side? Changing the braking shots from you going right to left to the wheel going left to right does my OCD in! Please!

[@rickbdatsun]

Ford finally changed the derpy grille!! 👏👏👏

[@josephvarano3531]

Hope you're digging your new spot!

[@morganleblanc730]

Awesome review. Maybe the next vehic,e for my wife!

[@mguerramd]

“Shtamped shteel shtrut brace”? Ashtounding!

[@johnnymossville]

I laughed out loud at the squeezing the buttcheeks massaging seats comment.

[@vinnyboomba9948]

5:51 Gentleman of culture, please take your note books out. We are learning about bolstering

[@ERDoc741]

👀🤔 📝 😏

[@dennisrohm6372]

When the computer overlords take over, your seats become weapons!😅

[@stucook8622]

Thanks Sarah!🌻🐧

[@GHinWI]

@1:40…like that the rear differential has drain and fill plugs so you can maintain it.

[@davidgold5961]

16:01 PIU (Police Interceptor Utility) Explorers all have a round keyhole on the tailgate. It's on the right, usually on the black horizontal trim but on slightly older model years, and also the previous generation, it's on the painted metal just under the black trim. Police departments asked for this to secure weapons in the back regardless of remote keyfob functionality, or lack thereof.

[@EM_and_kizz_1108]

They have the same type of exhaust tips on the Land Rover freelander we always take the piss when we get them in the workshop

[@stevenfarrall3942]

Yes. Yes. Great review. As ever. But when are we going to get a 'new shop tour'?

[@user-ec9ld3kn4p]

My favorite line Sarah: " You can haul Ass and haul your family at the same time!"😆

[@fredclements6843]

I’ve got the 24 RT line I love it

[@themightiness]

Wait you mean the ST line? Serious question and sorry if it sounds mean but… why? They are almost as much as an ST but come with none of the performance options

[@kenmoats3654]

Love all your videos...and great sense of humor. Would love to know what model will get a 10 bean score.

[@traveling.down.the.road56]

I love this human being! What’s the long term plan Sarah for ten, fifteen, or twenty years from now? Hopefully you’ll make enough money to retire early and won’t have to worry about money, but please plan ahead for yourself, because far too many Americans don’t.

[@billsmith3189]

Great review. I love the lab coat.

[@ElijahPerrin80]

You make the videos I always wanted to make, well done.

[@ClanOgilby]

Best performance review without timing I ever seen. Not many women out there that can do that.

[@StirlingLighthouse]

Thank you Sarah 🙏 ❤

[@JohnDarwin7]

Keep your eyes on the skies. ❤

[@sjoukedijkstra7110]

🤔Thinking of a Ford Mondeo/Fusion wagon with this underpinnings. Would be cool.

[@546Scott]

Love this channel 👍🏼

[@UNKA757]

@4:10 i saw a fog light out in the video. not a great start. drivers side. Also noticed no price on this one at the start i found it.. MSRP: From $54,260.

[@gravamz]

There are several reasons for the down looking exhausts; people say it is because of the fumes, but noope it bernoulli's principle, the fact that fast moving air below the car helpsimprove the RAM effect (pressure waves due to the pull/push fule mix /exhaust reaching resonance in a certain engine rpm regime) on the engine decressing resistance to empty the cylinders thus improving combustion, efficiency and power but yes, people can continue to say that is bevcause Engineers don't like dirty looking pipes

[@michaels7984]

"Ford confirmed what we suspected all along: That it's a move to prevent soot buildup on the exhaust outlets. Modern direct-injection gasoline engines tend to gunk up their exhaust outlets with black soot, like a thick layer of brake dust." From a car and driver article.

[@fredericdeblois]

The first car review in your new workshop is an American car. It's so cool.

[@andyny29]

25,000 views and only 4.2k likes! Come on guys get with the program! Hit that like button! 😮

[@douglasboyle6544]

Extended shop and extending finger pointer!

[@garyworokevich2524]

The exhaust tips are hilarious. Although I drive Navigators and Expeditions for limo service, the same thing will apply here. Customers have complained that the hot exhaust hit them in the shins.......when equipped with the straight exhaust tip The Expedition being a cheaper version of the Navigator, has ordinary not so fancy turned down exhaust tips tucked in........on some models Customers have noted, not complained, that this "limo" they booked looks cheapish. Ford's solution is interesting.

[@Sereno44]

Beautiful suv .... and a great review from the Sarah

[@MicahB98]

I believe the exhaust tips are so your chrome stays chrome and the black carbon build up is at the bottom. I could be wrong

[@lanternsown3525]

Wow! that looks like a nice ride Sarah!

[@charlessanders1342]

I am surprised that the tires or (tire) didn't break loose on the take off "bean assessment" with the alleged power output. I heard a lot of the explorer police units are in the shop quit a bit in the 70k-100k mile range.

[@DumbCarGuy]

I have a 2020 ST AWD Dark Blue. You be correct about people slowing down and moving over. Also in front of the center console lid it is tipped back about 15 degrees because you just set your phone there and it automatically charges it. Plus that ST has the 4 captain chairs option otherwise you would have had a bench seat. I have and like the rear captain chairs as well. Oh and the coolest thing you forgot was when you open your doors at night a huge ST in red is projected onto the ground. Yep like a bat signal. I was hoping to see you go paddle shifter in sport mode. But i assume you did that off camera. I have a Shelby GT350 as well. Like the one you drove 5 yrs ago. This explorer seems like it coulda been a Shelby ST

[@davidgold5961]

PIU (Police Interceptor Utility) Explorers all have a round keyhole on the tailgate. It's on the right, usually on the black horizontal trim but on slightly older model years, and also the previous generation, it's on the painted metal just under the black trim. Police departments asked for this to secure weapons in the back regardless of remote keyfob functionality, or lack thereof.

[@meridock]

i have one of these. the Steeda suspension makes it better.

[@baldisaerodynamic9692]

actually that exhaust is done like that to prevent a design flaw in the earlier explorers where they were getting exhaust smells seeping into the interior. lol

[@davidbaron6647]

Happy Friday the 13th Sarah Crazy RWD in a SUV. Have a great weekend 😊

[@thrash123ful]

I saw one the other when I was driving from a distance and noticed allot dark smoke and thought it must be a fire or a diesel truck and sure enough when I got up to it it was the Explorer lol

[@nukacolanut6095]

I have a tuned Lincoln Aviator...luxurious, fun sleeper!

[@quicknickdriver8510]

Love your reviews

[@mantarayal]

I swear, Sarah does the best car reviews. And who would compare some random vehicle sound to an owl giving birth?